Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings

Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at the hotel, then you’re free to get ready for tomorrow!

This afternoon, you’ll board your ship and your epic adventure south will begin! Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and you’ll wave goodbye to Argentina with the knowledge that the next time you see land, you’ll be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.

With nothing but you and the big blue for the next couple of days, take advantage of all the amenities and activities on board your fully equipped expedition vessel. Brush up on your history in the library, relax in the spa and pool or watch the ice floes pass you by on the sundeck. Look up and you might just spot one of the huge albatrosses along their migration route. Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales and other marine mammals in the southern oceans and cosy up with a drink while you get to know your shipmates at the bar. There will also be a series of lectures and presentations throughout the day, available to educate you about the local geography, environment and wildlife you can expect along the way. These are a great way to prepare for your expedition, so take it all in while you hear from an expert team that highlight the dramatic history and wildlife encounters that may await you.

Have your camera ready as you approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife, but also the incredible scenery. The two main islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) have much to offer and provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinary landscape and history of the southern islands. The Falklands are a wildlife photographer’s dream and have the largest Black-browed albatross colony in the world, as well as five species of penguins that breed on the islands. Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as you explore the capital of Stanley. Near the town, you may see southern giant petrels, Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls or dolphin gulls (calling all birdwatchers!). There are also black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures. Witness dramatic landscapes, including wetlands, lakes and some rolling peaks as you explore the other islands in the archipelago. Weather permitting, this will include Saunders Island – the second largest island in the Falklands. The Neck, which is a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliffs, is home to Gentoo, magellanic, king and rockhopper penguins.

Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. From the outer decks, you can scan the horizon for seabirds and underwater silhouettes. You’ll have another chance to attend presentations from the expert team, which highlight the dramatic history of the area, extraordinary marine wildlife encounters and so much more. These days at sea are a great opportunity to swap stories with your fellow expeditioners, whether that be in the jacuzzi or over lunch at the restaurant.

Arrive in South Georgia, where across the island, dark volcanic beaches are backgrounded by hanging glaciers and local king penguins nest among tussock grass. Over the next few days, explore the island – once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers and now, a protected area with dedicated Antarctic research teams. Learn more about Sir Ernest Shackleton’s story on your various excursions to land. It’s on these very shores in South Georgia that Shackleton landed his crew of the James Caird in search of help for his party who were stranded back on Elephant Island. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, with a museum, gift shop, church and small research station. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Southern Sea, will open your eyes to the lives of the wildlife. One day, you may see colonies with hundreds of thousands of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, you might visit another beach inhabited by 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 and your expedition team will teach you all about them!

Say goodbye to the penguins as you leave for your next destination – Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops and activities led by your expedition team and you can make the most of the onboard facilities. If weather conditions allow, you may make a landing on the South Orkney Islands – your first official stop in Antarctica.

Voyage south towards continental Antarctica. Over the next four days, you’ll go in search of marine wildlife on the Zodiacs and be treated to unforgettable vistas at every turn. With multiple landing sites available, your Ocean Explorer crew will work out the best places to stop, considering the elements, accessibility and potential for wildlife sightings. There may also be the chance for snowshoeing, sea kayaking or a camping adventure – the paid excursions (which are all weather and time-of-year dependent) can make for some of the greatest memories! Well-known sites like Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour and Paradise Bay will also be on the captain’s radar. Chinstrap, Adelie and Gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Keep an eye out for Antarctic whales – each day and each excursion will be sure to keep your camera busy.

After more than two weeks full of endless wildlife encounters and unforgettable scenery, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake Passage is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Soak up your final moments celebrating with your fellow shipmates and savour the silence of the sea as long as you can.

After breakfast, it’s time to part ways and say goodbye to your expedition team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homebound flights.