Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

It's very rare to find a trip combining all three iconic places on the seventh continent. You’ll see the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, pause at Sir Ernest Shackleton’s graveside, explore the British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and cross the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south.

Day 1 - Arrive in Ushuaia:

Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia boasts many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage yet still retains a small-town feel. The nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, If you're feeling adventurous.

Day 2 - Embarkation:

We will embark our vessel in the late afternoon, after which we will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. As you embark, expect the anticipation to grow. You can meet and greet your fellow travellers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. Your team will not only ensure your comfort and safety, they also help make your wildlife dreams come true. 

Day 3 - At Sea:

There are many activities to keep you engaged while you're at sea. Take advantage of the library, hang out at the bar chatting to other travellers or spend time out on deck. Your Expedition Team will conduct a series of presentations to familiarise you with how to prepare for zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Days 4 & 5 - The Falkland Islands:

We will explore Falkland’s two main islands - East and West, by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. These rugged islands have a frontier feel to them, especially at Port Stanley - the largest settlement on the islands. It's an interesting British outpost, where you can wander into the pub, a church or museum, as you wish.

You’re likely to see least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species - Cobb's wren and the Falklands' flightless steamer duck - during your visit to the Falklands, so make sure you have your camera to hand. The specialists in your Expedition Team will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna, ensuring you get the most out of a memorable time here.

Days 6 & 7 - At Sea:

We will cross the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica, the Antarctic Convergence, while we are en-route to South Georgia. This meeting of oceans creates an abundance of krill and marine life, attracting large cetaceans, such as humpback whales.

Days 8 to 11 - South Georgia:

A history of the old whaling and sealing heydays can still be found throughout the island. Though those industries nearly decimated the entire whale and seal populations in this area, thankfully their populations are now recovering.

We can also visit another historic site: the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. You will find his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station and a research station. It is likely to be a day of reflection, considering what it must have been like to be one of the first explorers to this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.

While South Georgia's history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your fellow travellers are likely to find the most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. With every landing you make, your eyes will be opened to a new wonder of South Georgia’s wildlife. You may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach and then encounter thousands of fur or elephant seals on another beach. 

Days 12 & 13 - At Sea:

We head for Antarctica with yet more penguin and seal species to discover. Whilst at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, who will cover the history and geology of Antarctica, and offer helpful tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.

Days 14 to 16 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula:

The experience of arriving at the White Continent  is hard to put into words; you’re likely to feel a mixture of reverence and awe. Antarctica is a land of extremes; one moment you'll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, and the next you might be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

There will be glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with the seals and penguins to keep you smiling every day. Perhaps you'll spot the leopard seal: fearless penguin-eater, or come close to a curious minke whale while out on a zodiac trip. If you find yourself wanting more, you might want to take the kayaking adventure option or even a little shock therapy courtesy of a polar plunge!

Days 17 & 18 - The Antarctic Circle:

With a toast to the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass of champagne and take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people; most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south. The Antarctic Circle is the heart of Antarctica; home to the midnight sun, and incredible icebergs.

Days 19 & 20 - Along the Peninsula:

There’s still time to take in more Antarctic wildlife and icebergs, as we return to the Drake Passage. We'll continue to journey onto land and go out by zodiac and your Expedition Team are always on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Days 21 & 22 - At Sea:

Our journey home begins and after more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters it’s time to return to Ushuaia. A crossing of the Drake Passage is an unofficial rite of passage, putting the final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.

Day 23 - Disembark:

After breakfast onboard, it is time to say your goodbyes to the Expedition Team. Airport transfers are provided for those departing on homeward flights and other guests are transferred to town for later departures.

Please Note:

The 15-Feb-2020 departure starts and ends in Buenos Aires. Domestic return flights and a hotel package of USD $950 per person will be added to the cost of the voyage.

This itinerary is for guidance only: each voyage varies depending on ice, weather conditions, and the opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure on an expeditionary cruise.

Includes:

• Online photo journal of voyage
• Complimentary parka jacket
• Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
• Accommodation anbd meals during the voyage on full board
• All shore excursions and zodiac activities
• Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
• Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
• Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
• Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites

Excludes:

• Flights to and from points of beginning/end of the itinerary (Ushuaia)
• Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
• Transfers not specified in the itinerary
• Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
• Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
• Airport arrival or departure taxes
• Personal travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages & communication
• Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
• Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)