Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Wildlife Adventure

Land Tour

21 days

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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Wildlife Adventure
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location

$AUD 1,243 per day

Departure: Ushuaia, Antarctica

Polar

River/Small ship/Barge

Starting with a night in the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, we set sail down the Beagle Channel and turn northwest to the Falkland Islands where we explore the capital Stanley and the wildlife rich outer islands. Continuing south through the Scotia Sea we arrive at South Georgia - an island of incomparable beauty. The northern flanks of the island comprise of a series of harbours that once sheltered large fleets of whaling ships, now a safe haven for a staggering variety and profusion of wildlife. Our time here will be spent visiting rookeries home to thousands of King, Macaroni and Rockhopper penguins. From here we head for the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula allowing ample time for shore excursions to visit scientific stations and historic sites, walk among wildlife and savour the surreal landscapes of the world's most pristine wilderness. Leaving the white continent behind we sail across the Drake Passage and back in to Ushuaia. This voyage aboard the MV Sea Spirit will surely be one to remember.
About
20 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 19 dinners
1 night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia on a triple or twin share basis (depending on ship berth configuration chosen)
Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on day 1 of itinerary
Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
Specialist expedition staff
All sightseeing and shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board (charges may apply)
Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
Complimentary Polar Expedition Parka
Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
Pre-departure information
Digital Voyage Log
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport or hotel in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
Hightlights
Visit the Falkland Islands, Port Stanley and magnificent South Georgia
Walk the historic sites of the Sub-Antarctic islands, including Shackleton's last resting place
Immerse yourself in the spectacular and varied landscapes
Explore the most accessible and wildlife-rich part of Antarctica - penguins, whales, seals, sea birds
Cruise through the cool waters viewing icebergs and active glaciers
Active scientific stations
Kayaking through Antarctic waters (optional charges apply)
Photography Workshops (optional)

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Join Ushuaia and overnight hotel
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our expedition. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. For the rest of the day you are free to explore the city. Take advantage of souvenir shopping and a variety of dining options in the city center.
Day 2 - In Ushuaia, embark Sea Spirit and set sail
In the afternoon we provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savour the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through the Beagle Channel on our first evening is wonderful and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.
Day 3 - South Atlantic Ocean
After transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we head northeast toward the Falkland Islands. We keep a lookout for marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas.Through presentations and informal conversations, our team of experts on Antarctic wildlife, history and geology will enlighten you about what we’ll expect to see in the days ahead.
Days 4-5 - Falkland Islands
The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more of the isolated outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various whale and dolphin species. Our route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands. We also intend to visit Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbour.
Days 6-7 - Southern Ocean
From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia, passing the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our expert staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Days 8-12 - South Georgia
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place. South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivalled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife. The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer. Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Days 13-14 - Southern Ocean
After our amazing time in South Georgia we proceed southwest toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies
Days 15-18 - Antarctic Peninsula
The wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition. We exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and excursions via zodiac. The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office. The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter. Farther south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the vast Gerlache Strait area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery.
Days 19-20 - Drake Passage
From Antarctica we head north through the Drake Passage toward South America. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for our End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.
Day 21 - Disembark in Ushuaia where trip concludes
After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where we started. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice.
Location

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