Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
22 days
From
$ 12299
Duration22 days
Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It’s not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Ernest Shackleton and countless others since. Down here, you’ll explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island, and pay your respects at Shackleton’s grave. Elsewhere, you’ll catch up with penguins (king, chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie varieties), learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat, and keep an eye peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 22 days
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ends in: UshuaiaAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Montevideo
Arrive in Montevideo at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Uruguay's capital city.
There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the G Expedition and your upcoming adventure.
Please note that the first night in Montevideo is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travellers in your group and have not purchased a private cabin, you will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Please note that the first night in Montevideo is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travellers in your group and have not purchased a private cabin, you will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Day 2: Montevideo/South Atlantic Ocean
Embark on the G Expedition. Transfer as a group in the early afternoon. The morning is free, take the chance to explore one of Montevideo's colourful neighbourhoods. The evening is spent onboard the ship sailing southwards towards the Falkland Islands.
Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port of Montevideo.
Please note while it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, meet the Expedition Leader for an expedition overview.
Meals: B, D
Day 3-5: South Atlantic Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Spend time on deck to spot wildlife including albatross and possibly whales and dolphins. Relax in the library, grab a drink in the Polar Bear Pub, or make some new friends in the Discovery Lounge.
With course set southeast, become acquainted with the ship. Enjoy the lecture and educational sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.
End place: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6-7: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean
Start place: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8-9: Southern Ocean/South Georgia
Our lecture series resumes to prepare us for South Georgia, spend plenty of time on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the South Ocean.
With course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with historical and biological lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters.
End place: South Georgia
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10-13: South Georgia/Scotia Sea
Start place: South Georgia
South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton’s grave, former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather permitting spend 3-4 full days and opt to explore this island. A huge colony of king penguins is the highlight of this part of the journey. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds.
South Georgia is also the home over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups alongside their mothers.
South Georgia is also the home over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups alongside their mothers.
Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. South Georgia is also the home over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island.
End place: Scotia Sea
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14-15: South Shetland Islands/Antarctica
Start place: Scotia Sea
Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days the legendary Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands. The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.
Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 16-19: South Shetland Islands/Drake Passage
The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.
Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting), and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting.
End place: Drake Passage
Meals: B, L, D
Day 20-21: Drake Passage/Ushuaia
Start place: Drake Passage
Turning north, embark upon the 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic.
At some point on the first day, cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling create an ocean very high in marine productivity.
Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join the Expedition on the journey towards the South American continent.
At some point on the first day, cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling create an ocean very high in marine productivity.
Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join the Expedition on the journey towards the South American continent.
Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for a last chance to spot whales.
End place: Ushuaia
Meals: B, L, D
Day 22: Ushuaia
Start place: Ushuaia
Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning.
Disembark in the morning.
End place: Ushuaia
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- 20 nts aboard the G Expedition
- 1 nt hotel in Montevideo, on a twin share basis
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
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Transport
G Expedition, Zodiac, Private bus, Walking -
Accommodation
Twin-share hotel (1 nt), Aboard the G Expedition in quad-, Triple-, Twin-share cabins, Or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 20 nts) Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing Suites have one queen-size bed