Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica | Ocean Albatros | Antarctica Tours Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica | Ocean Albatros | Antarctica Tours
This expedition cruise takes passengers to the Antarctic and subantarctic regions, where they can see penguins, seals, whales, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and crosses the Drake Passage, a body of water known for its rough seas and powerful winds. Once in the Antarctic, passengers can make Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries and research stations, explore the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, and sail to Elephant Island and South Georgia. The cruise ends in the Falkland Islands, a wildlife paradise with quaint English architecture.

Day by day

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Discover the charming city and local countryside. Consider a trip to Tierra del Fuego, a natural, raw archipelago, off the tourist trail. This is a hiking paradise, with snow-capped mountains and glaciers. There are also flower-filled fields, bogs, and boggy quagmires. We then embark on the Ocean Albatros ship, which will be our home for the next few days.

We begin our journey by navigating through Beagle Channel. This is a calm strait located in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

Falkland Passage refers to a stretch of Southern Ocean that runs between South America's mainland and the Falkland Island. This usually involves a two-day voyage.

Your naturalist guide will give a series informative lectures and talks about wildlife, geology and other fascinating topics that make the Falklands so special.

You can also rely on your guides to identify the different species of birds you encounter as well as whales, dolphins and other cetaceans as you travel to your destination.

The Falkland Islands, also known in Spanish as Islas Malvinas, are a British overseas territory located 300 miles south of the Patagonian Coast and 750 kilometers from the Antarctic Peninsula.

The islands consist of two large islands, plus over 770 other smaller islets and islands. They are home to about 3,400 hardy islanders. The islands have a long history of conflicted sovereignty. They were not inhabited until the early 1700s.

The islands' economy, which was historically driven by fishing, farming and whaling has more recently been diversified to include sustainable tourism. The islands have an abundance of birds, including species that can be found nowhere else, and they are restoring habitats lost through grazing. They also farm in a more sustainable way.

You can visit a number of places to see penguins, seals and other endemic birds. In the Sound, and around the island's shoreline you can often see whales and dolphins.

Stanley is the historical capital of Hong Kong, and visitors have often commented that it reminds them how England was 50 years ago.

A 2-day sail is required to get to South Georgia from or to the Falklands. Your expert guides will entertain you on your journey to South Georgia with lectures and talks about the incredible concentration of Antarctic wildlife found there.

You'll learn more about the history and geology of the island as well as its significance in exploring (and exploiting) the Southern Ocean.

Your guides can help identify bird species, cetaceans, and any other marine life that you may see en route.

It might appear barren, as it is a remote mountainous island with no trees. The snow covers the land for most of the year. South Georgia, despite its barren appearance, is alive with activity!

South Georgia Pipit, the Antarctic's sole songbird, as well as the South Georgia pintail duck, are only found in this area.

Cruise the South Georgia coast and you'll be amazed by its high, rugged mountains.

Relics from this early 20th century industry can be found all over the island. They are reminders of human history and the exploitation of Antarctica's natural resources.

We spend the next few days travelling along the southernmost waters of the South Atlantic Sea, passing the 60th Parallel South. From this point on we're in the Southern Ocean.

While at sea, we will have a number of different activities onboard. This is a great opportunity for you to meet other travelers.

The presence of animals multiplies by thousands as the white shimmering of Antarctica appears on the horizon. This includes a variety of penguin species, curious seals, nesting bird and sprays of marine mammals.

The Antarctic Sound, a spectacular destination that is home to beautiful icebergs and the Weddell sea is the gateway into the Weddell.

As you pass Joinville Island, this 30-mile-long stretch of water cuts through the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Sound, which has only been visited by cruises on expeditions since 2005 is sometimes referred to as "iceberg Alley", and cruises can be stopped if the ice shelves surrounding the Sound calve in great numbers.

The Antarctic Sound, with its imposing, towering icebergs, and breathtaking glaciated mountains is one of the most stunning sights on the peninsula.

Drake Passage refers to a notorious stretch of ocean that runs between South America's tip and the South Shetland Islands, and ends at the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Drake Passage usually takes two or three days, so this is the perfect time to get to know your Antarctic Naturalist Guides. You'll learn about Antarctica through a series fascinating lectures and talks.

You can always count on your guides to identify seabird species, whales or other cetaceans en route towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

We arrive in Ushuaia this morning to conclude our journey. You can either continue on your adventure or start your return.

Includes

  • Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
  • Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boots loan scheme
  • Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
  • English-speaking Expedition Team
  • Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
  • Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
  • Taxes and landing fees
  • Special photo workshops
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties

Does not Include

  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)

Highlights

  • Crossing the Drake Passage
  • Visiting the South Shetland Islands
  • Exploring the Antarctic Sound
  • Entering the Weddell Sea
  • Sailing between Elephant Island and South Georgia
  • Visiting the Falkland Islands
Paradise Bay | Antarctica
Ushuaia | Antarctica
Drake Passage | Antarctica
Penguins | South Georgia | Antarctica

Activities

Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica
18 Days
From $11,590.00 per person