Embark on a 23-day expedition through Antarctica's pristine wilderness, from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, venturing beyond the Antarctic Circle—the ultimate adventure of a lifetime.
If you want to see it all, this is the expedition for you. Beginning your journey amidst the stunning landscapes of the Falkland Islands, you're greeted by a fascinating array of creatures such as albatross, playful dolphins, and five unique species of penguin. Continuing towards South Georgia, prepare to be amazed by a cacophony of nature. This secluded haven hosts an astonishing 300,000 breeding king penguins, alongside a bustling population of 50 million seabirds and five million seals.
Your voyage then takes you deep into the southern reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the revered Antarctic Circle. Here, you can uncover a world littered with gigantic icebergs, snow-clad mountains and swathes of pack-ice. Humpback whales swim alongside the ship, penguins slide on ice floes, and leopard seals dive into crystal-clear waters. As you journey beyond the Antarctic Circle (conditions permitting), you can raise a toast to celebrate this significant milestone.
Depending on which vessel you choose, your itinerary may start in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Arrive in Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Spend the day at leisure and stay overnight.
Day2: Embark & set sail!
Board your vessel this afternoon and set sail. Enjoy views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
Note: If your itinerary started in Buenos Aires, you’ll fly to Ushuaia and then embark.
Day3: At sea, towards the Falkland Islands
Days4-5: The Falkland Islands: visit Stanley & outlying islands
Watch for albatross and whales before making landfall in the Falkland Islands. Landings are made in these wildlife-rich islands, home to Magellanic penguin and sea lion, and there's time to explore the historic capital of Stanley.
Days6-7: At sea, towards South Georgia
As you sail from the Falkland Islands, you cross the Antarctic Convergence to South Georgia. Seabirds, seals and whales feast on an abundance of krill in the surrounding oceans.
Days8-11: Explore South Georgia
Over the next few days, you explore South Georgia’s spectacular north coast, observing the region's remarkable wildlife either through excursions ashore or onboard Zodiacs. Highlights are likely to include huge king penguins colonies, hundreds of enormous southern elephant seals and feisty fur seals. Birdlife is likely to include marauding brown skuas and southern giant petrels, with several albatross species also possible during the breeding season.
Days12-13: At sea, towards Antarctic Peninsula
Enjoy observing seabirds from the stern of the ship, keep a close watch for whales and other marine wildlife, or simply enjoy the many facilities available to you on the ship.
Days14-16: Antarctic Peninsula
Over the next few days, the Antarctic Peninsula’s west coast is yours to explore. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins can all be found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. During Zodiac cruises, as you glide between brilliant blue icebergs, keep an eye out for cetaceans, including humpback and minke whales. Daily excursions are planned by your expert expedition team, including shore landings, guided hikes, visits to penguin colonies and historic sites, or a Zodiac cruise in scenic bays.
Days17-18: Cross the Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a memorable and impressive achievement. If conditions allow you to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, you’ll raise a toast! This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice.
Days19-20: Northbound along the Antarctic Peninsula
Your itinerary continues with daily excursions including shore landings and Zodiac cruises. Use this opportunity to lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Days21-22: Cross the Drake Passage
These next two days are your final traverse to Ushuaia, a time when you can share tales with fellow passengers and reminisce about your epic journey of a lifetime.
Day23: Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark in Ushuaia and continue your onward travel arrangements.
Note: If your itinerary started in Buenos Aires, you’ll take a charter flight back to Buenos Aires where the itinerary ends.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 23 daysfrom £27,665 ppSylvia Earle: from £27,665 pp
Ultramarine: from £29,680 pp
A unique sub-Antarctic archipelago consisting of nearly 800 islands, the Falklands are home to an exceptional array of wildlife onshore including southern elephant seals, fur seals and sealions as well five species of penguin. Offshore, you can expect to see Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins and several whale species.
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South Georgia is a remote, rugged and hauntingly beautiful sub-Antarctic island. Its scenery ranges from impressive mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. Renowned as an excellent birdwatching destination, it has more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet.
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Ideal for viewing: wandering albatross, elephant seal, king penguin, macaroni penguin, sperm whale
The South Shetland Islands are situated north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Most of the land is permanently glaciated yet, despite the harsh conditions, the islands do support a large variety of seals, penguins – including Adelie and chinstrap - and seabirds – including Antarctic terns and giant petrels.
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Ideal for viewing: Adélie penguin, elephant seal, chinstrap penguin, gentoo penguin, southern right whale
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great white continent with some of its best wildlife and scenery. Ice-choked waterways, sculpted icebergs, imposing glaciers and rugged mountains provide the backdrop to an area with more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on earth.
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Described as ‘a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet’, the brand new, purpose-built Sylvia Earle combines the latest in cutting-edge technology with maximum comfort for polar exploration, and was named after the world-renowned marine biologist and oceanographer.
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Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters plus 20 quick-release Zodiac boats, Ultramarine offers passengers the next level in polar exploration. The opportunity to view frozen landscapes from above and to take impromptu wildlife viewing excursions speedily and efficiently, set it apart from other polar vessels.
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