Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Spend the morning at your leisure, exploring the city or enjoying an optional visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, or a hike to Marshall Glacier.

That afternoon you'll be welcomed aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your berth and prepare for the adventure to come. As the ship departs through the Beagle Channel you'll receive an expedition overview and enjoy your first meal with your fellow passengers.

After transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, you'll steam northeast toward the Falkland Islands. Keep a lookout for marine mammals such as dolphins and whales.

On cruise days you're free to make use of the on-board facilities, and enjoy the first of a series of lectures on Antarctic history, wildlife and science.

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. You'll visit one or more of the isolated outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible, along with fur seals and elephant seals and various whale and dolphin species.

You'll also call at Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands.

From the Falkland Islands you'll set a bearing east toward South Georgia, passing the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. En-route you'll enjoy briefings, bio-security procedures, and fascinating seminars from the on-board experts to prepare for your arrival in South Georgia.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivalled paradise for sub-Antarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are home to over 100 million seabirds, including albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and 3 million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins.

The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.

Your days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by on-board experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

After an amazing stay in South Georgia you'll proceed southwest toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be your first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.

Further south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the vast Gerlache Strait area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery.

From Antarctica you'll head north through the Drake Passage toward South America. Presentations and workshops by the on-board experts, as well as the full range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for your End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.

And so the expedition comes to a close. You'll say your goodbyes to your crew and new friends as you disembark back in Ushuaia.

Depending on your onward journey you'll be returned to the airport, hotel, or perhaps your onward destination in Patagonia. Speak to a Chimu Adventures advisor to discuss your options!