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St Andrew, South Georgia

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia

Punta Arenas roundtrip - Example 17 Day Cruise aboard Magellan Explorer
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Sail the Strait of Magellan on departure. Embark on a 17-day expedition from Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas aboard Magellan Explorer, exploring the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Visit Saunders Island, West Point Island and Port Stanley before discovering Grytviken, Fortuna Bay, Gold Harbour, St Andrews Bay, Salisbury Plain and Bleaker Island. Encounter king, rockhopper and gentoo penguins, black-browed albatrosses, elephant seals and whales, while learning about Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia’s whaling history and historic sites. Follow opportunities for guided walks, bird watching, Falklands tea and visits to museums, churches and war memorials in Port Stanley. Enjoy Zodiac cruises, wildlife viewing and expedition lectures, with landings and activities shaped by weather, sea, wildlife and operational conditions.
The neck on Saunders Island St Andrew, South Georgia Rockhopper penguins Grytviken, South Georgia St Andrew, South Georgia

Highlights

  • Explore Port Stanley and discover museums, churches, and war memorials
  • Discover Grytviken and visit Shackleton’s grave, museum, whaling remains
  • Observe Gold Harbour and encounter king penguins and elephant seals
  • Explore West Point Island and watch albatrosses near nesting colonies

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Variable

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.

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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Punta Arenas | Embark

From 9:00 hrs., make your way to Explorers House in Punta Arenas and enjoy the facilities. At 16:00 hrs., a group transfer takes you to the port for embarkation. As you sail along the Strait of Magellan, the Expedition Team introduces the history of this fabled sea route.

Day 2: At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s hospitality as you make your way to the Falklands (Malvinas). The engaging series of lectures and presentations begin.

Day 3: Saunders Island | West Point Island

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.

Day 4: Port Stanley

Join your expedition team on guided walking tours of Port Stanley or Gipsy Cove. 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.

Day 5-6: At Sea

Sail toward South Georgia, attend engaging programs of lectures and presentations. 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

Day 7: Elsehul Bay

Depending on sea conditions, plan to arrive in South Georgia sometime this afternoon. Upon receiving approval from the South Georgia Government, go for an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.

Day 8: Grytviken, Fortuna Bay

Your first landing could be at Grytviken. Clear Customs, then visit the historical site with the museum and Ernest Shackleton's grave. You land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness in the afternoon to see king penguins. Here, you learn more about Shackleton and his expedition, and you can also take an optional 2-3 hour "Shackleton walk."

Day 9: Gold Harbour | Drygalski Fjord

In the morning, you plan a landing at Gold Harbour, a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals, and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatrosses here. If weather allows, you ship cruise across the Drygalski Fjord in the afternoon.

Day 10: St Andrews Bay, Ocean Harbour

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. You plan a Zodiac cruise in the afternoon and landing at Ocean Harbour.

Day 11: Salisbury Plain

Depending on weather conditions, you plan to visit Salisbury Plain to observe more king penguins and stunning landscapes. After this morning activity, you start your way back to the Falkland Islands.

Day 12-14: At Sea

The education program continues as you make your way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Day 15: Bleaker Island

Evening landing at Bleaker Island, a natural reserve famous for its large variety of birds.

Day 16: At Sea

At the ship

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.

Ship/Hotel

Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer

The Magellan Explorer is one of the world's newest expedition ships, specifically intended for Antarctica. The ship provides a stylish base for its guests, combining exciting expeditions and boutique hospitality.
The Restaurant

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$10,995 2-3 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.
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
  • Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
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.
  • The South Georgia permit and its associated fee are arranged separately and are not included in the program price.

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