Falklands & South Georgia Photography Special

Start your expedition in Santiago, Chile. Make your own way to Santiago airport to board your flight to Stanley in the Falkland Islands, where you’ll experience a short town visit, followed by embarkation of Polar Pioneer in the afternoon.

Attempt to land on Steeple Jason island in the West Falklands to view the world’s largest colony of black-browed albatross. Alternate landings if weather conditions do not permit landing include Saunders island or Carcass Island.

On the way to South Georgia, we are in the company of seabirds and also on the lookout for marine mammals, especially whales which migrate south at this time of the year.

We have ample time to explore South Georgia’s spectacular coast, including the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. In Stromness and Grytviken harbours, 3000-metre peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and penguins. We also follow in the footsteps of the great explorer, Ernest Shackleton, and pay our respects at his grave in Grytviken.

We spend our last days organising out thousands of images and looking out for final glimpses of seabirds and whales.

Arrive in Port Stanley and transfer the airport for flight to Santiago (or Punta Arenas). There is an option to stay in the Falkland Islands for a further week to visit some of the outlying settlements for more close-up wildlife encounters and battlefield visits.