Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
Day 1 – Ushuaia, Argentina
Boarding begins at 4pm from the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia nestled in the shadow of the Andes and right at the base of the Beagle Channel. We’ll sail through this scenic waterway during the afternoon.
Day 2 – The Southern Ocean
At sea, the ship is followed by several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels, while sailing east towards the Falkland Islands. We may have the opportunity for some good whale watching, as Long Fin Pilot Whales and Southern Right Whales are common travelers of this area.
Day 3 – The Falkland Islands
During our first day at the Falkland Islands we plan to spend the whole day on the fascinating western side of the archipelago. A hike along the shore of one of the many wonderful small islands will give us views of magellanic and gentoo-penguins, as well as close encounters with waterfowl and night herons. In addition, we will be able to observe rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses and king cormorants. But the highlight is the warm hospitality of the Island settlers offering the visitors home-made tasty cakes and tea.
Day 4 – Stanley, Falklands
In Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, we can experience at leisure true Falkland culture, which has some South American characteristics as well as Victorian charm. In the surrounding area we can see a number of stranded clipper ships from a century ago. Especially for the birders, we will offer a three-hour excursion outside Port Stanley.
Day 5 & 6 – Southern Ocean and The Antarctic Convergence
At sea again, on our way to South Georgia we will cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature will drop as much as 10 degrees C in the time span of only a few hours. Near the Convergence we will see a multitude of southern seabirds near the ship: several species of albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, prions and skuas. During our time at sea our expert lecturers will present on several topics related to the areas we are about to explore.
Day 7- 10 – South Georgia
In South Georgia we shall visit the bay of Elsehul, with its very active fur seal breeding beach, and then make our way to Right Whale Bay, Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbour and Cooper Bay to give you a good opportunity to see a wide spectrum of landscapes and wildlife such as elephant seals, king and macaroni penguins. At Fortuna Bay we might try to follow in the footsteps of the great British Explorer Ernest Shackleton and hike over to Stømness Bay. While visiting the well-known whaling station Grytviken we’ll see abandoned whaling villages, where king penguins now walk in the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. At Grytviken we’ll also offer a visit to the Whaling History Museum as well as to Shackleton´s grave.
Day 11 – 13 – Southern Ocean – Weddell Sea
At sea, we might encounter sea-ice, and it is at the ice-edge where we might have a chance to see some high-Antarctic species like the skua, snow petrel and the elusive emperor penguin. This time at sea will be enjoyed from our outer decks in the company of our polar naturalists and experts or in the lecture room.
Days 14 – 16 – Antarctic Peninsula
We will sail into the Weddell Sea through the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound. Huge tabular icebergs will announce our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice condition permitting we may stop at the eastern side of the Peninsula or continue towards South Shetland Islands.
The Antarctic Peninsula, the most readily accessible part of the White Continent, has some of the best wildlife and scenery. You have plenty of time to experience the special magic of this awe-inspiring wilderness of snow, ice, waterways, and mountains. Expect to see rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and adélie penguins. Blue-eyed shags, kelp gulls, cape petrels, snowy sheathbills and Antarctic terns are also abundant. You may also encounter weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as orcas, humpback, and minke whales.
Depending on a flexible and opportunistic schedule, regularly updated by the Expedition Leader and the Captain, our exploration of the Antarctic continent often may take us to the aptly named Paradise Bay, or to nearby Neko Harbor. Glaciers fill the calm waters with an amazing vista of icebergs as you set foot on the Antarctic continent itself. If pack ice and icebergs allow, you navigate some of the most beautiful waterways in the world.
Days 17- 18 – The Drake Passage
We bid farewell to Antarctica as we sail north across the Drake Passage. The adventure is far from over yet, as there are more opportunities to watch birds and whales cavorting in the open ocean. Final presentations by our expedition staff enhance the voyage en route to Ushuaia.
Day 19 – Ushuaia, Argentina
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.