Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
This 20-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia covers the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. From 138-guest Ocean Explorer, landings and Zodiac excursions allow close encounters with whales, seals and penguins.
The 20-day Penguins of the Far South cruise is a truly epic adventure through the tussock-covered Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the extraordinary landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Watch an isolated and extreme world come to life as scores of penguins dive for food, herds of elephant seals bathe in the sun and pods of orcas pass by. Wander the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falklands, home to Magellanic, Gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins, as well as blackbrowed albatross and two endemic bird species: Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck. Visit South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species and 4 penguin species and follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, stepping back in time as you pause a moment at his gravesite.
Lastly, explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost tip of the world’s 7th continent by ship, Zodiac, kayak (optional) and foot. Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of on-board lecturers as you immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Antarctic.
One small ship operates the itinerary: the 138-guest Ocean Explorer. Each Penguins of the Far South departure includes up-close exploration on guided hikes, shore walks and small craft excursions. Optional activities (additional cost) may include kayaking and one-time paddling excursions. Advanced reservations are required as space is limited.
Contact our Antarctica small ship cruise experts for the inside scoop on which route is best for you. AdventureSmith Explorations’ award-winning crew has personal experience voyaging in Antarctica and can recommend the best options to suit your travel interests and timeline.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and South Georgia cruises.
Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Itinerary
The Penguins of the Far South cruise operates round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.
You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. This southernmost city of South America is known for its beautiful mountainous surroundings, so consider arriving a day or two before your expedition. A pre-arranged transfer from the airport to your hotel is included in the cost of your trip. An optional pre-departure briefing will be held in the lobby of your hotel at 6:00pm.
Your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your hotel in the morning and transferred to the ship. Ship embarkation is usually around 4 pm. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, and board the buses for transfer to the ship. Information about embarkation will be posted in your Ushuaia hotel and discussed during your optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1.
The days at sea are filled with presentations led by your expedition team on photography, wildlife, glaciology and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Upon arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during Zodiac excursions and daily landings. Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit the cathedral and museum.
In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black-browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and, possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren. Your expert education team will enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once your cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps nourish the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals and birdlife to this part of the world. Your expedition team will be sure to keep you posted when the ship crosses this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent this nutrient-rich area.
This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once known for whale and seal hunting. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. One significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, a gift shop, church and small research station.
Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, its incredible densities of wildlife make it truly memorable. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Southern Sea, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures. One day you may see colonies with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, you may visit another beach inhabited by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and interwoven relationship is something your expedition team will instill in you during your time here.
Say goodbye to the king penguins as you leave for your next destination: Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops and social activities led by your expedition team. If conditions allow, the ship may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, the first official stop in Antarctica.
The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete desolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into brilliant blue sea or a curious penguin waddles by to observe the human.
Your expedition team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. During Zodiac cruises, keep an eye out for Antarctic whales such as minkes, as you may get a chance for an intimate experience with these majestic animals. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy. As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!
After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, the journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy the final moments mingling with your fellow shipmates and savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.
Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia between 7:00am and 8:00am. Once the ship has docked, you will bid farewell to your expedition team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. You are then free to continue your onward journey.
Included
Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per daily program; shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout voyage; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary basic WiFi; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; all shore landings per daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; official Quark Expeditions parka to keep; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; group transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1; one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast; group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day; group transfer upon disembarkation to Ushuaia from ship to local airport.
Exclusions
International airfare; passport and applicable visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption, evacuation and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, massage services, premium WiFi and other personal charges, unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; arrival and departure transfers, except when explicitly stated; adventure options on expeditions (all weather dependent) that are not included in the cost of the voyage (e.g., sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, etc.).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 150 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – 25% of total trip cost
119 to 90 days – 75% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Penguins of the Far South cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. If arriving on Day 1, a group arrival transfer from the Ushuaia airport to the group hotel is included and a ship representative will be available to answer questions in the lobby during the optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1, at 6:00pm.
Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on disembarkation day. A group departure transfer is included from the ship to the airport on the final day of your itinerary. If your flight is later in the day, you may opt to transfer to the luggage storage facility instead and enjoy further activities in Ushuaia on your own. Access to luggage storage is available until 6:00pm on the disembarkation day only. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Various optional activities may be available on your Penguins of the Far South cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. Per-person prices for the 2026-27 & 2027-28 season: kayaking $1,995; photography included. One-time paddling excursions are available for $395 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ocean Explorer: Grand & Royal Veranda Stateroom; Studio Veranda Single; Explorer, Junior & Owner’s Suite
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 9 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of your participation in this expedition that you shall have comprehensive medical insurance in place which is sufficient to cover all medical risks and exposure, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
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The 138-passenger Ocean Explorer cruise ship is the smallest ship offered by Quark Expeditions. Arctic and Antarctic travelers choosing Ocean Explorer are treated to a modern and refined atmosphere, excellent sightlines and outdoor access, top-notch guides, and smooth sailing due to the ship's inverted bow. The Ocean Explorer ship was built in 2021 by Ulstein; she's part of the SunStone Infinity series and launched in Antarctic waters in late 2024.
Ocean Explorer Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Ocean Explorer review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard nearly every small expedition ship in the polar regions. Please read our Ocean Explorer ship review below then contact our polar cruise experts to compare the Ocean Explorer with Antarctica ships and expedition ships that offer Antarctica cruises, Arctic cruises, northern lights cruises, Iceland cruises, Greenland small ship cruises, Spitsbergen & Svalbard cruises, Canada cruises and small ship cruises in northern Europe.
Choose the Ocean Explorer for her superior comfort and modern feel. With a leading ice class rating and inverted Ulstein X-Bow, the Ocean Explorer offers a smoother ride and faster transits. Nearly every cabin offers a walkout balcony, with various solo traveler options. Add top-trained, loyal guides, thoughtful amenities and sweeping sightlines with views directly into the sea, and Ocean Explorer becomes a leader in polar vessels.
Design, Sustainability & Accessibility
For guest comfort and aesthetics, Ocean Explorer offers bespoke Scandinavian interiors with grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout. Spaces blend the outdoors with the indoors via features including floor-to-ceiling glass library walls. The ship's ample observation decks create opportunities for photographs with a variety of vantages, plus increased opportunities to capture wildlife on the move. An elevator accesses all decks of the ship, however accessible cabins are not available.
Ocean Explorer's Micro Auto Gasification System incinerates waste that then creates stored energy for use on board, making her a leader in state-of-the-art waste handling. Her X-Bow increases efficiency while underway, reducing fuel consumption. Rolls Royce zero-speed stabilizers help ensure smooth sailing and steadiness when at rest. Finally, Ocean Explorer's Safe Return to Port system maintains power even in cases of engine failure.
Onboard Facilities
The Ocean Explorer cruise ship offers upscale, inviting spaces and amenities aimed at ultimate guest comfort in demanding polar climates. The ship touts unbelievable viewing areas, including a dramatic two-story forward lounge and the well-stocked library's floor-to-ceiling glass refuge, with views straight down into the sea. Complimentary basic WiFi is offered throughout the ship, with a premium option available. Finally, a medical clinic offers peace of mind during remote polar travel.
Lecture Theater & Observation Decks
The Explorer Lecture Lounge seats all guests at the same time, for informative talks on polar wildlife, history, geology and more. With TVs strategically placed around the room and clean sightlines, every guest is guaranteed a front-row seat.
Ocean Explorer's Deck 8 features 360-degree opportunities to view and photograph passing wildlife and scenery, away from sea spray; an interior Observation Lounge (seating 63 guests at a time) adds a heated space from which to soak in the ship's surrounds. And Deck 7 features a special forward-facing Observation Deck, just below the Bridge (guests can also enjoy the open Bridge policy for sheltered forward viewing on Deck 7).
Dining & Bars
The Ocean Explorer cruise ship offers her guests numerous daily dining options. The Main Dining Room seats up to 144 guests at a time for buffet-style breakfast and lunch, in a modern, bright, stylish setting. This dining room also features a nightly 5-course dinner, for an elegant 3-hour affair. For groups, a private dining room accommodates up to 36 guests with buffet-style service; reserve on board (no additional fee).
Deck 8's Compass Restaurant (the Observation Bistro) provides a streamlined alternative to the full-course dinner in the Main Dining Room. Buffet-style options enable guests to eat a lighter meal, or save time for relaxing. Seating is unassigned for all meals in all dining areas.
Ocean Explorer features two bars: the al fresco Sun Deck Bar and the lecture-lounge-adjacent Latitude Bar (the latter seating up to 46 guests at once). Enjoy lush sofas and chairs, faux marble-topped tables and a convivial atmosphere.
Jacuzzis, Sauna & Gym
A dry sauna (accommodating up to 15 guests at a time) and two upper deck, outdoor Jacuzzis invite guests to unwind after an exciting day exploring in the polar wilds. A fitness center ensures guests can maintain routines, with machines such as treadmills, a spin bike and an elliptical machine—all beside floor-to-ceiling windows for wildlife sighting.
Library
The onboard Library accommodates up to 47 guests with comfortable seating, accent lighting, view windows and reference materials. The Ocean Explorer ship's library seamlessly transitions into the 2-story glass atrium for forward viewing off the bow.
Mudroom
Ocean Explorer's Deck 3 Mudroom optimizes the process for polar excursions. Each guest is assigned an open storage locker for life jackets, coats, and waterproof pants and boots throughout the voyage. With thoughtful locker assignments and ample benches, no one is cramped while preparing or ending an off-ship excursion.
Activities & Expeditions
For expedition operations, 15 Zodiacs deployed via four separate sea-level embarkation points get guests out into the environment faster. Also on board are 16 sea kayaks for long outings, 16 inflatable kayaks for one-time paddle excursions, 16 stand-up paddleboards, full dry suits, gloves and life jackets, plus camping gear.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The 105 crew members aboard work to ensure a seamless guest experience, where lifelong memories are made. And the 22-26 onboard Quark Expeditions guides (some with over 20 years of experience) are eager to base their expeditions from this purpose-built, comfortable small ship. These elite guides are trained above and beyond every standard imaginable for safety and preparedness in the Polar Regions. Guests' experience on board the Ocean Explorer ship will be enriched by lectures and interactions with professionals from various knowledge bases: paddle guides, photography guides, geologists, ornithologists, historians, penguin scientists, marine biologists and other experts relevant to each specific polar destination.
Cabins & Ocean Explorer Deck Plan
With 8 cabin categories (Junior Suite becomes Triple Suite starting late 2026), Ocean Explorer offers the optimal space for every polar traveler. Each luxurious cabin features calm polar tones, plenty of space (meaning reduced noise from neighbors), and a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, vanity, bathrobes, slippers and heated floors. Most cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing. And all cabins offer seating, a desk and chair, minifridge and modern infotainment system. Some 41 (47 in late 2026) cabins offer a sofa bed that can accommodate triple occupancy for families or three adults.
Current Deals for This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The Ocean Explorer offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, a design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising, an elevator servicing all decks, and a private balcony in most cabins. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.
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