Antarctica & South Georgia small group expedition cruise

The Antarctic Peninsula

Our voyage starts from Ushuaia. After we exit the Beagle Channel we find ourselves on the open ocean for a 2-day crossing of the Drake Passage. During our sea voyage you might see albatrosses and storm petrels flying alongside the ship, so it's always worth having a look outside. Once we arrive in the calmer waters off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, we will generally plan landings and zodiac excursions two to three times a day. Sometimes we will cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, watch whales that are feeding near the surface or go ashore for a hike and a close encounter with penguins. In between landings you can enjoy lectures about the wildlife, geology, history and geography of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Places we might visit include islands of the coast of Antarctica as well as locations on the continent itself. Like Paradise Harbour, a protected bay surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks and spectacular glaciers. The wildlife-rich Half Moon Islandwhere a large Chinstrap penguin rookery lives between basaltic turrets coloured by yellow and orange lichens. Volcanic Deception Island with black beaches and steam rising from hot springs along the shore. And the famous Lemaire Channel where the water is often so still that it perfectly reflects the high cliffs that rise on both sides of the ice-packed channel. Throughout our voyage we'll keep an eye out for wildife, as leopard seals, whales and penguins may show themselves at any time!

The Island of South Georgia

Our voyage from Antarctica to South Georgia will take 2 to 3 days. During our crossing we might stop at the South Orkney Islands for a visit to the Argentine scientific station Orcadas Base, before we sail the final stretch to South Georgia.
South Georgia is a tiny island in the Southern Ocean, one of the most isolated places on our planet. A steep mountain range traces the spine of this long, narrow island, creating a breathtaking backdrop when wildlife watching and photographing.
Unlike Antarctica, where hardly any remnants of human activity can be found, South Georgia has a long and turbulent history of human interference. In Grytviken, the Elepahnt Seals sleep amidst the ruins of factory buildings. Abandoned ships lie sunken alongside the old docks and holes in concrete walls remind us of the more recent Falkland's War, which started here. The famous polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton was laid to rest at Grytviken. We hope to visit the cross his men erected on a hill looking out over Cumberland Bay. As we explore South Georgia, we will have the opportunity to reflect on Shackleton’s epic journey.

St. Andrews Bay

The sandy black beach is a resting place for hundreds of Elephant seals that haul out on the shore to moult. Behind the beach, the sight and sound of tens upon tens of thousands of King penguins at different stages of their breeding cycle will be overwhelming. The glacial river that runs into the sea here will be alive with penguin chicks and Elephant seal pups testing their aquatic skills. If we lift our gaze from the wildlife for a moment, we will glimpse the snow-capped peaks of some of the world's most spectacular mountains and glaciers.

Godthul

Prion Island

We will aim to visit Prion Island where we can sit quietly to see serene albatrosses sitting proudly on their eggs or watch their cute downy chicks. We may be blessed by the performance of an intimate courtship dance, or may witness a youngster being lovingly fed. We might see adolescents exercising their wide wing spans, trying to launch themselves into the air, as they realise that mum and dad will no longer feed them and they must leave the island in search of food.

Salisbury Plain

Stanley - Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

We leave South Georgia behind us and head north towards the Falkland Islands. Our adventure ends in Stanley, the tiny capital of the Islands. This village-size town has a lot to explore along its' sheltered harbour. From here you can make your way home or extend your journey with a few more days of exploring. The Falklands are another natural gem, offering an abundance of wildlife that is usually easy to approach. You will find a spectacular variation of birdlife here, including five types of penguin (Gentoo, King, Macaroni, Magellanic and Rockhopper). The scenic beauty of the islands creates the perfect backdrop for your wildlife photography. From white sandy beaches to high cliffs, there's a different scenery in every direction you look.