Adventure Antarctic: Expedition to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica

Embark on an extraordinary 18-day journey through the incomparable landscapes of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica. The starting point is Ushuaia, Argentina. This adventure offers you a unique combination of British culture and the wild south, where you can experience seals, penguins, many other seabirds and whales in their natural environment. Discover the rich wildlife of South Georgia with its huge colonies of king penguins and elephant seals, all set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and glaciers. The voyage includes Zodiac safaris and shore excursions that allow intimate encounters with the region's diverse ecosystems. On board, you will be accompanied by an experienced expedition team who will give lectures and offer insights into the fascinating history and wildlife of the area. Each day is full of opportunities for exploration, whether through landings, zodiac cruises or simply enjoying the stunning scenery from the ship. With a focus on comfort and adventure, this expedition promises unforgettable memories and unique views of one of the world's last great and untouched wildernesses.

Adventure Antarctic: Expedition to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica: The itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Ushuaia
After your arrival in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, you have the opportunity to explore this lively city in Patagonia. Perhaps you would like to enjoy the surroundings on a walk through the surrounding forests or take a trip to the untouched Tierra del Fuego. This island is a true hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flowering meadows and moorland. In the afternoon, you will board the ship, which will be waiting for you in the harbor. After the obligatory safety training, the adventure begins! You navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel, named after Charles Darwin's ship. This steep-sided strait separates the southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina and has been the starting point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as you head towards the stormy waters of the Drake Passage.

Day 2: At sea towards the Falkland Islands
You follow the currents of the South Atlantic and set your course for the rarely visited Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). While the indigenous Yaghan people of Tierra del Fuego may have visited the islands, there was no indigenous population on the Falkland Islands when Europeans arrived in the early 16th century. The sovereignty of the islands has been disputed ever since, with historical claims by Spain, France, Britain and Argentina.The islands were politically established as a British colony in 1840. The conflict between the UK and Argentina in 1982 left a lasting mark on the islands - while it brought much needed development support from the UK, it also left many mines in its wake. Since then, however, the Falkland Islands have developed magnificently, selling lucrative fishing rights. Mine clearance was completed in 2020, which was celebrated with a soccer match between the Governor of the islands and the mine clearance team from Zimbabwe.
The waters around the Falkland Islands are some of the most biodiverse in the world, with huge populations of whales, seals and penguins feeding where the cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters of the South Atlantic - so get your binoculars ready! You can also learn more about the fascinating history, biology and unique culture of the 'Kelpers' (as the locals call themselves) from the expedition team's presentations.

All pictures of this partner
Day 3-4: Falkland Islands, visit Port Stanley
On your first day you will explore some of the outer islands of the West Falkland Islands - the 'camp' as the locals call the area outside Stanley. The outer islands are much wilder and more remote than the mainland and are home to most of the wildlife. Islands such as West Point, Carcass and Saunders are particularly well known for their spectacular animal inhabitants. Rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses and king cormorants nest in large colonies on the cliffs; penguins incubate their eggs and feed their chicks in crevices between large cylindrical nests where cormorants and albatrosses nest. Be sure to keep an eye on the sky to watch the majestic albatross land, often rather less gracefully. The islands are also home to a variety of other bird species, such as the adorably cheeky Falkland caracara (mind your belongings!), and in the water you can watch Commerson's dolphins and maned seals at play.
The following morning you will anchor in the sheltered natural harbor of Port Stanley. The Zodiacs will take you to the center of Stanley, the only settlement of any significant size with a population of around two thousand. Behind the colorful buildings in neat rows, you will immediately recognize the British flair of Stanley - Victorian houses that look like something from an elegant London district line the harbor front; red telephone and mailboxes stand on the quay; whitewashed pubs serve fish and chips along with frothy beer. Islanders are proud of their unique homeland and the capital Stanley is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere. Highlights of the town include Christchurch Cathedral, the most southerly Anglican cathedral in the world, as well as excellent stores selling local produce (especially quality wool goods), cafes and pubs, and several excellent museums; as a visitor you'll be spoiled for choice here! A short drive or pleasant walk from the city are several stunning beaches; once heavily mined, these are now open and locals and tourists alike often visit to see the numerous penguins and spectacular golden-white sands.

Day 5-6: At sea, en route to South Georgia
From the Falkland Islands, you continue your course eastwards and cross the stormy waters towards South Georgia. Here you reach the “Furious Fifties”, the section that marks the entrance to Antarctic waters - watch the temperatures drop; now you really are in Antarctica. As you traverse the wild waters, you will benefit from the ship's powerful engines and the stability of the specially designed X-Bow, which makes the journey possible in just two days. To protect the extremely fragile and diverse ecosystem of South Georgia, the dedicated expedition team will help you bio-secure your clothing and equipment while continuing the extensive lecture program, now focusing on the fascinating history, biology and wildlife of South Georgia. Dress warmly and join the expedition team on deck - this stretch of the South Atlantic is one of the most biologically productive on earth and is a haven for a variety of wildlife - from whales and albatrosses to penguins and seals. Keep a close eye on the waves - in this region, sub-Antarctic species (such as fur seals) mix with true polar animals (such as Adelie penguins), creating a fascinating ecological mix.

Day 7-9: South Georgia, the wildlife paradise of the South Atlantic
A series of jagged mountains pierce the gloomy clouds of the South Atlantic. Icy peaks tower over storm-swept beaches, while glaciers rise from the deep fjords. South Georgia, where the legendary explorer Captain James Cook is said to have landed, has a daunting aura even for modern explorers. But if you take a closer look, you can see greenery among the ice, movement on the beaches and flapping wings in the sky. It's hard to believe that South Georgia was once one of the most devastated environments on earth. After the seal hunters heard about Cook, about the rich harvests, they flocked to the island and went on a rampage. When the seals were nearly wiped out, the ships sought larger prey and South Georgia became the world's largest whaling area, with several settlements carrying out this industrialized slaughter. Whalers from Norway introduced reindeer as game, which soon destroyed the island's native vegetation, while brown rats (inadvertently introduced by Europeans and their ships) preyed on seabirds and their eggs - a horror against which the birds had no protection. Fortunately, an extensive conservation effort (including a painstaking eradication of reindeer and rats) has restored this beautiful island to its former glory. Beaches teem with hundreds of thousands of king penguins, who have to share space with the numerous Antarctic fur seals desperately defending territories and fiercely competing for mates - and they themselves have to dodge the southern elephant seals, the largest seals on earth (weighing up to four tons). Tiny giant pipits and pintail ducks (once almost extinct) are now numerous, petrels, albatrosses and cormorants nest on the steep slopes and circle in the air above. In the sea, leopard seals lurk for their next penguin meal, while fur seal pups play in the shallows and various species of whale feast on krill off the coast. Nowhere else on earth can you experience such a variety of wildlife in such large numbers; South Georgia really has to be experienced to be believed.

As in Antarctica, the exact itinerary will be determined by weather and sea conditions, but especially by wind and swell - nevertheless, the experienced expedition team and captain will do their best to maximize the opportunities for exploration. Options include visiting the huge penguin colonies of Salisbury Plain and St. Andrew's Bay, touring the former whaling stations of Lieth and Stromness, enjoying the scenery and seal colonies of Gold Harbour or exploring the fascinating Grytviken (where legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried). South Georgia is one of those places that will captivate your senses and never let go, even long after you leave, this jewel of the South Atlantic will continue to inspire you.

Day 10-11: At sea - crossing the Drake Passage to the south
Now it's time to cross the famous Drake Passage - the body of water that separates Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for stormy weather and strong westerly winds - the “Furious Fifties” and the “Screaming Sixties”. Although this passage is a challenge, you can rest assured on board your expedition ship. The ships are equipped with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified team.

You will use your days in the Drake Passage wisely to prepare for your arrival in Antarctica - the expedition leader will provide you with comprehensive information on how to stay safe and minimize your impact on this precious wilderness. You will also be thoroughly briefed on the exploration plans, including tips and advice on wildlife spotting. The dedicated expedition team will again help you biosecure your clothing and equipment and give lectures on Antarctic history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more.

Day 12-15: Antarctic Sund, Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Over the next few days, you will have safe and fascinating experiences in Antarctica that explorers of days gone by could only dream of. Your Antarctic adventure begins in the South Shetland Islands, a chain of jagged rocks that mark the northernmost point of Antarctica. They are also some of the most biodiverse islands in terms of wildlife, with large colonies of gentoo and chinstrap penguins as well as an abundance of large seabirds such as predatory giant petrels. Landing sites here include the black, steamy beaches and rusty ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the vibrant penguin colonies of Aitcho and Half Moon Islands or the old seal hunters' anchorage at Yankee Harbour. 

In the following days, you will be traveling further south on the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is typically icy, so the exact route will be carefully planned by the expedition leader and captain and explained to you in regular evening briefings. The expedition team will try to enable you to visit a variety of places that showcase the best of this stunningly beautiful region.

The Gerlache Strait consists of a large number of glaciated and mountainous islands and is what most people think of when they think of Antarctica. Admire the huge icebergs and massive glaciers during a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be enchanted by penguins lovingly tending their precious eggs and vigorously defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch ice cataracts plunge into the clear blue ocean as you walk across the active glaciers in Neko Harbour. Experience old-time Antarctica in historic huts like Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of a humpback whale on your face during a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery on a boat trip through the Lemaire Channel. Wherever you go on the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll find endemic wildlife, fascinating history and unparalleled natural beauty.

In Antarctica, all human activity is subject to the whims of nature. While your expedition team will make every effort to maximize off-ship exploration opportunities, your safety and that of the crew is paramount. Therefore, we ask you to be flexible - rough weather offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge of Antarctica through lectures by the experts or to enjoy the comforts of the ship, whether it's wine tasting, a relaxing soak in the hot tub or a rejuvenating massage in the Polar Spa.

Day 16-17: Crossing the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia
Finally, you will leave Antarctica and spend two days at sea on your way north through the infamous Drake Passage towards the more inviting shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During your time at sea, various activities are organized on board to give you the opportunity to reflect on the voyage. Relax with an artfully prepared cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of the expedition team during the lectures in the Shackleton Lounge or simply enjoy the flight of the albatrosses that accompany you northwards.

On the last evening on board, you are invited to join the captain and officers at the farewell cocktail party, followed by a photo and video presentation by the on-board photographer - the ideal opportunity to relive all the memorable moments of your Antarctic adventure. Skål!

Day 18: Arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation
On the morning of the last day of your voyage, you arrive back at the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass and a bustling city will certainly seem strange after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and the Albatros expedition team and head back ashore via the gangway with memories of the trip of a lifetime.

Included Antarctic Expedition

 
18-day cruise with accommodation in a shared double stateroom featuring ensuite facilities
Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
Expedition parka
Rubber boots loan scheme
Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
English-speaking Expedition Team
Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
Taxes and landing fees
Special photo workshops
Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
Show all dates