Steeped in Shackleton and whaling lore, covered mostly in glaciers, South Georgia explodes with life: gentoo, rockhopper, and macaroni penguins, enormous elephant seals, and a thriving fur seal population. On South Georgia you can observe one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles: literally 200,000 stately king penguins on a single beach. See the human face of the region in the Falklands, reminiscent of Great Britain, with grazing sheep, tea, and crumpets. In this privileged place, the albatross reveal the beauty of their mysterious lives. This is the expedition for wildlife or photography enthusiasts, or for those who have already been to Antarctica and want more.
Highlights
Hike in the footsteps of “the Boss,” Sir Ernest Shackleton
Paddle a kayak amid curious fur seals, and explore icebergs from Zodiacs
Walk amid stately king penguins—tens of thousands on a single beach
Compare aperture settings side-by-side a National Geographic photographer
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital. Check in to the excellent Sofitel Buenos Aires (or similiar) before having a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. In the early evening gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.
This morning's charter flight brings you over Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. If the weather is fine, you have a chance to view the spectacular mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise. Then, embark the expedition ship and set sail.
Settle into shipboard life, listening to informal discussions from your naturalist staff to prepare you for the wildness ahead in the Falklands. Spend time on deck and on the bridge, scanning for seabirds, notably the albatross.
Each Falkland Island is a variation on the theme of topographical beauty with white-sand beaches, vaulting cliffs, windswept moors and the sunlit yellows and sage greens of waving tussock grass. The Falklands boast thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as herds of fur and elephant seals. Your visit to Port Stanley offers a chance to meet the hospitable locals, and stroll around this remote Victorian town.
During your days at sea, learn about the fascinating history of Antarctic exploration, as well as the flora, fauna and geology of South Georgia. A lookout is kept to identify the seabirds that follow: wandering albatross, prions, and black-browed albatross.
Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, the schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. Leisurely circumnavigating the island, plan to make stops every day including Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Bay where Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. And, visit a vast colony of tens of thousands of king penguins!
With whales beneath and birds above, head out on deck or up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as your skilled Captain and officers sail these waters. There also is time to relax and enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym, and browse in the library.
Your journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes you once more to the island archipelago that teems with nature and wildlife. Take a last walk along the beautiful white-sand beaches, meander through tussock grass, or sit atop a cliff and ponder the views.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.