23–Day Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Malvinas (Falklands) and South Georgia

After enjoying an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will be transported to the airport to catch a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon landing, you will be shuttled from the airport to a central location in downtown Ushuaia, giving you some free time to discover the charms of this picturesque port town before heading to the pier. Following a late afternoon boarding, you will set sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago at the southernmost tip of South America. As you embark, feel the excitement build; the next time you sight land, you will be in the untouched wilderness of Antarctica!

During your days at sea, you'll be engaged with presentations by your Expedition Team covering topics such as photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Between these sessions, you can spend time on deck spotting wildlife or enjoy conversations with your fellow travelers over a drink at the bar.

As soon as you arrive in the Falklands (Malvinas), you’ll find ample opportunities to put your camera to use, capturing the plentiful wildlife and the rugged terrain of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago features two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you'll explore through daily Zodiac excursions and landings. Stanley, often referred to as Port Stanley, is a popular landing spot known for its distinct British outpost atmosphere, complete with a quirky charm. Here, you can wander at your leisure, enjoy a pint at a local pub, or visit the various churches and museums. The Falklands are a haven for birdlife, hosting species like Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. You might even be fortunate enough to spot king penguins. There’s a high likelihood of encountering black-browed albatross and two bird species unique to the islands—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and perhaps even the rare Cobb’s wren. Your team of polar experts will deepen your appreciation and knowledge of the local flora and fauna, enhancing your experience in the Falklands.

As you navigate southeast towards South Georgia, you'll officially enter Antarctic waters upon crossing the Antarctic Convergence. This invisible biological boundary that encircles the continent marks the place where the cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters from the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. This confluence creates a nutrient-rich environment that supports a thriving population of krill, which in turn attracts whales, seals, and an array of birdlife to this region. Your Expedition Team will inform you when you pass this significant yet unseen boundary and assist you in spotting the diverse seabirds and marine life that frequent this fertile area.

This remote, mountainous island was a pivotal stopover for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a hub for whale and seal hunting. Today, wildlife populations on the island are rebounding, yet remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned structures still dot the landscape. One of the most significant and poignant sites on South Georgia is the burial place of the famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which also hosts an old whaling station, a museum, a gift shop, a church, and a small research station. While South Georgia's historical significance draws many visitors, it's the extraordinary abundance of wildlife that is likely to captivate you and your fellow travelers. Often referred to as the "Galapagos of the Poles," South Georgia offers numerous opportunities to observe vast wildlife populations. On any given day, you might encounter rookeries with hundreds of thousands of king penguins or beaches thronged by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The island's grasses, mountains, and beaches all play crucial roles in the breeding and survival of various species. Your Expedition Leaders will guide you in understanding and appreciating the complex and delicate ecological relationships that sustain this unique environment.

Bid farewell to the king penguins, for your next journey takes you to Antarctica! Your upcoming days at sea will be rich with engaging presentations, educational workshops, and lively social activities, all organized by your Expedition Team.

Describing the experience of reaching the Antarctic Continent is challenging, but most often, the initial response is a profound sense of awe and reverence. In Antarctica, a land of stark contrasts, you might find yourself enveloped in utter silence and isolation one moment and laughing at the playful antics of a curious penguin the next. Your days will be enriched with Zodiac cruises, visits to historical sites, and intimate encounters with seals and penguins. You may even spot a leopard seal, known as the fearless predator of penguins, or find yourself locking eyes with an Antarctic minke whale during a Zodiac expedition. Each day offers a new array of wildlife, ensuring your camera and your sense of wonder are continuously engaged. For those seeking even more adventure, consider the optional kayaking excursion, which must be reserved in advance. Or, if you're feeling especially bold, participate in the Polar Plunge—a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you exhilarated.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a momentous experience and a remarkable achievement, as it is a journey made by only a few travelers. If conditions permit crossing this celebrated latitude at 66°33' South, we’ll celebrate the pioneering explorers who first braved this frontier. You can raise a glass in honor of these adventurers and take pride in knowing you’ve reached a region visited by very few. This is the unspoiled Antarctic, where the midnight sun illuminates the landscape, Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and you’re likely to encounter sea ice—the vital backbone of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

If your appetite for Antarctic wildlife and icebergs isn't yet sated, rest assured, the return journey through the Drake Passage is likely to fulfill your desires. As you journey north along the western Antarctic Peninsula, you'll continue engaging in Zodiac excursions, exploring more of the stunning icy landscapes and abundant wildlife. Your Expedition Team remains vigilant, constantly on the lookout for seabirds, seals, and whales that might have eluded you on your southward trek, ensuring every opportunity for wildlife encounters is seized.

After over three weeks filled with exceptional wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes, your voyage home commences. The thrilling and unpredictable Drake Passage presents an adventure all its own. While under the expert care of our onboard staff, you'll have ample opportunity to look out over the ocean, capture photos of seabirds gliding around the ship, and contemplate the extraordinary experiences of your Antarctic journey.

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after enjoying breakfast. Included in the mandatory transfer package is a brief but enriching glimpse of Patagonia with a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Following the tour, you will be transferred to the airport to board the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.