Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle

Trip Type: Polar|Wildlife|
Argentina | 24 Days | 1 - 80 People
Starts From:

NZD 41,980.00 /Person

Discover all that Antarctica has to offer on this epic 24-day expedition that explores the Falkland Islands, South Georgia islands and the Antarcti...

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle

Discover all that Antarctica has to offer on this epic 24-day expedition that explores the Falkland Islands, South Georgia islands and the Antarctic peninsula, including crossing the rarely seen Antarctic Circle! This is our longest Antarctica trip available – a voyage of discovery aboard the Ocean Nova, where you’ll marvel at spectacularly rugged landscapes, thousands of king penguins and the abundant wildlife of the south. Glide through ice floes in a Zodiac with your Expedition Team and take part in fascinating educational presentations. Keep your eye out for predatory seals, wandering albatross and migrating whales as you pass by towering ice-blue glaciers and icebergs. Round this unforgettable adventure off by reaching latitude 66°33’S, as you cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. With optional adventures like camping on the ice (there’s no better spot to experience the sound of silence) and day paddling across icy waters, this journey of discovery and mateship is sure to be the trip of a lifetime.

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina – the gateway to Antarctica! Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy an included transfer to your hotel. Once you arrive at your hotel, you’re free to explore. Maybe head downtown for some early souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of the local restaurants. Tonight at your hotel you’ll meet your fellow travellers and Expedition Team at an important welcome meeting, learning more about the journey ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. After, why not hit a cosy dinner spot or local bar and explore what your upcoming adventure may hold?

After breakfast, the morning is yours to explore Ushuaia. You could stroll through the quaint town with a camera, or grab a last-minute necessity. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the port of Ushuaia and embark the Ocean Nova – your home on the sea. Get settled into your cabin, then set sail through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Find the perfect spot to soak up the incredible views as you catch your last sight of Argentina – then head inside to join the excitement and learn more about what’s to come on this Antarctic adventure. This evening is an excellent opportunity to explore the ship and enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining room.

As you sail, spend time out on deck or on the ship's bridge scanning the horizon for wildlife. Keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses on their lengthy migration routes, and look for the telltale splash of breaching whales or the dorsal fins of other mighty marine mammals breaking the water's surface. You could also settle in for presentations given by your expert Expedition Team, on topics like the behaviour of humpback whales, the life cycles of penguins, the formation of the Antarctic ice sheet and more. Evenings on board are equally memorable. After a day of learning and wildlife spotting, head to the warmth of the ship's Panorama Lounge. Enjoy a drink in hand as you swap stories with your fellow travellers, sharing the excitement of your journey.

You’ll approach the Falkland Islands this morning – a wildlife photographer’s dream. Here, you can find the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of penguins that breed on the islands, including gentoo, king, Macaroni, Magellanic, and rockhopper. Once in Stanley, the capital, learn about the intriguing and controversial past of the Falkland Islands from local experts. Near the town, you may see southern giant petrels, Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures. Weather permitting, you may explore Saunders Island, the second-largest island in the Falklands, and The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces. On the afternoon of Day 5, following our morning excursion, farewell the Falkland Islands and sail towards South Georgia.

From the outer decks, keep your eyes on the horizon for seabirds and other passing wildlife as we settle in for two days at sea on route to South Georgia. This remarkable destination offers many experiences, from fascinating history and geology to incredible wildlife encounters. While on board the cosy Ocean Nova, take part in engaging presentations led by your Expedition Team, designed to prepare you for the wonders that await you at South Georgia.

Over the next few days, you’ll explore the island of South Georgia, once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers, and now a protected site with dedicated Antarctic research teams. You’ll explore various landing sites and learn about the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton, known for his incredible survival during a failed expedition south. You’ll spend several days retracing some of Shackleton’s steps and visiting his grave at the ex-whaling station of Grytviken, located on the east side. Wander among hundreds of thousands of king penguins in the dramatic South Georgian light, visit old whaling stations and enjoy educational presentations on the past and present of the area. Across the island, you’ll see dark volcanic beaches backgrounded by hanging glaciers and have the chance to go on day hikes among alpine lakes.

During your next couple of days at sea, experience sweeping vistas from the Panorama Lounge or the outer decks. You should take this opportunity to relax and recharge or play games of cards at the bar with your shipmates. Whatever takes your fancy – the ship is yours to explore!

Today, you’ll voyage south towards continental Antarctica. For the next five days, you’ll dedicate your time to searching for wildlife from land, ship and Zodiac. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. With numerous landing sites to explore, your Expedition Team will carefully select the best options based on weather, accessibility and wildlife activity. Depending on the conditions, you may also have the chance to enhance your journey with optional adventures like camping on the ice (a serene and silent experience like no other), day paddling across icy waters or snowshoeing across untouched terrain. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova – a swift dip into Antarctica’s freezing waters that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised!

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to treasure, as not all expeditions venture this far south. If weather permits, a celebration will be held after reaching latitude 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in! While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. You’ll travel past colossal icebergs to a point where only a few travellers have ever sailed.

As the Ocean Nova heads north, you’ll feel more confident navigating the wonders of the Antarctic waters. Test your newfound penguin expertise and sharpen your wildlife-spotting skills as you identify fur, leopard and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and shore landings will continue, offering ample opportunities to see the peninsula’s diverse wildlife and capture stunning photographs of your adventure.

Settle back into your comfortable surroundings aboard the Ocean Nova for the return journey across the Drake Passage. The Ocean Nova will track north towards your destination of Ushuaia, Argentina, arriving into the calmer waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 23. During these final sea days, you can attend more onboard lectures and enjoy a slideshow of images captured by our Expedition Photographer during your voyage. Now is also the chance to catch up with your shipmates and share stories about your voyage over a meal or a drink at the bar.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team and fellow travellers as you disembark in Ushuaia. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

Meals
23 Breakfast(s), 21 Lunch(s), 22 Dinner(s)

Transport
Expedition cruise ship , zodiac

Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruise Ship (22 nights)

Included Activities
  • Welcome Briefing
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Try your hand at wildlife photography, witness thousands of nesting penguins and spot the largest albatross colony in the world in the Falkland Islands.
  • Retrace Sir Ernest Shackleton’s steps in South Georgia, hearing his epic tale of survival visiting his grave at the ex-whaling station of Grytviken.
  • Reach latitude 66°33’S and cross the fabled Antarctic Circle, keeping watch for Weddell seals as you venture where few travellers have ever sailed.
  • Head out on daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions (weather permitting), allow you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings of the Antarctic wilderness.
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities on the Ocean Nova, including educational lectures and the Citizen Science Program, all led by our expert Expedition Team. 
  • The Ocean Nova is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix. Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack. Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. As there is no lift on board, you'll also need to take stairs to get to the gangway and other parts of the ship.  The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. 

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price: NZD 41,980.00

Price: NZD 46,635.00

Price: NZD 57,000.00

Price: NZD 51,820.00

Price: NZD 51,820.00

Price: NZD 83,935.00

Price: NZD 46,650.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
GQMUA
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Trip Finishes:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Countries Visited:
Antarctica
Argentina
Falkland Islands (malvinas)
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Destination Details
Argentina | 24 Days | 1 - 80 People

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