Route Description - Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
Day 1: End of the World, Start of a Journey
The voyage begins where the world seems to drop off—Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet. Located on the far southern tip of South America, this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” serves as the embarkation point. In the afternoon, travellers board the ship and begin sailing through the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel, continuing the journey into the evening.
Day 2: Winged Life of the Westerlie
Several species of albatross follow the vessel into the westerlies, along with storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels.
Day 3: Finding the Falklands
The Falkland Islands offer an abundance of wildlife that is easily approachable, though caution is always recommended. These largely unknown gems, once the site of the 1982 conflict between the UK and Argentina, host a wide variety of bird species. In the surrounding waters, sightings of both Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins are highly likely.
During this segment of the voyage, travellers may visit the following sites:
Carcass Island – Despite its name, this island is free of rodents, making it a haven for birdlife and endemic species. It is home to breeding Magellanic penguins and gentoo penguins, as well as numerous waders and passerine birds, including Cobb’s wrens and tussock-birds.
Saunders Island – On Saunders Island, visitors can observe black-browed albatrosses—often making awkward landings—as well as breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. The island also hosts king penguins, Magellanic penguins, and gentoos.
Day 4: The seat of Falklands culture
The capital of the Falklands and the heart of its culture, Port Stanley exudes Victorian-era charm with colorful houses, well-tended gardens, and English-style pubs scattered throughout the town. Visitors can also explore several century-old clipper ships nearby, silent witnesses to the hardships faced by 19th-century sailors. The small but fascinating museum is worth a visit, offering exhibits covering the early days of settlement up to the Falklands War. With a population of approximately 2,100 people, Port Stanley provides a welcoming glimpse into the island’s history and culture. Admission to the museum is included.
Day 5 - 6: Once more to the sea
En route to South Georgia, travellers cross the Antarctic Convergence, where the temperature drops significantly within just a few hours. This is also where nutrient-rich water rises to the surface due to the collision of water columns. This natural phenomenon attracts a wide array of seabirds near the ship, including various species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
Day 7 - 10: South Georgia Journey
Today, the travelers arrive at the first activity site on South Georgia. It is important to note that weather conditions in this area can be unpredictable and will largely dictate the program for the day.
Over the next several days, they will have the opportunity to visit the following sites:
Fortuna Bay – A stunning outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier, home to a large population of king penguins and seals. Here, travellers may have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path crosses a mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall, and since the terrain is partly swampy, they should be prepared to cross a few small streams.
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These locations are not only home to the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia but also some of the world’s largest breeding beaches for Antarctic fur seals. Millions of seals breed on South Georgia during December and January, with their peak breeding cycle occurring during mid-season. They may also encounter young adult elephant seals and this season's 'Weaners'—young elephant seals that have been left to fend for themselves. Travellers will need to be cautious and stay cool when walking the beaches during this time.
Grytviken – An abandoned whaling station where king penguins roam the streets, and elephant seals laze around as if they own the place—because they pretty much do. They may also visit the South Georgia Museum and Shackleton’s grave during their time here.
In the afternoon of day 10, depending on conditions, the ship will begin sailing southward toward the South Orkney Islands.
Day 11: Southward Bound
There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south.
Day 12: The scenic vistas of South Orkney
Depending on the conditions, travellers might visit Orcadas Base, an Argentine scientific station located on Laurie Island in the South Orkney archipelago. The personnel there will gladly show them around the facility, where they can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding glaciers. If a visit to Orcadas Base isn’t possible, the ship may instead land at Shingle Cove on Coronation Island.
Day 13 - 14: Entering the Antarctic
Enormous icebergs and a fair chance of fin whale sightings ensure there’s never a dull moment on this last sea voyage south. Also, the best chance to spot Antarctic petrels is here. Depending on conditions, aiming to begin activities the afternoon of day 14.
Day 15 - 16: Awe-inspiring Antarctica
If the ice conditions permit, travellers will sail into the Weddell Sea, where colossal tabular icebergs mark their arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Paulet Island, home to a large population of Adélie penguins, is a potential stop. They might also visit Brown Bluff, located in the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound, where they could have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself.
If conditions aren’t favorable to enter the Weddell Sea from the east, the ship will set course for Elephant Island and navigate into the Bransfield Strait, which lies between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. From here, travelers can attempt to access the Antarctic Sound from the northwest.
The breathtaking scenery continues in the Bransfield Strait, and if conditions allow, the journey may extend further south into the Gerlache Strait. The exact timing of departure will be determined by conditions on the Drake Passage.
Day 17 - 18: Familiar seas, familiar friends
The return voyage across the Drake Passage is far from lonely. As travelers cross back, they are greeted once again by the vast array of seabirds they encountered on the passage south. This time, however, the birds seem a little more familiar to them, and they, in turn, feel a deeper connection with the wildlife surrounding them.
Day 19: There and back again
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. As the journey concludes, travelers disembark in Ushuaia, taking with them memories that will accompany them wherever their next adventure lies.br />