Expedition Antarctica with South Georgia and the Falkland Islands

Immerse yourself in untouched and extreme nature: This expedition with Oceanwide Expeditions takes you to the southern polar region of our planet. Discover the most beautiful places in the southern hemisphere and marvel at cute penguins and other fascinating animal species. An unforgettable sea voyage to remote places that very few people get to see. A paradise for animal lovers awaits you. The price refers to accommodation in a double cabin for two people, other categories on request. Please note that this is an exemplary route description, as it will be adapted to the weather and ice conditions as well as animal observation opportunities. A high degree of flexibility promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

Expedition Antarctica with South Georgia and the Falkland Islands - The itinerary:

Day 1: Start of the expedition in Ushuaia
This journey begins in Ushuaia with embarkation in the afternoon. You move into a comfortable cabin and watch from the outside deck as the ship leaves the harbor and heads south into the Beagle Channel. Over dinner, you can look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 2: Out at sea
You start the day with a hearty breakfast. On this sea day, keep an eye out for all the seabirds that accompany the ship along with the westerly winds. Albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels may be spotted. Arrive at your leisure and enjoy the view from the outside deck.

Day 3: The Falkland Islands
On the Falkland Islands you will be greeted by an incredibly rich wildlife. They are not only home to numerous bird species, but also to the Peale's dolphins (black-chinned dolphins) and Commerson's dolphins in the surrounding waters. The route is flexible, the following places could be visited: Carcass Island is rodent-free and therefore home to a lot of birds. Look out for Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, numerous waders and passerines (including Cobbs wren and tussock bird).

 On Saunders Island you may be lucky enough to see black-browed albatrosses and various species of penguins, which are sure to enchant you.

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Day 4: Falklands culture
In the capital of the Falklands, you can expect a colorful culture mixed with South American traits and Victorian charm with colorful houses, well-tended gardens and English pubs. Various shipwrecks and a small museum can be visited in the surrounding area. Stroll through this friendly, colorful town, which is now home to around 2,100 people. Back on the ship, reflect on your impressions and marvel at the landscape as you pass by.

Day 5: Southern Falkland Islands
This beautiful piece of land is rarely visited and enchants with its wonderful wildlife, including countless bird species. George Island and Barren Island are home to over 40 species of birds and around 650 pairs of southern giant petrels. Also look out for elephant seals and southern sea lion colonies.

Day 6 - 7: At sea towards South Georgia
On the way to South Georgia, you cross the Antarctic Convergence, which means that temperatures cool down considerably and nutrient-rich water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water masses. Seabirds are attracted and can be observed directly from the ship. A true spectacle of nature!

Day 8 - 11: South Georgia
You reach South Georgia and are greeted by an impressive landscape. The weather can be very changeable here and determines the course of the route. The following places could be visited:
Fortuna Bay: Many king penguins and seals live here and you have the opportunity to walk the last section of Shackleton's route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. A beautiful mountain pass with small streams awaits you.
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour: A very special highlight, as this is not only home to the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, but also three of the world's largest breeding grounds for Antarctic fur seals.
Grytviken: An abandoned whaling station where king penguins now roam the streets and elephant seals lie around. Not only the South Georgia Museum can be found here, but also Shackleton's grave.
In the afternoon of day 11, we head south again.

Day 12: Continue south
On this day, you continue south. The first drift ice passes you by and you look forward to seeing the seabirds that accompany you on the way.

Day 13: Laurie Island or Coronation Islands
After breakfast, you can look forward to a very special excursion because, depending on the conditions, you will visit Base Orcadas - an Argentinian scientific station on Laurie Island. If this is not possible, you will go to Coronation Island instead.

Day 14 - 15: Entry into the Antarctic
You certainly won't be bored on this onward journey to Antarctica: huge icebergs pass you by and you have the best chance of seeing fin whales and Antarctic petrels.

Day 16 - 17: Underway in the Antarctic
If the ice conditions allow, you will sail into the Weddell Sea. The Antarctic Peninsulas greet you on the eastern side with gigantic tabular icebergs. Possible stops are Paulet Island with a large population of Adelie penguins or Brown Bluff in the ice-covered Antarctic Sound, where you have the opportunity to enter the Antarctic continent. If the Weddell Sea is not accessible, the journey continues towards Elephant Island in the Bransfield Strait - between South Shetland Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. Breathtaking nature as far as the eye can see and fascinating wildlife continue here. The conditions of the Drake Passage determine when the expedition ship sets off on its return journey.

Day 18 - 19: Through the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia
You return through the Drake Passage and have time to process your experiences and exchange ideas with other travelers. You will continue to be accompanied by the seabirds and let your journey come to an end in peace and quiet.

Day 20: End of the journey in Ushuaia
This expedition trip ends in Ushuaia with disembarkation. You will take unforgettable adventures and animal encounters with you.

Arrival
The transfer to the ship on the day of arrival is not included, but there is a luggage transfer on day 1 from the hotel. For the day of departure, a transfer to Ushuaia airport is included directly after disembarkation.

Expedition ship:
MS Ortelius (date 10.12.-29.12.2024)
The ship has the highest ice class (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefore suitable for sailing in both solid one-year sea ice and loose multi-year pack ice. The Ortelius offers space for up to 108 passengers and has a large number of open deck spaces. Please note that a small number of cabins may have partially obstructed views due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows in the lower half may be partially obscured by a gangway. The best view is always on the outside deck or the bridge. Although our voyages are primarily aimed at providing our passengers with a wildlife exploration program with as much time ashore as possible, the Ortelius has all the amenities of a standard hotel - including a bar and lecture room. Flexibility guarantees maximum opportunities to explore the wildlife. Ortelius therefore has 10 Zodiacs with 60 hp Yamaha engines. The ship has room for 108 guests.

MS Hondius (dates 01.02.-20.02.2025, 28.01.-26.02.2026)
The Hondius is the world's first registered Polar Class 6 ship and meets the latest and highest Lloyd's Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Exceeding the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius is the most flexible, advanced and innovative travel vessel in the polar regions, optimized for exploration voyages that give you the greatest possible first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctic. The Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, biodegradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art energy management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels to a minimum. This means that on board the Hondius you can enjoy the extreme landscapes and wildlife while having as little impact on them as possible. Please note that a small number of cabins may have partially obstructed views due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows in the lower half may be partially obscured by a gangway. The best view is always from the outside deck or the bridge. The Hondius offers space for up to 170 passengers.

MS Plancius (Dates 06.12.-25.12.2024, 27.11.-16.12.2025
The MS Plancius was used by the Dutch Royal Navy as a research vessel from 1976 to 2004 and was converted into a passenger ship by Oceanwide Expeditions in 2009. The expedition ship offers space for 108 passengers with private shower and toilet [4 four-person cabins with porthole, 2 three-person cabins with porthole, 9 double cabins with porthole, 25 double cabins with window, 2 deluxe double cabins (approx. 12.5 square meters) and 10 superior double cabins (approx. 21 square meters)]. Please note that a small number of cabins have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. For example, the view from some windows may be partially obstructed by the gangway. The best view is always on the outside deck or the bridge. Enjoy the benefits of the MS Plancius: a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows allowing a full panoramic view. The ship welcomes you comfortably and beautifully - in keeping with its expedition character, it is not a luxury ship. Experience, exploration and education are the main focus of the voyages.
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