A superb voyage to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands to witness a profusion of wildlife including vast numbers of penguins, fur and elephant seals and a wealth of seabirds.
Accessible only by sea, South Georgia is covered entirely by snow-capped mountains and gigantic glaciers that fall into the ocean. The landscape is breathtaking and the concentration of wildlife is unimaginable. An oasis home to a number of penguin species, a variety of seals, and a wealth of sea and land birds. You’ll watch in amazement as king penguins waddle along the shoreline, elephant seals battle for space on the beach and fearsome leopard seals lounge on nearby ice floes. Chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni penguins are also likely sightings.
In the Falkland Islands, land birds are one of our wildlife highlights, with 63 species breeding on the islands, including 16 endemic species. Watch rockhopper and gentoo penguins on land, or spot black-browed albatross and petrels high above while cruising on a Zodiac excursion.
This 16-night itinerary offers the chance to experience one of the greatest wildlife extravaganzas on Earth, on board a modern, small-ship expedition vessel, custom-built for Polar exploration.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Embark in Punta Arenas
This afternoon board your vessel and set sail towards the Western Falkland Islands (Malvinas), known for their rugged beauty and wealth of seabirds and waterfowl.
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Day 2:
At sea, sailing towards the Falkland Islands
Enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel.
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Day 3:
Explore Saunders Island & Carcass Island
On Saunders Island you can hope to see rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatross and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. In the afternoon you visit Carcass Island with options for hiking, bird watching and a local Falklands tea experience.
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Day 4:
Port Stanley
Today join a guided walking tour of Port Stanley or Gypsy Cove. Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands and home to Christ Church Cathedral, plus a number of interesting museums and a war memorial on the waterfront.
In the early afternoon, it is time to set sail, heading for South Georgia.
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Days 5-6
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At sea, sailing towards South Georgia
This stretch of the South Atlantic is rich in biodiversity. Keep an eye out for oceanic seabirds, such as the wandering albatross, and giant and Cape petrels. The expedition team will keep you entertained with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife and history, and the locations you are soon to visit.
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Day 7:
Arrive in South Georgia
As the vessel approaches South Georgia, the majestic snow-covered mountains slowly come into view. You should arrive in the afternoon and can hopefully enjoy an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.
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Day 8:
Visit Grytviken & Fortuna Bay
Grytviken is your first landing, a historical site with a museum and Ernest Shackleton’s grave. Later you land at Fortuna Bay to see king penguins and learn more about Shackleton’s expedition.
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Day 9:
Explore Gold Harbour & Cooper Bay
Gold Harbour is your destination for this morning, a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals and hanging glaciers. This afternoon you look for macaroni penguins at Cooper Bay.
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Day 10:
Explore St Andrews Bay & Ocean Harbour
St Andrews Bay is the destination of your morning excursion, to visit the largest king penguin colony in the world, in addition to feisty elephant seals. This afternoon, you can enjoy a Zodiac cruise and landing at Ocean Harbour.
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Day 11:
Visit Prion Island & Salisbury Plain
Chartered in 1912-13 by Robert Cushman Murphy, and so named because he observed prions on the island, Prion Island is now a designated specially protected area, due to its rat-free status and breeding wandering albatrosses. In the afternoon, you head to Salisbury Plain for more king penguins, elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals, plus an impressive mountain backdrop.
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Days 12-14
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At sea, sailing to the Falkland Islands
Enjoy the facilities on board as you sail back to the Falkland Islands. There is an ongoing programme of lectures and presentations to enjoy.
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Day 15:
Explore Bleaker Island
This evening, you land at
Bleaker Island. 40 different breeding birds have been recorded on the island, including Magellanic, southern rockhopper, macaroni and gentoo penguins, plus a large colony of imperial cormorants.
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Day 16:
At sea, sailing back to Punta Arenas
Your final traverse to Punta Arenas is a time to share tales with fellow passengers and reminisce about your epic journey. There are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and a chance of sighting cetaceans from one of the observation areas or outside on deck.
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Day 17:
Disembark in Punta Arenas
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions. Additional adventure activities are not available on every vessel and may incur an additional cost.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
To enhance your Antarctic adventure, why not extend your journey and discover more of South America’s natural and cultural wonders? Soak up the vibrant energy of
Buenos Aires, feel the spray of the mighty
Iguazú Falls, or explore the windswept wilderness of Patagonia. You could search for elusive pumas in
Torres del Paine or embark on a self-drive adventure through jaw-dropping Andean landscapes.
Ask us for ideas or more information on how to make the most of your time in the region.
LUXURY VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
