Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

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Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It’s not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Ernest Shackleton and countless others since. Down here, you’ll explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island, and pay your respects at Shackleton’s grave. Elsewhere, you’ll catch up with penguins (king, chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie varieties), learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat, and keep an eye peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.

Travel Style: Marine

Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.

Physical Rating: 2 – Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Age requirement: 10+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Itinerary 

Map of the route for Falklands, South Georgia & AntarcticaDay 1 Montevideo

Arrive in Montevideo at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Uruguay’s capital city.

Day 2 Montevideo/South Atlantic Ocean

Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port of Montevideo.

Days 3–5 South Atlantic Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

With course set southeast, become acquainted with the ship. Enjoy the lecture and educational sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Days 6–7 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

Days 8–9 Southern Ocean/South Georgia

With course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with historical and biological lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters.

Days 10–13 South Georgia/Scotia Sea

Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. South Georgia is also the home over half of the world’s enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island.

Days 14–15 South Shetland Islands/Antarctica

Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton’s route backwards.

Days 16–19 South Shetland Islands/Drake Passage

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting.

Days 20–21 Drake Passage/Ushuaia

Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for a last chance to spot whales.

Day 22 Ushuaia

Disembark in the morning.

Itinerary Notes

This trip is assigned a Physical Rating of 2. It is accessible to most fitness levels able to do extended walks and light hiking on varied terrain.  Having good mobility is important for your safety and enjoyment.  It is important to note that for shore excursions in Antarctica we use zodiacs with wet beach landings, which require you to exit the zodiac onto wet rocky beaches on uneven terrain with no place to sit. Our expedition team is there to assist and advise you if needed.

What’s Included

  • 20 nts aboard the G Expedition
  • 1 nt hotel in Montevideo, on a twin share basis
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Lectures and educational programs
  • Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 – 16
  • Expedition parka

Accommodations

Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 20 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Meals

21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.

Transportation

G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Staff & experts

One expedition team member per 10 guests.

Images courtesy of G Adventures

Antarctica Penguins Close Up – Gary Arndt 2012

GADV – XVGFSX

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