king penguins in south georgia

©L Mignet

Itinerary and Pricing

Small-Ship Expedition Cruise

The Great Austral Loop (Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula)

November 22 to December 10, 2026

From $18,495 to $36,395 USD

per person

Save 20%
Applies to berth cost only

Map

AA26 The Great Austral Loop expedition map 1x1 4x 100
  • Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
  • Day 2: Punta Arenas
  • Day 3: At Sea
  • Day 4–5: Falkland Islands
  • Day 6–7: At Sea
  • Day 8–10: South Georgia
  • Day 11–12: At Sea
  • Day 13–16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 17: At Sea — Drake Passage
  • Day 18: At Sea — Beagle Channel
  • Day 19: Ushuaia, Argentina

Itinerary

Please Note: You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Monumento al Goleta Ancud

© Lloyd Kimball

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
The Adventure Begins

Set on the windswept shores of the Brunswick Peninsula, this historic port city was once a vital stop for ships navigating between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans—long before the Panama Canal changed global trade routes in 1914.

Arrive in the afternoon and meet your expedition team and fellow travellers. Gather for a warm welcome and orientation, then enjoy a festive group dinner featuring regional flavours and a taste of what lies ahead.

I Stock 1691233743 Cristian Lourenço

© Cristian Lourenço

Day 2: Punta Arenas
Embark on the Exploris One

Spend the morning exploring Punta Arenas at your leisure—wander its colourful streets, visit a local café, or take in views over the Strait of Magellan. In the late afternoon, you’ll transfer to the pier where the Exploris One awaits, moored at the foot of the city. Step aboard and meet the captain and crew who will guide you on this remarkable journey.

In the evening, we’ll set sail through the legendary, wildlife-rich waters of the Strait of Magellan, bound for the Falkland Islands. From the deck, keep watch for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels, and black-browed albatross gliding overhead—as well as the occasional raucous sea lion colony bidding us farewell.

learn onboard

© V Eschmann

Day 3: At Sea
Learn On Board

As we sail toward the Falkland Islands, take this day at sea to settle into life aboard the Exploris One and get to know your expedition team. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the ship’s inviting spaces, enjoy the view from the outer decks, and connect with fellow travellers.

Join our team of expert naturalists and historians to gain fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife, geology, and human history. Learn about the first archipelago we'll visit on this voyage—the Falkland Islands, or Islas Malvinas, as they are known in Argentina—and what lies ahead.

Spend time on the bridge or out on deck with the team as they scout for seabirds and marine life—your first taste of the remarkable biodiversity of this region.

Exploris L Mignet7

© L Mignet

Day 4–5: Falkland Islands
Enjoy Hiking, Zodiac Cruising, and Kayaking

Have your camera and binoculars ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful Falkland Islands—a remote archipelago known for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping grasslands, and extraordinary wildlife.

These islands are famed for their vibrant penguin colonies, including gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins—offering a fascinating natural spectacle against a backdrop of wild ocean and wind-swept grass. We’ll explore a variety of landing sites by Zodiac and on foot, with opportunities to hike across open landscapes, paddle through quiet inlets by kayak, and enjoy shore excursions shaped by the weather and wildlife around us.

Look out for large populations of black-browed albatross, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins, orcas, and a myriad of bird species—including the Falklands’ flightless steamer duck, imperial shags, and Cobb’s wren.

We’ll also visit Port Stanley, the island's quaint and colourful capital, which has a distinctly British outpost feel. Learn more about the complex and sometimes controversial history of the Falklands and enjoy time to explore the town. Keep your eyes peeled for southern giant petrels, endemic Falkland steamer ducks, kelp and dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures.

Minty 20051116 0060 Orig Edit

© Dennis Minty

Day 6–7: At Sea
Discover Fascinating History and Search for Wildlife

Set sail on an eastward course across the Southern Ocean, bound for South Georgia—home to some of the richest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Over the next two days at sea, we’ll cover more than 1,500 kilometres (837 nautical miles), journeying through open seas rich with history, mystery, and marine life.

This oceanic interlude offers time to slow down, reflect, and connect. Join your expedition team for presentations on the region’s dramatic history, fascinating geology, and the remarkable marine life that may appear along the way. Keep your eyes on the horizon—these waters are home to albatross, petrels, and the occasional sighting of large cetaceans. If whales are spotted, head to the decks to witness their powerful presence firsthand!

Stories of early navigators come alive here—none more compelling than that of Ernest Shackleton, whose fateful expedition passed through these very waters. Like him, we now look toward South Georgia, and if the skies are clear, we may catch our first glimpse of its mountainous outline on the horizon.

Exploris L Mignet26

© L Mignet

Day 8–10: South Georgia
Marvel at Penguins, Peaks, and Polar History

South Georgia captivates every traveller who steps foot on its shores. Home to one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the planet, the island’s beaches are blanketed with hundreds of thousands of penguins as far as the eye can see.

We’ll spend three days exploring this stunningly beautiful island—one that teems with life and is steeped in history. South Georgia played a pivotal role in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Endurance expedition and was once the heart of the southern whaling industry. You may even have the opportunity to visit the explorer’s final resting place at Grytviken.

Known as the “Galápagos of the South,” South Georgia is home to over thirty million breeding birds, thousands of seals, introduced Norwegian reindeer, and nesting sites of wandering albatross. The island hosts four species of breeding penguins. Watching thousands of them gathered together—sleek, dignified, and dressed in nature’s finest tuxedos—is a sight you won’t soon forget.

Each day offers a new landing and a new perspective. Hike across plains where fur and elephant seals lounge between glacial streams. Marvel at snowy peaks, emerald bays, and electric-blue glacier ice. Visit abandoned whaling stations that speak to a complex past and observe a living world that thrives in one of the planet’s most remote corners.

Minty 20051124 0538 orig

© Dennis Minty

Day 11–12: At Sea
Search for Seabirds and Icebergs

As we bid farewell to the wildlife haven of South Georgia, we set our course southwest across the Scotia Sea, bound for the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Here, the horizon stretches wide and empty, the silence broken only by the wind and the call of seabirds wheeling overhead.

Join the expedition team for engaging presentations on glaciology, Antarctic wildlife, and the icy ecosystems ahead. Outdoor viewing areas and time on the bridge offer excellent opportunities for spotting seabirds and scanning for icebergs as we cross into polar waters.

Beyond the sixtieth parallel, we may begin to encounter vast tabular icebergs—flat-topped giants calved from the Weddell Sea ice shelves—heralding our approach to Antarctica. As each day passes, we deepen our understanding of this frozen frontier, learning more about the wildlife and natural forces that shape it.

In between lectures and birdwatching, take time to unwind in the ship’s sauna or jacuzzi, connect with fellow travellers, and enjoy the many comforts aboard Exploris One.

Exploris JF Fayolle1

© JF Fayolle

Day 13–16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Step Foot on the Frozen Seventh Continent

Spend four unforgettable days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula—a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and continues to enchant modern-day travellers.

Antarctica dazzles with its scale and silence. Towering peaks and electric-blue glaciers dominate the skyline, while chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie penguins crowd the shores. Crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals sprawl across the ice, and seabirds trace lazy arcs overhead. Listen for the thunderous crack of a calving glacier or the raucous chatter of penguins fiercely defending their perfect nesting pebble.

We’ll make the most of every opportunity to explore—whether it’s hiking along ridgelines with sweeping views, kayaking through brash ice, snowshoeing over white terrain, or enjoying spontaneous Zodiac cruises that bring you close to Antarctica’s wonders. Between landings, our on board experts will continue to share insights through lectures, workshops, and informal conversations.

Sites like Brown Bluff, Paradise Bay, and Neko Harbour offer ever-changing possibilities for exploration—each shaped by the mood of the sea, the will of the weather, and the wonders that await. We may visit Deception Island, the flooded caldera of a collapsed volcano, where black-sand beaches contrast starkly with snow and steam, or sail through the Gerlache Strait, threading among towering bergs and glacial cliffs.

As we cruise from one site to the next, take in the scenery from the outer decks or enjoy the ship’s health and wellness amenities—from the spa and sauna to the fitness centre and a relaxing massage. And for the truly adventurous, there may even be a chance to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters!

Scott Sporleder Antarctica South Georgia 7

© Scott Sporleder

Day 17: At Sea — Drake Passage
Indulge in Whale Watching and Iceberg Spotting

We set our course north across the legendary Drake Passage—the stretch of sea that separates Antarctica from South America. Named for explorer Sir Francis Drake, these waters are famously unpredictable—sometimes calm and still, other times wild and rolling.

Head out on deck to look for the mighty albatross that flies overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and drifting icebergs, or enjoy the view from the warmth of the observation lounge.

As our journey winds down, the expedition team shares closing reflections on the Antarctic Treaty and its vital role in protecting this region. After two weeks of wonder, we return with a renewed sense of connection—and a shared commitment to protecting this extraordinary part of the planet.

Scott Sporleder Antarctica South Georgia 2

© Scott Sporleder

Day 18: At Sea — Beagle Channel
Sail Past Fjords, Forests, and Wild Shores

Journey through the majestic Beagle Channel—a narrow, glacier-carved passageway that winds between the southern edges of Chile and Argentina. Framed by rugged mountains, windswept islands, and forests that spill down to the sea, this storied waterway—named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin—offers a peaceful stretch of sailing and a chance to reflect as seabirds wheel overhead and soft light plays across the water.

As we navigate past remote islets and rocky shores, watch for sea lions basking in the sun, imperial cormorants lining the cliffs, and dolphins weaving through the ship’s wake. With the Andes rising in every direction and the waters leading us gently toward Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel offers a serene and stirring finale.

Ushuaia View shutterstock

© Shutterstock

Day 19: Ushuaia, Argentina
A Fond Farewell

Disembark in Ushuaia after enjoying your final breakfast on the Exploris One. You have an included transfer to Ushuaia airport if you're flying home today, otherwise, enjoy some extra time exploring Tierra del Fuego and its rugged surroundings.

A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to your agent to organize this.

If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Pricing and Cabins

For solo cabin availability please contact us at [email protected].

Exploris One is the operator for this Antarctic expedition. This bilingual (English French) cruise offers a welcoming experience for all guests, with programming delivered in both languages throughout the journey. Join Adventure Canada's hosted group and embark on an unforgettable journey with Exploris One. Our collaborative efforts guarantee an engaging, informative, and enjoyable travel experience.

  • Cabin Category A
    Single Stateroom
    Deck 3

    $29,995 $23,996 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 9
    Owner's Suite
    Deck 7

    $36,395 $29,116 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 8
    Grand Suite
    Deck 7

    $31,860 $25,488 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 7
    Discovery Suite
    Deck 5

    $28,595 $22,876 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 6
    Navigator Suite
    Deck 7

    $27,295 $21,836 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 5
    Balcony Stateroom
    Deck 5

    $24,525 $19,620 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 4
    Deluxe Stateroom
    Deck 4

    $22,395 $17,916 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 3
    Ocean Stateroom
    Deck 3

    $20,695 $16,556 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 2
    Superior Stateroom
    Deck 4

    $19,995 $15,996 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

  • Cabin Category 1
    Premium Stateroom
    Deck 3

    $18,495 $14,796 USD

    Save 20%

    per person

Ship

Exploris one

Exploris One

  • Capacity for 144 passengers
  • Purpose-built for expedition travel
  • Design combines bold exploration with relaxed comfort and elegance
  • Well-suited for polar, temperate, and tropical environments

Learn more about Ship name

Details

  • Small-Ship Expedition Cruise

    The Great Austral Loop (Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula)

    November 22 to December 10, 2026

    From $18,495 to $36,395 USD

    per person

    Save 20%
    Applies to berth cost only

  • Single Supplement : Not available

  • Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile

    Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina

  • Group size: 120 guests
  • Fitness Level: Moderate
  • Age Limitation: 8 and over
  • Cruise Payment: International Cruise fares are priced in US dollars and are per person, per Cruise. A $2,500 USD deposit per person, per cruise is required to register. Your final balance for the Cruise is due 120 days prior to the scheduled departure date (“Departure Date”). All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. Adventure Canada reserves the right to cancel your booking if it is not paid within 120 days of the Departure Date or deny boarding due to any unpaid balances, without a refund to you. Name changes are not permitted.
  • Cancellation by the Passenger: Adventure Canada receiving a written notice of cancellation at least 121 days prior to the Departure Date, you shall receive a refund of the amount paid for the Cruise, less an administrative penalty of $2,500 USD per person, per Cruise. If a written notice of cancellation is received by Adventure Canada between 91 and 120 days prior to the Departure Date, the cancellation penalty is 65% of your total cruise cost. A refund of 35% of the amount paid for the Cruise will be issued provided the passenger is up to date on all payments. In the event of a cancellation made 95 days or less before the scheduled date of departure, you will forfeit any amount paid for the Cruise to that date. For these and other reasons mentioned within these Terms and Conditions, you are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive cancellation insurance at the time of registration.
  • Travel Insurance: A minimum of Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance is mandatory for participation in all Adventure Canada Cruises. You must carry a minimum of $500,000 USD per person emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
  • Future Travel Credit: Future Travel Credits do not apply to and will not be issued for any cancellation reason by the passenger.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included:

  • Full-board cruise from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day
  • Welcome cocktails and Captain’s Gala Dinner
  • Port taxes, disembarkation fees, and entry fees for protected areas (€50 per person per day)
  • Open Bar package
  • Room Service (menu available in the cabin)
  • Zodiac landings, zodiac cruises, kayak, and other onboard activities
  • Conferences, lectures, and briefings from a fully bilingual & highly qualified team of guides and naturalists
  • Boots specially adapted for polar conditions and a polar parka are provided by Exploris. The inner jacket of the parka is offered to all passengers

Not Included:

  • International flights to Punta Arenas & from Ushuaia
  • Cancellation, repatriation, baggage, and medical insurance (available on request)
  • Personal expenses (dry cleaning, massage, hairdresser, boutique...)
  • Crew gratuities at the traveler’s discretion (suggested at 12 €/night/person)
  • Any other services not mentioned in the program

Registration Agreement

Please note that you are not considered booked until your registration agreement and deposit have been received by Adventure Canada.

Contact Your Travel Advisor or Register Today


Terms and Conditions

Please review our full Specialty Cruise Terms and Conditions for complete details on your booking with Adventure Canada. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help.

Published itineraries are examples only, weather, ice, government regulations, and community requests may necessitate changes to the planned schedules. These sometimes necessary adjustments present exciting opportunities for exploration, discovery, and adventure.