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Rockhopper penguins

Falklands and South Georgia: Islands of the Southern Ocean

Example 18 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Adventurer
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Discover the astoundingly diverse South Georgia and the unspoiled storied Falkland Islands on this 18-day expedition to the Islands of the Southern Ocean. Immerse in this spectacular setting, enjoy unforgettable encounters with historically significant sites and unique wildlife unafraid of humans. Come face to face with thousands of curious king penguins and a sea of fur and elephant seals, blanketing beaches nestled below towering snow-capped mountains.
Rockhopper penguinsOld whaling boat in GrytvikenRoyal Bay, South GeorgiaRockhopper penguins
Highlights
  • Discover the largest king penguin rookery in the world
  • Wander the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands
  • Explore abandoned whaling stations and learn about the region’s wildlife
  • Kayak across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers
Places Visited
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port town at the tip of South America. This Argentine town is an ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Embark your ship in the late afternoon and sail down the historic Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities to capture seabirds hovering overhead and seals and sea lions lounging on land. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart. 

Day 3: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you’re at sea. Learn to identify seabirds gliding alongside the ship, attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team, relax in the polar library or simply spend some time out on deck. Learn about safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, so you can make the most of the adventure that awaits.

Day 4-5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Upon arrival in this archipelago, your cameras get their first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and the rugged feel of the Falklands (Malvinas). The archipelago contains two main islands - East and West, to explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings.

In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins. If lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! Expect to see black-browed albatross and two endemic bird species: Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck. Your team of lecturers and specialists educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you get the most out of your time in the Falklands.

Port Stanley is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel to it, complete with a bit of a ramshackle charm. Explore the town, grab a pint at the local pub, or visit numerous churches and museums.

Day 6-7: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Sailing south, officially enter Antarctic waters by crossing the invisible biological boundary called the Antarctic Convergence. Encircling the continent, cold Antarctic waters meet and mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, creating the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world. Expedition staff keep you posted when you cross this invisible, yet important line.

Day 8-13: South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
This remote outpost was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and elephant and fur seals. Today, South Georgia Island wildlife populations have rebounded, but see remnants of those old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.

While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife on South Georgia that you and your shipmates surely find most captivating. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, each landing you make on South Georgia opens your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife.

One day you may see rookeries with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins waddling on the beach. The next day visit another beach with thousands of fur or elephant seals with (non-native) reindeer grazing in the background. The grasses, mountains, and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island - this fragile and symbiotic relationship is something that your expedition team shares with you during your time here.

A couple of shore landings that best represent what you can expect in South Georgia are Gold Harbor and Cooper Bay. Perhaps the most picturesque site in all of South Georgia, Gold Harbor provides a dizzying amount of wildlife, all in one location. Here, be enchanted by the view of the overhanging Bertrab Glacier to the east, a massive king penguin colony in the distance, an abundance of southern elephant seals and fur seals, and nesting albatross high above in the tussock grass.

One significant and historic site of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, a museum, gift shop, church, and a research station of approximately 20 scientists and support personnel.

Attempt to land on the eastern shore of Fortuna Bay. Head out on the “Shackleton hike,” a trek that has you hiking along the final miles of Shackleton’s traverse of South Georgia into the Stromness whaling station, where the explorer finally found rescue for his crew. To reach the abandoned station, stroll along a pebbled beach littered with hundreds of fur seals and king and gentoo penguins.

Day 14-17: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
After two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Mingle with your fellow shipmates, sharing stories and photos in the lounge. The noisy, busy world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can, enjoying your final moments on deck, reflecting on all the amazing creatures you’ve met.

Day 18: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Today say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers, disembarking in the morning to catch your homeward flights.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Adventurer

Dining Room, Ocean Adventurer
Buffet Dining Room, Ocean Adventurer
Bar at the Main Lounge, Ocean Adventurer

Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$13,595
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
Select a Date
Triple
Averaging 128 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths and one upper berth. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Lower Deck Twin
Averaging 133 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Lower Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Main Deck Twin with Porthole
Averaging 118 sq. ft. (11 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Main Deck Twin with Window
Averaging 139 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Superior
Averaging 142 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Deluxe
Averaging 160 sq. ft. (15 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper and Captain’s Decks, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Suite
Averaging 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Captain’s Deck, it has windows with exterior views and private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have shower stalls.
Cabin, Ocean Adventurer
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Owner's Suite
Averaging 290 sq. ft. (27 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Bridge Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.

Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum of US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.

Plug/ Voltage type Onboard: 220V/Type F
Included
  • 17 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 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
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

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