Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica | OTL27-28

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Title

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Start – End

Tripcode

OTL27-28

Language

English

Ship

m/v Ortelius

Embarkation / Disembarkation

Ushuaia - Ushuaia

Nights / Days

18 nights

More about

Antarctica cruises

Antarctic Peninsula cruises

Falkland Islands cruises

South Georgia cruises

Cabins & Prices

Group request For reservations with more than 15 guests you can contact us directly

Itinerary

Voyage overview

This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.

Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey

Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.

Day 2: The winged life of the westerlies

Several species of albatross follow the vessel into the westerlies, along with storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels.

Day 3: Finding the Falklands

The Falkland Islands offer an abundance of wildlife that is easily approachable, though caution is always advised. These islands are largely unknown gems, the site of a 1982 war between the UK and Argentina. Not only do various species of bird live here, but chances are great you’ll see both Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins in the surrounding waters.

During this segment of the voyage, you may visit the following sites:

Carcass Island – Despite its name, this island is pleasantly rodent-free and hence bounteous with birdlife and many endemic species. Anything from breeding Magellanic penguins and gentoos to numerous waders and passerine birds (including Cobb’s wrens and tussock-birds) live here.

Saunders Island – On Saunders Island you can see the black-browed albatross and its sometimes-clumsy landings, along with breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. King penguins, Magellanic penguins, and gentoos are also found here.

Day 4: The seat of Falklands culture

The capital of the Falklands and center of its culture, Port Stanley has some Victorian-era charm: colorful houses, well-tended gardens, and English-style pubs are all to be found here. You can also see several century-old clipper ships nearby, silent witnesses to the hardships of 19th century sailors. The small but interesting museum is also worth a visit, covering the early days of settlement up to the Falklands War. Approximately 2,100 people live in Port Stanley. Admission to the museum is included.

Day 5 - 6: Once more to the sea

En route to South Georgia, you now cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.

Day 7 - 10: South Georgia Journey

Today you arrive at the first South Georgia activity site. Please keep in mind that weather conditions in this area can be challenging, largely dictating the program.

Over the next several days, you have a chance to visit the following sites:

Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. Here you may also have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams.

Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they’re also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for Antarctic fur seals. Literally millions breed on South Georgia during December and January. Only during the mid-season do they peak in their breeding cycle. There will be some young adult Elephant seals as well as this seasons ‘Weaner’s; the young Elephant Seals that have been left to fend for themselves. Watch your step and stay cool when walking the beaches during this time.

Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do. Here you might be able to see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave.

In the afternoon of day 10 and depending on the conditions, we will start sailing southwards in the direction of the South Orkney Islands.

Day 11: Southward bound

There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south.

Day 12: The scenic vistas of South Orkney

Shingle Cove, on the southern shore of Coronation Island in the South Orkney Islands, is home to a large and vibrant Adélie penguin colony. Gravel beaches and metamorphic rock formations serve as key Antarctic wildlife sites, featuring penguin colonies, nesting petrels, and lounging elephant and fur seals.

Day 13 - 14: Entering the Antarctic

Enormous icebergs and a fair chance of fin whale sightings ensure there’s never a dull moment on this last sea voyage south. Also, your best chance to spot Antarctic petrels is here. Depending on conditions, we aim to begin activities the afternoon of day 14.

Day 15 - 16: Awe-inspiring Antarctica

If the ice conditions permit, you now sail into the Weddell Sea. Here colossal tabular icebergs herald your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Paulet Island, with its large population of Adélie penguins, is a possible stop. You might also visit Brown Bluff, located in the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound, where you could get the chance to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself.

If conditions aren’t favorable to enter the Weddell Sea from the east, the ship will set course for Elephant Island and head into the Bransfield Strait, between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Here you can attempt to access the Antarctic Sound from the northwest.

The breathtaking scenery continues in the Bransfield Straight and, if conditions allow further South in the Gerlache Strait. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

Day 17 - 18: Familiar seas, familiar friends

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.

Day 19: There and back again

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

PLEASE NOTE:

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Included in this voyage

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.

Excluded from this voyage

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Highlights you might experience

Zodiac Cruising & Shore Program

By Zodiac you will explore the polar world, getting up close to icebergs, glaciers, and iconic wildlife

Flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands

Lying between the tundra climate zone and the sub-Antarctic, these verdant islands have many of the same ecological traits as Patagonia

Saunders Island

One of the largest islands in the Falklands, Saunders Island lies in the northwest of the archipelago and has been farmed since 1948

Carcass Island

Contrary to what its name may suggest, Carcass Island is a lively place for viewing breeding Magellanic and gentoo penguins

Gold Harbour

Thousands of king penguins, hundreds of gentoos, and loads of elephant seals share this awesomely scenic South Georgia bay

Salisbury Plain

Known for its colossal king penguin colony, Salisbury Plain is a longstanding favorite in our South Georgia expeditions

Antarctic Fur Seal

Once hunted nearly into extinction, these pointy-eared polar swimmers are the comeback queens and kings of the Antarctic

Adelie Penguin

These gallant-fighting, deep-diving namesakes of the French-claimed Antarctic Adélie Land are among the four penguin species on mainland Antarctica

King Penguin

Second in size only to the emperor penguin, these colorful divers look so different than their own chicks that they were once thought to be a different species

Leopard Seal

These "slender-clawed water workers" spend much of their lives submerged, though it's known they are the only member of their family to consume other seals

Magellanic Penguin

These timid feather-shedders are named after the famed Portuguese explorer whose crew spotted them in 1520

Striated Caracara

These "Johnny Rooks" have a penchant for stealing red objects, and prefer to settle on islands populated by seals and seabirds in Tierra del Fuego and the Falklands

What Our Travelers Say

Since we curate unique itineraries for every sailing, these reviews reflect similar past cruises. They illustrate the general atmosphere and quality standards, though specific activities and wildlife encounters will vary.

Fantastic Trip

by Ami Patel

Antarctica

WOW! This voyage exceeded my expectation. When my husband booked the expedition ship, I was concerned about the comfort of the cabins and common area, and even more nervous about the meals. I had no reason to be nervous - the ship is very modern, the cabins and common area swell appointed. The lounge was were we spent most of our free time mingling with fellow travels. (When we weren’t on deck or in the bridge). The small ship environment really fostered mingling with both staff and other guests. The food was plentiful, varied and of excellent quality and taste. The cruise staff couldn’t do enough for us - they accommodated my dietary restriction beyond what I expected. There was a nice BBQ on deck one evening (in snow flurries….but there was mulled wine to warm us up). Another afternoon there was hot chocolate spiked with rum. Every afternoon there was nice snack brought up. The best part of the trip was the expedition team. Led by expedition team leader Pippa and assistant leader George, the entire team entertained us with great lectures when they were not taking us on outings. We saw plenty of wildlife daily. Weather prevented us from flying to the emperor penguin colony,, but the team took our safety seriously and we appreciated that. We got to visit other penguin colonies, sometimes viewing from the zodiac, and on most days landings and a walk on ice.The small ship size allowed us to to off ship daily, including 2 scenic helicopter flights. The staff paid attention to details even for this - each flight every passenger had a window seat. The helicopter pilots were very friendly and made the flights very memorable. If you are considering an Antarctic trip, I highly recommend doing it on a small ship like the Ortellius.

Favorite Trip Ever

by Skye Bartholomew

Antarctica

I don't think I can quite put into words how amazing this trip was! To start, the entire oceanwide team was excellent - dining services memorized everyone's needs/preferences (and names!) within the first day, the expedition team's excitement and expertise enhanced every moment off the ship, and all other staff were warm and friendly! I was so happy how much time we were able to spend off of the ship either on landings or Zodiac cruises. I was a little hesitant that Zodiac cruises would be "boring" but there were some of my favorite moments of the trip! Nothing can quite compare to circling icebergs, approaching seals napping on icebergs, or basking in the magnificence of breaching whales meters away from your Zodiac! If you want feel like you are on a true expedition and spend most of your time off the ship, I cannot recommend Oceanwide expeditions enough!

Voyage to the Emperor Penguins at Snow HILL

by Nicholas Coulson

Antarctica

Thoroughly enjoyable and informative voyage into Antarctica. All our lectures were by knowledgeable and well informed personnel with a large amount of information to impart. In both directions The Drake Passage was calm so this added to the passengers enjoyment and enabled them to pass much time on deck and on the bridge. Our helicopter rides were exciting as we were able to view the icy surroundings from above and obtain some idea of the ever expanding snowy scene. On the domestic scene our cabins were warm, had ample space, and were kept tidy daily by the staff. The food served in the galley was plentiful and varied so nobody had the opportunity to go hungry. All crew members from the Captain down were very friendly and mixed happily with the passengers to answer questions and keep us up to date with progress. I think particular mention should be made of Pippa whose professional approach soon marshalled the 100 or so passengers into a cohesive unit and to George whose passion for the Antarctic and its environs proved infectious. I would happily travel with Oceanwide Expeditions again.

My Antarctica Dream Come True! Encountering Emperor Penguins Twice!

by Karry Kwok

Antarctica

Expedition Crew from Oceanwide has tried their very best to bring everyone on board to Snow Hill and meet the Emperor Penguins twice! That was really a memorable and touching moment. Thanks for the great effort you have made!

Experience of a lifetime

by Dušan Bajana

Antarctica

Thanks to a great expedition plan, luck in the weather, and an absolutely incredible expedition team, we had the experience of a lifetime. Every day was a unique experience, and every single day was absolutely fantastic. I saw a lot of amazing places, but this expedition surpassed them all.

A Glorius Expedition

by Alec Hardiman

Antarctica

I can't say, just how amazing this trip was. It was truly incredible. The ship, the captain, the expedion staff, the expedition leader, the crew, the restaurant staff, the locations, the ice bergs and all the penguins, seals, birds and whales. I loved every minute of this expedition and it never disappointed. Sending a bunch of ordinary passengers down south to experience an environment so unique and rare that many years ago cost many people their lives to get here, is wild. I feel so lucky and blessed to have had this adventure, within the comfort of a warm remarkable vessel. The highlight, was an area called red rock Ridge, a place swarming with manic Adelie penguins and a rough zodiac trip, this felt like proper adventure. Many thanks, and I advise anyone who's thinking about going with oceanwide, to do it 😀

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