Have questions? We're here.
Rockhopper penguin sighting

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica - Mega Colonies

Example 18 Day Cruise aboard RCGS Resolute
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Antarctica trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Visit three different locations on this 18-day classic voyage. The Falkland Islands and the island of South Georgia are home to a proliferation of unique wildlife and birdlife. Both locations feature a fascinating history and stunning scenery. To the south lies Antarctica, the frozen continent where icebergs in all shapes and sizes fill the waters and encounters with whales including humpback, minke, and orca are frequent. While the megafauna colonies are a highlight of this voyage, history can be found at every turn and you'll visit several important locations containing relics from early exploration and the whaling era. The waters are full of life and you can anticipate encounters with both whales and seals.
Weddell seal taking a restPlayful humpback whale in Paradise BayPhotographing penguinsEmperor & Adelie PenguinsKing Penguins at Fortuna Bay, South GeorgiaRockhopper penguin sighting
Highlights
  • Explore South Georgia's deep bays in inflatable Zodiac boats
  • Visit old whaling stations and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton
  • Enjoy a range of activity choices, including kayaking and hiking
  • Sail along the Falkland Islands joined by hundreds of seabirds
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Santiago, Chile | Stanley, Falkland Islands | Embark

Depart from Santiago this morning on a special charter flight direct to Stanley. You will be transferred from the airport to the town and you can spend your time exploring or join a guided visit to nearby Gypsy Cove which provides your first opportunity for observing the local wildlife, including nesting Magellanic penguins and other sea birds. 

Making your way to the port, board the expedition ship, RCGS Resolute in the afternoon. After settling into your cabins and exploring the ship, meet the expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcome cocktail and cast off to explore one of the most remote regions on Earth.

Day 2-3: At Sea | Towards South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Chart a south-easterly course bound for South Georgia. History is a key theme of this voyage and the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition is central to any trip to South Georgia. Perhaps you will pick up some valuable tips from your onboard photographic guide, learning about image composition, the subtle polar light and all the basics of good camera craft. Learn about Polar conservation - a theme particularly close to the hearts of your guides and crew.

Day 4-6: Exploration of South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Today, the ship will approach the deep bays of this rugged, rocky outcrop, you will begin to see why. Launching the Zodiacs, you will begin your exploration of the island, in the vicinity of Elsehul Bay. Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal will line the dark sand beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations, including Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour. The island is also home to large numbers of nesting albatross as they fill the skies above, coming and going from the nest.

South Georgia is a thrilling location for history lovers and the rusting relics of the early whaling industry are all around us. You can visit the old stations at locations including Leith, Husvik and Stromness. A highlight is a visit to Grytviken – the largest of the whaling stations, situated at the head of Cumberland Bay. 

Day 7-9: At Sea | Towards Antarctica

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Weather and ice will dictate your crossing of the Scotia Sea from South Georgia to Antarctica. Onboard experts keep you busy with fascinating presentations and lead lively discussions throughout the day. The great pelagic seabirds are sure to keep you company – and anticipate excellent sightings of albatross and giant petrels soaring on the winds of the South Atlantic Ocean. As you edge ever closer to the frozen continent, large icebergs announce your arrival in Antarctic waters. Excitement grows as the low-lying Danger Islands appears on the horizon. Situated at the extreme northern point of the Antarctic Peninsula, offshore from the larger Joinville Island, you cannot help but be excited about the days ahead.

Day 10-12: Danger Islands | Weddell Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
The excursions today in the Weddell Sea will be dictated by the weather. By Zodiac, you will explore the waters around the island groups and plan to make shore landings at several locations. Be amazed with the immense scale of the Adelie penguin rookie here.  They are fascinating to observe, coming and going from fishing forays, and sitting on the nest raising their precious chicks. 

Along with the Danger Islands, the region is home to a number of other sizable penguin rookeries at locations which include Paulet Island and Gourdin Island. Nearby Vega Island is home to some of the most fascinating palaeontology found in all of Antarctica. Fossils here tell the story of Gondwanaland, of giant penguins and other dinosaur species and early plant life on Earth. Brown Bluff and d’Urville Monument are other landing possibilities in the area.a

Day 13-15: South Shetland Islands | Gerlache Strait

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Approaching the South Shetland Islands, you will aim for a shore landing at the Half Moon Island. This is a home to a boisterous colony of nesting chin strap penguins and with just a short hike, you will see the elephant seal haul. These are fascinating animals to observe as the naturalist guides explain the unique family dynamics and behavior. There are several other nearby locations, including Yankee Harbour or Hannah Point which we may choose as alternative landing sites. A thrill for many will be sailing the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. At Whalers Bay, the remains of a rusting old whaling station provide a glimpse into history. There are a couple of excellent hiking routes here – one up to a high point overlooking the entire bay. Another to the far end of the black-sand beach where an old aircraft hangar can be viewed. It’s from here, the very first flight in Antarctica took to the air.

Enter the maze of islands and waterways along the Antarctic Peninsula and enjoying shore landings, Zodiac cruises and kayak excursions several times per day. 

Day 16-17: Drake Passage | Return to South America

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As you make your way back to South America, the educational presentations continue, and enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by the Expedition Leader. Join your photography experts in the multimedia room and download and back up your precious images. If weather conditions allow, you can make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition. Approaching the entrance to the Beagle Channel in early evening light, enjoy a special dinner attended by the Captain of the ship.

Day 18: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina and say goodbye to your crew and fellow travelers. Guests will be transported after breakfast to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.

Ship/Hotel

RCGS Resolute

RCGS Resolute Interior
RCGS Resolute Interior
RCGS Resolute Pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$25,595
Select a Date
Main Deck Triple
RCGS Resolute Cabin
Select a Date
Twin Private Cabin
Twin Private cabins are located on Deck 4 and have the option for either a queen or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
Select a Date
Superior Cabin
Located forward on Deck 5 the Superior cabins have the option for either a queen or two single beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
Select a Date
Superior Plus Cabin
Superior Plus cabins are located midships on Deck 5. They are spacious and well appointed with the option for either a queen or two single beds. A comfortable lounge is placed by the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample floor to ceiling cabinet storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
Select a Date
Shackleton Suite
The Shackleton Suites are situated on Deck 6. Suites include the comfort of a sectional lounge, writing desk, substantial floor to ceiling cabinetry, and washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Sleeping quarters feature the option for either a queen or two single beds with upgraded linen/ pillows.
RCGS Resolute Cabin
Select a Date
One Ocean Suite
The One Ocean Suites are situated on Deck 6 and offer an indulgent amount of space. Sleeping quarters feature a queen size bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with matching club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor to ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.  
Included
  • 17 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 17 Dinners
  • 17 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

Antarctica Travel Guide

Favorite Antarctica All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By