Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

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.

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, head toward its numerous beaches to find a bay for your first excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions. The sites you visit will provide you with wildlife sightings unrivaled anywhere else on Earth. South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins and seals. It won’t take you long to realize that you are in a birder’s paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.

You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your expedition team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now. One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Grytviken possesses a special appeal largely because it’s the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.

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.

The most common reaction upon reaching the 7th Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched as Antarctica. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time someone visits Antarctica, they witness something new or unexpected, which means your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore glaciated bays, channels and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station or observing chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins, all of which can be found here. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, minkes, or perhaps orcas while on a Zodiac cruise. Each excursion will present a new array of creatures to fascinate you and keep your camera busy.

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

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.

Arrive in Puerto Madryn and transfer independently to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore this vibrant coastal city, known for its sweeping beaches and rich marine life along the shores of the Golfo Nuevo. Puerto Madryn offers a unique blend of nature and culture, with opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and enjoy the tranquil waters that define this Patagonian gateway.

Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll board your vessel in Puerto Madryn and begin your expedition. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure ahead.

From Puerto Madryn, set your course for Islas Malvinas, also known as the Falkland Islands, where you’ll aim to dedicate at least 3 days to exploration. En route, transit rich waters that support an array of wildlife, and in these latitudes—between 42 and 51 degrees north—you may spot avian and marine species you might not see further south. Be sure to spend time on the outer decks taking in the open water, and keep your binoculars handy for any wildlife sightings.

Your expedition team will host expert presentations about the Patagonian coastlines and the isolated wildlife hotspots of the Falklands and South Georgia. Time at sea also provides opportunities to slow down and relax, and spend time getting to know your fellow ship mates who have traveled from diverse countries around the globe—and who share your passion for wildlife and adventure. It’s not uncommon for guests to make lifelong friends.

As you near the Falkland Islands (also known as Islas Malvinas) sometime in the evening of your second day at sea, you may notice an increase in seabirds, particularly albatrosses. Set course for the farthest—and rarely visited—northwest islands in the archipelago. Some of these islands are annual nesting sites for tens of thousands of birds, including the black-browed albatross. While many eyes may be trained toward the horizon and above in search of birds, stay alert to signs of movement above and beneath the surface of the water. Peale’s, Commerson’s, and dusky dolphins can be seen here, along with the occasional baleen and long-finned pilot whale.

With extended time in the Falklands, seek opportunities to visit seldom-explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Your destinations will depend entirely on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. The expedition team will choose locations that offer the best—and safest—conditions for exploration.

One such site is the small, slender Steeple Jason, one of the most northwesterly islands in the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. It’s truly a sight to behold. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses.

Looking west to sea, you’ll likely see albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many other bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, create a striking contrast with the sharp ridgeline in the background.

Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station—overshadowed by vast wilderness. Steeple Jason offers a rare chance to feel truly remote amid a vast ecosystem alive with countless animals.

Your explorations may also take you to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, this small island boasts coves with white sandy beaches sheltered from the open ocean, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, joined by Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins—each with its own distinct nesting style. Other common sightings include songbirds and the formidable striated caracara. Dolphins, including those in shallow waters, are frequently seen in the area, adding to the island’s remarkable wildlife encounters.

Other wilderness destinations may include bird-rich West Point and Saunders Islands in the western Falklands. Saunders Island will amaze you with its long white-sand beaches, the northern shore stretching for kilometers and facing the open sea. It’s almost surreal—particularly if you’ve encountered penguins in ice- and snow-laden Antarctica on previous voyages—to watch gentoo, Magellanic and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water along sandy stretches. There’s also a smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, sharing the gently sloped, grassy island with grazing sheep tended by the warm-hearted Saunders family. Look for Commerson’s dolphins, often spotted in the shallow waters near Saunders’ sandy beaches.

West Point Island is another Falkland gem, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. From the rocky beach, a gentle walk (with slight elevation) leads through a picturesque meadow to a cliff where black-browed albatross nest. West Point Island is home to 2,000 breeding pairs. Visit a small section of the colony for intimate views of albatross in their nests and soaring above the waters. The walk passes through grassy fields dotted with wildflowers, blending the domestic with the wild. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat for sweeping views, while others can travel by 4X4 to the colony and overlooks. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks and striated caracara are often seen here.

Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders and New islands, Carcass boasts stunning white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and the tussock grasses are especially impressive. Look overhead for peregrine falcons soaring high above.

No visit to the Falklands is complete without a stop in its largest community—Stanley. Highlights include the museum (admission covered) and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Pop into a local restaurant for traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or a pint while chatting with locals about life on this windswept sub-Antarctic island. Stanley has a distinct boundary—where residential streets end and open wilderness and sheep meadows begin to stretch into the horizon. Set sail in early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to cover the 700+ nautical miles to your next destination: South Georgia.

While at sea, you may become aware of your transit over the Antarctic Convergence, or Polar Front. This biological boundary marks where the South Atlantic meets the Southern Ocean, and you’ll notice the change as you cross it. Below the Convergence, the water is much colder; where it meets the warmer Atlantic, cloudy or foggy conditions often form. This mixing of currents creates an ideal foraging ground for a variety of birds and marine mammals.

You’ll likely be accompanied by albatross, petrels and shearwaters, and may spot whales—some species more often than others. Far from shore, you might see Antarctic fur seals. Seeing prions (part of the petrel family) and shags in greater numbers indicates you’re approaching South Georgia.

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, head toward its numerous beaches to find a bay for your first excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions. The sites you visit will deliver wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on Earth. Biodiverse South Georgia—often described as the Galapagos of the south seas—is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins and seals.

It won’t take you long to realize that you are in a birder’s paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatrosses and petrels can be seen in abundance. You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your expedition team will help bring those days to life when you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia then and now.

One of the most significant sites you will visit on South Georgia is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Grytviken has a special appeal largely because it’s the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers. Guests and expedition team members uphold a cherished tradition at the Grytviken cemetery, raising a toast to one of the greatest polar heroes.

Mid-October and early November are exceptional times to visit South Georgia, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. At this time of year, male elephant seals battle for control of beach sections, securing breeding rights for females entering their territories. These bouts are fought in bursts, with rest periods between clashes. As the largest pinniped species on the planet, watching these giants spar is a true spectacle.

With extra time in South Georgia, you’ll have greater flexibility to explore more sites. If conditions allow, you may visit King Haakon Bay and the very beach where Ernest Shackleton and his party aboard the James Caird landed after their perilous journey from Elephant Island. If not, you’ll spend more time along the island’s leeward coast, aiming to visit its massive king penguin colonies. The largest of these colonies. St. Andrew’s, which—by  conservative estimates—is home to more than 150,000 breeding pairs. You’ll also seek out macaroni penguin colonies—conditions permitting—as these birds favor rugged, exposed coastlines. Possible sites include Hercules Bay, Royal Bay, and Cooper Bay. Expect to encounter some of the island’s millions of petrels and prions.

For those craving some active off-ship adventure, the expedition team plans to offer (weather-permitting) an  extended hike along the final stretch of the route taken by Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley and Tom Crean to the Stromness whaling station in May 1916.

To say that South Georgia is remote would be an understatement, and as such, you’ll need to invest the necessary time to travel the more than 1,000 nautical miles on your return to South America. Begin your westward journey through the Southern Ocean, crossing back over the Antarctic Convergence and passing near Burwood Bank—a shallow underwater plateau surrounded by deeper waters. All three of these dynamic regions can provide opportunities for bird-watching and marine mammal sightings, and you’ll feel the gradual shift from the chillier ecological Antarctic to the somewhat warmer environments of Tierra del Fuego.

If the skies are clear and visibility is good, you might catch your first views of the South American mountains on the horizon well before nightfall. As with other regions you’ve visited, the shelves near the continent can be rich with birdlife and occasionally marine mammals—but the journey isn’t over quite yet. After dinner, sail west through the famous Beagle Channel on your approach to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Once the ship has docked in Ushuaia, you will bid farewell to your expedition team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. You are then free to continue your onward journey.

Upon arriving in this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to the group hotel, which is in your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.

Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Puerto Madryn, in the Patagonian province of Chubut on Argentina’s stunning Atlantic coast. Upon arrival in Puerto Madryn, your checked bags will be transferred directly to your cabin on the ship, leaving you free to explore this lively Patagonian port town. As you stroll the shoreline, you may spot sea lions basking on the beach or catch sight of southern right whales offshore. Visit the local cafés and artisan markets for a taste of the region’s Welsh-Argentine heritage.

In the afternoon, gather for the group transfer to the port to board the ship. After check-in, you’ll be shown to your comfortable cabin—your home for the next 18 nights. Once you’ve settled in, your warm and friendly expedition team will introduce themselves and the ship, sharing important details about the voyage ahead. Expect an air of excitement as you set off toward the wildlife-rich sub-Antarctic islands of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

From Puerto Madryn, set your course for Islas Malvinas, also known as the Falkland Islands, where you’ll aim to dedicate at least 3 days to exploration. En route, transit rich waters that support an array of wildlife, and in these latitudes—between 42 and 51 degrees north—you may spot avian and marine species you might not see further south. Be sure to spend time on the outer decks taking in the open water, and keep your binoculars handy for any wildlife sightings.

Your expedition team will host expert presentations about the Patagonian coastlines and the isolated wildlife hotspots of the Falklands and South Georgia. Time at sea also provides opportunities to slow down and relax, and spend time getting to know your fellow ship mates who have traveled from diverse countries around the globe—and who share your passion for wildlife and adventure. It’s not uncommon for guests to make lifelong friends.

As you near the Falkland Islands (also known as Islas Malvinas) sometime in the evening of your second day at sea, you may notice an increase in seabirds, particularly albatrosses. Set course for the farthest—and rarely visited—northwest islands in the archipelago. Some of these islands are annual nesting sites for tens of thousands of birds, including the black-browed albatross. While many eyes may be trained toward the horizon and above in search of birds, stay alert to signs of movement above and beneath the surface of the water. Peale’s, Commerson’s, and dusky dolphins can be seen here, along with the occasional baleen and long-finned pilot whale.

With extended time in the Falklands, seek opportunities to visit seldom-explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Your destinations will depend entirely on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. The expedition team will choose locations that offer the best—and safest—conditions for exploration.

One such site is the small, slender Steeple Jason, one of the most northwesterly islands in the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. It’s truly a sight to behold. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses.

Looking west to sea, you’ll likely see albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many other bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, create a striking contrast with the sharp ridgeline in the background.

Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station—overshadowed by vast wilderness. Steeple Jason offers a rare chance to feel truly remote amid a vast ecosystem alive with countless animals.

Your explorations may also take you to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, this small island boasts coves with white sandy beaches sheltered from the open ocean, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, joined by Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins—each with its own distinct nesting style. Other common sightings include songbirds and the formidable striated caracara. Dolphins, including those in shallow waters, are frequently seen in the area, adding to the island’s remarkable wildlife encounters.

Other wilderness destinations may include bird-rich West Point and Saunders Islands in the western Falklands. Saunders Island will amaze you with its long white-sand beaches, the northern shore stretching for kilometers and facing the open sea. It’s almost surreal—particularly if you’ve encountered penguins in ice- and snow-laden Antarctica on previous voyages—to watch gentoo, Magellanic and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water along sandy stretches. There’s also a smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, sharing the gently sloped, grassy island with grazing sheep tended by the warm-hearted Saunders family. Look for Commerson’s dolphins, often spotted in the shallow waters near Saunders’ sandy beaches.

West Point Island is another Falkland gem, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. From the rocky beach, a gentle walk (with slight elevation) leads through a picturesque meadow to a cliff where black-browed albatross nest. West Point Island is home to 2,000 breeding pairs. Visit a small section of the colony for intimate views of albatross in their nests and soaring above the waters. The walk passes through grassy fields dotted with wildflowers, blending the domestic with the wild. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat for sweeping views, while others can travel by 4X4 to the colony and overlooks. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks and striated caracara are often seen here.

Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders and New islands, Carcass boasts stunning white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and the tussock grasses are especially impressive. Look overhead for peregrine falcons soaring high above.

No visit to the Falklands is complete without a stop in its largest community—Stanley. Highlights include the museum (admission covered) and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Pop into a local restaurant for traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or a pint while chatting with locals about life on this windswept sub-Antarctic island. Stanley has a distinct boundary—where residential streets end and open wilderness and sheep meadows begin to stretch into the horizon. Set sail in early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to cover the 700+ nautical miles to your next destination: South Georgia.

While at sea, you may become aware of your transit over the Antarctic Convergence, or Polar Front. This biological boundary marks where the South Atlantic meets the Southern Ocean, and you’ll notice the change as you cross it. Below the Convergence, the water is much colder; where it meets the warmer Atlantic, cloudy or foggy conditions often form. This mixing of currents creates an ideal foraging ground for a variety of birds and marine mammals.

You’ll likely be accompanied by albatross, petrels and shearwaters, and may spot whales—some species more often than others. Far from shore, you might see Antarctic fur seals. Seeing prions (part of the petrel family) and shags in greater numbers indicates you’re approaching South Georgia.

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, head toward its numerous beaches to find a bay for your first excursion. Landing sites are varied, largely determined by the weather conditions. The sites you visit will deliver wildlife encounters unrivaled anywhere else on Earth. Biodiverse South Georgia—often described as the Galapagos of the south seas—is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins and seals.

It won’t take you long to realize that you are in a birder’s paradise, as burrowing seabirds, albatrosses and petrels can be seen in abundance. You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your expedition team will help bring those days to life when you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia then and now.

One of the most significant sites you will visit on South Georgia is Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Grytviken has a special appeal largely because it’s the site of the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers. Guests and expedition team members uphold a cherished tradition at the Grytviken cemetery, raising a toast to one of the greatest polar heroes.

Mid-October and early November are exceptional times to visit South Georgia, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. At this time of year, male elephant seals battle for control of beach sections, securing breeding rights for females entering their territories. These bouts are fought in bursts, with rest periods between clashes. As the largest pinniped species on the planet, watching these giants spar is a true spectacle.

With extra time in South Georgia, you’ll have greater flexibility to explore more sites. If conditions allow, you may visit King Haakon Bay and the very beach where Ernest Shackleton and his party aboard the James Caird landed after their perilous journey from Elephant Island. If not, you’ll spend more time along the island’s leeward coast, aiming to visit its massive king penguin colonies. The largest of these colonies. St. Andrew’s, which—by  conservative estimates—is home to more than 150,000 breeding pairs. You’ll also seek out macaroni penguin colonies—conditions permitting—as these birds favor rugged, exposed coastlines. Possible sites include Hercules Bay, Royal Bay, and Cooper Bay. Expect to encounter some of the island’s millions of petrels and prions.

For those craving some active off-ship adventure, the expedition team plans to offer (weather-permitting) an  extended hike along the final stretch of the route taken by Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley and Tom Crean to the Stromness whaling station in May 1916.

To say that South Georgia is remote would be an understatement, and as such, you’ll need to invest the necessary time to travel the more than 1,000 nautical miles on your return to South America. Begin your westward journey through the Southern Ocean, crossing back over the Antarctic Convergence and passing near Burwood Bank—a shallow underwater plateau surrounded by deeper waters. All three of these dynamic regions can provide opportunities for bird-watching and marine mammal sightings, and you’ll feel the gradual shift from the chillier ecological Antarctic to the somewhat warmer environments of Tierra del Fuego.

If the skies are clear and visibility is good, you might catch your first views of the South American mountains on the horizon well before nightfall. As with other regions you’ve visited, the shelves near the continent can be rich with birdlife and occasionally marine mammals—but the journey isn’t over quite yet. After dinner, sail west through the famous Beagle Channel on your approach to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires, which is part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package.