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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

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

    Spend the day at leisure and stay overnight. 
  2. Day 2: 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.

  3. Day 3: At sea, towards the Falkland Islands

  4. Days 4-5 : 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.
  5. Days 6-7 : 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. 
  6. Days 8-11 : 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.   
  7. Days 12-13 : 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.
  8. Days 14-16 : 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. 
  9. Days 17-18 : 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. 
  10. Days 19-20 : 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. 
  11. Days 21-22 : 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.
  12. Day 23: 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. 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.

Key info

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 23 days from £17,780 pp Hondius: from £17,780 pp
    Douglas Mawson: from £28,835 pp
    Greg Mortimer: from £28,640 pp
    Sylvia Earle: from £31,797 pp
    Ultramarine: from £35,545 pp
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • Group Departures: View all departure dates
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Cabin accommodation during voyage
    • Pre-night hotel in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires
    • Return charter flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia (selected vessels only)
    • Transfers as indicated
    • Most meals
    • Select beer and wine during dinner
    • Excursions and activities whilst on board with expert expedition crew
    • Half-day tour of Ushuaia on day two (selected vessels only)
    • One 10-15 minute helicopter excursion, weather permitting (selected vessels only)
    • Expedition parka jacket to keep
    • Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
    • Conservation fund contribution
  • Activities available:
    • Boat trip
    • Camping
    • Kayaking
    • Snorkelling
    • Snowshoeing
    • Stand-up paddleboarding
    • Walking
    • Zodiac cruising
Featured locations:

The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands

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. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: South Atlantic Ocean
  • Ideal for viewing: black-browed albatross, southern elephant seal, gentoo penguin, Commerson’s dolphin, striated caracara
  • Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Wildlife photography, Whale watching, Penguin watching, Birdwatching, Dolphin watching

South Georgia

South Georgia

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. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: wandering albatross, elephant seal, king penguin, macaroni penguin, sperm whale
  • Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Penguin watching, Birdwatching

South Shetland Islands

South Shetland Islands

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. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: Adélie penguin, elephant seal, chinstrap penguin, gentoo penguin, southern right whale
  • Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Penguin watching, Birdwatching

Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctic Peninsula

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. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, minke whale, orca, South polar skua, Adélie penguin
  • Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Whale watching, Penguin watching
This itinerary is available on the following cruise vessels:

Douglas Mawson

Douglas Mawson LUXURY VESSEL

The Douglas Mawson is a new state-of-the-art expedition vessel. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, the ship embodies the intrepid spirit of its namesake. This purpose-built vessel has been designed to push the boundaries of expedition cruising. Find Out More about Douglas Mawson

Greg Mortimer

Greg Mortimer LUXURY VESSEL

The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach. Find Out More about Greg Mortimer

Hondius

Hondius EXPEDITION VESSEL

With decades of experience in polar expedition cruising, this vessel is purpose built for enjoying polar wildlife highlights. Every aspect of this innovative ship has been considered to make your polar voyage an incredible experience, from beautiful, comfortable rooms, to the excursions and everything between. Find Out More about Hondius

Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle LUXURY VESSEL

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. Find Out More about Sylvia Earle

Ultramarine

Ultramarine LUXURY VESSEL

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. Find Out More about Ultramarine