Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Islands

Arrive and transfer to hotel. Take time this afternoon and tomorrow morning to enjoy the sights and sounds of the interesting and picturesque town.

Embark in the afternoon and set sail towards the Falkland Islands. Sail through the Golfo Nuevo and keep a lookout for Southern Right Whales, which inhabit this area close to the Valdes Peninsula

Crossing the South Atlantic, keeping a lookout for whales, dolphins and birds. Enjoy the first of our programme of expert lectures

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more of the isolated outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various whale and dolphin species. Our route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands.

We also intend to visit Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.

Sailing the Southern Ocean and crossing the Antarctic Convergence. we also pass the remote Shag Rocks, with their large colonies of seabirds. Briefings on bio-security procedures necesary for landing on South Georgia

Our route and landings over these days are heavily dependent on weather and sea conditions, however, multiple landings are planned. The glacial scenery on the island is quite spectacular and complements the tremendous amount of wildlife. There are estimated to be around 100 million seabirds on the island including numerous species of albatross, petrel, prion and tern, as well as rare terrestrial birds such as the South Georgia pipit. On some beaches, tens of thousands of elephant and fur seals jostle for space with king and other penguins. We will also visit the historic whaling settlement of Grytviken, also the final resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

After a memorable time in amazing South Georgia we proceed southwest toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic wandering albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from the panoramic open decks of your luxury vessel.

The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Ice-strewn bays and channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. Antarctic research stations of various nationalities can also be found here.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites rich with wildlife, fascinating geology, and historical significance. Our first encounter with Antarctica will likely be Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter. We also hope to visit Deception Island, a flooded but still active volcanic caldera containing the remains of a derelict whaling station.

Farther south, the Antarctic Peninsula itself contains sheltered bays, abundant wildlife, and fantastic vistas of mountains and glaciers. Weather and ice permitting, we plan to spend a day in the vicinity of the peninsula with the hope of making a landing on the continent of Antarctica.

Antarctica is a true wilderness and is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition where we exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and Zodiac excursions.

From Antarctica we head north through the Drake Passage toward South America, always on the lookout for marine mammals and rare seabirds. Finally we enter the famous Beagle Channel between the Argentine and Chilean sides of Tierra del Fuego.

Disembark and transfer to airport or hotel.