Itinerary and Pricing Small-Ship Expedition Cruise
Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Circle

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
The Adventure Begins

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. The first night of your voyage will be spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). Take the opportunity to explore at your leisure independently.

Visit the excellent museums along the main street, Avenida San Martin, or wander the streets and take in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south. Be sure to check out the many shops, artisan markets, and cafés.

If you have the time, discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park in South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastlines, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats, and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean condor, Magellanic oystercatcher, kelp goose, austral parakeet, and torrent duck.

Day 2: Ushuaia
Embark the Ocean Endeavour

After a morning of independent exploration in Ushuaia, transfer to the port of Ushuaia and embark on the Ocean Endeavour in the late afternoon.

In the evening, we’ll set sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As we leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels, and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.

Day 3: At Sea
Learn On Board

As our comprehensive lecture program gets underway, you will have the opportunity to get to know your expedition team experts. Our polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a deeper understanding of its wildlife, history, and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead.

The expedition team comprises experts on the marine life that inhabits these parts and will be actively scouting for sightings. You can join them on the bridge and spacious outer decks maximizing your chances of encountering the diverse marine species that inhabit these waters.

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

Have your camera and binoculars ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but also the incredible scenery.

Over the next couple of days, we’ll explore East and West Island by Zodiac and on foot as we make daily shore landings and maybe even discover smaller inlets by kayak.

Learn about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands as we explore the quaint capital of Port Stanley, with its British outpost feel. Near the town you may see southern giant petrels, the endemic Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls, and dolphin gulls. There are also black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures.

As we explore the islands, look out for the five species of penguins found here, large populations of black-browed albatross, elephant and fur seals, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins, orcas, and a myriad of bird species including the Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, imperial shags, and Cobb’s wrens.

Day 6–7: At Sea
On Board Learning

After our exploration of the Falkland Islands, we set sail on a course further east and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in South Georgia—fascinating history, geology and of course, wildlife!

As we sail, scan the horizon for seabirds and underwater silhouettes. Enjoy the opportunity to learn from our expert team who will deliver informative presentations that highlight the area's dramatic history, remarkable marine wildlife encounters, and other insightful topics.

Take the opportunity to swap stories with your fellow expeditioners, whether that be in the on-board jacuzzi or over lunch at Polaris restaurant.

Day 8–11: South Georgia
Penguins and Seal Colonies

South Georgia captivates every traveller who steps foot on its shores. Home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, here penguins number in the hundreds of thousands, blanketing beaches as far as the eye can see.

We’ll spend three days exploring this stunningly beautiful place—an island that is not only overrun with an incredible array of fauna but one that is steeped in history. South Georgia was an intrinsic part of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance expedition and was once the centre of the whaling industry.

South Georgia—known as the “Galapagos of the South”— is home to over thirty million breeding birds, thousands of seals, the introduced Norwegian reindeer, nesting sites of the Wandering Albatross, four breeding species of penguin, and the largest colony of King Penguins on the planet. If the wildlife is not enough, the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance your visit: emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks, and blue glacier ice.

Every day provides a different experience and a different location. Stand in awe amongst tens of thousands of penguins, look out across beaches carpeted with elephant seals, visit the remains of abandoned whaling stations, and even the grave of Shackleton himself.

Day 12–13: At Sea
Birdwatching

Saying goodbye to the wildlife of South Georgia, we head southwest towards the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, where the silence is broken only by the call of birds.

Attend lectures and presentations by the expert expedition team, relax and unwind in the sauna and spa, and take advantage of all the other amenities on board.

Day 14–18: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Step Foot on the Frozen Seventh Continent

Spend four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals modern-day travellers. Enjoy exploring by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs. We’ll make the most of every opportunity to go ashore, where friendly penguins and spectacular panoramic views await. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and, of course, learn more about photography from on board experts.

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife—from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals, and a plethora of fascinating seabirds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites.

As we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the views from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Make the most of the ship’s health and fitness facilities, from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.

Day 19–20: Antarctic Circle
Reach Your Furthest South

Depending on the weather conditions, we will continue southwards in an attempt to reach latitude 66°33'S and cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. Our voyage south takes us past colossal, often beautifully sculpted icebergs, to a point on Earth only a few travellers have ever sailed. If we reach this momentous goal, we will toast the explorers who first ventured this far south and celebrate our own impressive achievement. This land is home to the midnight sun, shifting ice, and incredible ice formations. Weddell seals are found here, as are humpback whales and minke whales that feed on the krill-rich waters.

Weddell seals in particular are specially adapted to this icy environment, using their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain breathing holes in the ice. They also have extremely accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down and they are no longer able to maintain or create breathing holes.

Day 21–22: At Sea – Drake Passage
Whale Watching and Iceberg Spotting

The renowned Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is unpredictable—often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake—so be prepared!

Head out on deck to look for the mighty albatross that flies overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.

Day 23: Ushuaia, Argentina
A Fond Farewell

Disembark in Ushuaia after enjoying your final breakfast on the Ocean Endeavour. 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.