Antarctica & Falklands Expedition

Welcome to Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile. Known for its colonial architecture, acclaimed culinary scene, and diverse museums, it offers a dynamic starting point for your expedition. Key highlights include the bustling Mercado Central, historic Plaza de Armas, and the stately Presidential Palace. For sweeping views from above, visit Sky Costanera, which rises over 1,000 feet.

Today begins with an early departure from Santiago as you fly to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost port, where your expedition ship is ready to welcome you aboard. Once on board, take time to settle in, explore the vessel, and meet your Expedition Team.

Serving as your guides, hosts, and regional specialists, the Expedition Team will also be your companions throughout the next three weeks. Friendly and knowledgeable, they’ll be available to answer questions and support your journey through Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and Puerto Madryn.

On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your expedition cruise. 

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  

There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the hot tub and sauna, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travelers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Nothing quite prepares you for the awe of Antarctica. Surrounded by towering glaciers, the continent will fill you with wonder as you spend five magical days exploring its frozen landscape. 

Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Migrating whales glide among amazing icebergs as they feed on krill. Bird enthusiasts should look out for some of the many species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, such as skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns. 

When you arrive, the Antarctic summer is coming to an end, so you can look forward to seeing the landscape beautifully illuminated by breathtaking sunsets. It’s a great time to see penguins in their final stage of molting, and it’s peak whale-watching season as large amounts of krill lure cetaceans to the area. 

Here, nature is king, and you are mere observers. Your experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Spend an exciting 10 days busily exploring several of the many possible landing sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula based on when and where conditions are at their best. Wherever you go and whatever you do, each day will offer something different and thrilling. 

Go on landings and ice cruises. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, giving you a deeper insight into the frozen continent.

As you savor your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as you cruise toward the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Center, you can look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustain so much of the region's wildlife.  

Enjoy all the amenities on the ship and get tips on how to improve your images from the professional photographer, or join workshops on topics such as wildlife painting and nautical knot tying.

The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You can find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.  

Landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. You hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as you can without disturbing them.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you sail toward Puerto Madryn. You have experienced so much in Antarctica and the Falklands that your head will likely be a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and new knowledge.  

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Or simply relax on deck, recalling the highlights of your memorable adventure.  

End the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdes Peninsula, and while you are here, you can explore a stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no fewer than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat and browse the local arts and crafts shops.

As you sail the final leg from Puerto Madryn to Buenos Aires, enjoy your final day at sea. 

This is the perfect time to go through your pictures and relive your experiences in Antarctica, the Falklands and Puerto Madryn. Enjoy the onboard comforts one last time. Relax in the hot tubs or sauna, or unwind in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. And you can join the Expedition Team in the Science Center for further investigations and contribute to Citizen Science projects.

Your expedition cruise to Antarctica, the Falklands and Puerto Madryn comes to an end in Buenos Aires. 

Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or “people of the port,” Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache. If you have time before your onward journey, enjoy exploring this vibrant city.