Experience a 17-day sub-Antarctic cruise from Punta Arenas aboard Magellan Explorer. Sail through the Strait of Magellan to the Falklands, landing on Saunders Island, West Point Island, and exploring Port Stanley. Observe rockhopper, gentoo, and black-browed albatrosses, and enjoy guided walking tours. Continue across the Southern Ocean to South Georgia, visiting Grytviken, Fortuna Bay, Gold Harbor, Drygalski Fjord, St Andrews Bay, Ocean Harbor, Salisbury Plain, and Bleaker Island. Walk among king penguins, macaroni penguins, elephant seals, and nesting wandering albatrosses. Visit Shackleton’s grave, historic whaling sites, and glaciers. Cruise in Zodiacs, hike, and attend expert-led lectures on wildlife and polar history before returning to Punta Arenas.
Highlights
Observe king penguins, elephant seals, and albatrosses at Gold Harbour
Explore Grytviken museum and Shackleton’s grave on South Georgia
Cruise across Drygalski Fjord while watching glaciers and wildlife
Visit Port Stanley for walking tours and local cultural sites
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
From 10:00, go to Explorers House in Punta Arenas and use the facilities. At 15:00, a group transfer takes passengers to the port for embarkation. During the sail along the Strait of Magellan, the Expedition Team provides an overview of the history of this sea route.
Use the ship’s amenities and follow the on-board program while traveling to the Falklands (Malvinas). Lectures and presentations start during the voyage.
You enjoy the long white-sand beach during a morning visit to Saunders Island. A wilderness experience, the main attractions are rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. In the afternoon, you visit West Point Island. There is an option for an easy hike to a nesting black-browed albatross colony, bird watching, and a typical Falklands tea experience.
Join the expedition team on guided walking tours of Port Stanley. Or explore on your own and absorb the atmosphere, grabbing lunch at the local pub, visiting the maritime museum, the church, hunting for souvenirs, or walking down Ross Road, paying tribute at the war memorials at the waterfront.
As you sail towards South Georgia, attend presentations on the history and fauna of the archipelago. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales.
Depending on sea conditions over the previous days, arrival is planned for the afternoon. Provided approval comes from the South Georgia government, you can enjoy an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.
Your first landing could be at Grytviken. You clear Customs and then explore the historical site with the museum and Ernest Shackleton's grave. In the afternoon, you land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness to see king penguins. Here, you learn more about Shackleton and his expedition, and there is also an optional 2-3 hour "Shackleton walk."
In the morning, the team plan a landing at Gold Harbor, a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals, and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatrosses here. If weather allows, the ship cruise across the Drygalski Fjord in the afternoon.
St Andrews Bay is the destination of your morning excursion. The highlights here are a shipwreck and the remains of the whaling industry. You see one of the world's largest king penguin colonies and elephant seal bulls. In the afternoon, you enjoy a Zodiac cruise and a landing at Ocean Harbor.
Depending on weather conditions, we plan to visit Salisbury Plain to observe more king penguins and stunning landscapes. After this morning activity, we start our way back to the Falkland Islands.
Relax and spend the days at sea while en route to Punta Arenas.
Day 17: Punta Arenas | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Upon arrival at Punta Arenas, you disembark and take a group transfer to the town center, where the expedition ends. Explorers House remains available to you for the day.
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.
$10,9952-3 travelers
Triple Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m²
-Cabin with sitting area and porthole
Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
240 ft2 – 22 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
Penthouse Suite
360 ft2 – 33 m2
-Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area
Single Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
- Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Notes
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Cabin sharing, where solo travelers are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender is available in Porthole and Veranda Cabins.
-Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.85x the double occupancy rate for Porthole and Veranda Cabins types. Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Suite, and Grand Suite cabins are 2x the double occupancy rate.
Fly cruises: Children admitted from 8 years old
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
Polar Circle
Antarctica Express
Sea voyages: Children admitted from 12 years old
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
Falklands (Malvinas) & SG
Falklands (Malvinas), SG and Antarctica
Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
Optionals
Kayaking: Children admitted from 16 years old.
Hiking & snowshoeing: Children admitted from 12 years old.
Initial deposit is $4000 plus the adventure activities must be paid in full at the time of booking., and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners
16 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition
IAATO passenger fee
Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
Comprehensive Pre- and Post-voyage Information Materials
Lectures and entertainment onboard.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
All guided shore excursions.
Standard internet service is provided on a complimentary basis. Guests booked in Penthouse Suites on Magellan Explorer and
Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer enjoy complimentary premium internet service
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
Beverages purchased at the bar
Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rentals for Antarctica voyages.
All participants in an Antarctica 21 expedition are required to have a travel insurance policy. A comprehensive policy is recommended but, at a minimum, Medical Evacuation coverage up to $100,000 USD is required.
Multi-entry visas for Chile, Argentina, the UK and/or other destinations included in your itinerary, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
The South Georgia permit is not arranged by Antarctica21
The permit cost is not included in the program price
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
