Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle

Where the world ends, your journey begins. Ushuaia, Argentina, The city of Faro, renowned as the world's southernmost town, can be found on the far side. Southern tip of South America. You depart in the late afternoon. This small town in Tierra del Fuego is nicknamed the "End of Sail the Beagle Channel, a mountain-fringed channel for "the World" Rest of the evening

The vessel is followed by several albatross species into the westerlies. Storm petrels are also known as diving petrels and shearwaters.

It is easy to approach the wildlife on the Falkland Island, but caution should be taken. The Falkland Islands are little-known gems that were the scene of the 1982 conflict between Argentina and the UK. You can see Peale’s dolphins as well as Commerson’s dolphins swimming in the nearby waters. You may also visit these sites during this part of your voyage:

Westpoint Island - The island is home to a variety of birds, from the shorebirds near the landing area up to the black-browed Albatrosses nesting. There is also a rockhopper penguin rookery, which has to climb up from the ocean to reach their nests with the albatrosses.

Saunders Island - Saunders Island is home to the imperial shags (which are breeding) and rockhoppers penguins. Here you can also find gentoos, Magellanic and King penguins.

Port Stanley, the capital and cultural center of Falkland Islands, has a Victorian charm. It is full of colorful Victorian houses, well-tended garden, and English style. Here you will find pubs. Nearby, you can see several hundred-year-old clipper vessels that are silent witnesses of the struggles faced by sailors in 19th century. You can also see several century-old clipper ships nearby, silent witnesses to the hardships of 19th century sailors. A small, but fascinating museum covers the history of the Falklands from the beginnings to the Falklands War. Around 2,100 people reside in Port Stanley. The museum admission is included.

On your way to South Georgia you will now pass the Antarctic Convergence. Within a short time, the temperature drops dramatically. Due to collisions of water columns, nutrient-rich water is brought to the surface. The seabirds are attracted to the vessel by this phenomenon. There are several albatross species, as well as shearwaters and petrels.

You have arrived at your first South Georgia site. Remember that the weather in this region can be difficult, and largely dictates your program. You will have the opportunity to see the following places over the next few days: 

Prion Island - This area is closed for the first part of the Wandering Albatross breeding period (November 20 to January 7). In January, breeding adults will have identified their partners. They are now sitting on their eggs or breastfeeding their chicks. The gentleness of this animal, with the biggest wingspan in the world, is a delight to watch.

Fortuna Bay - The beautiful Fortuna Glacier outwash plain is the home of many king penguins, seals and other seabirds. You can also follow Shackleton’s final route from the whaling town of Stromness to this beautiful outwash plain. The path follows the pass that lies beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall. It is also partly swampy so be ready to cross some small streams.

Salisbury Plains, St. Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour - The three biggest colonies of king penguins in South Georgia are also the largest breeding beaches on the planet for Antarctic fur seals. During December and January, South Georgia is home to literally millions of breeding fur seals. In February, the fur seal pups have become playful and curious. They fill the waves with fun. The large elephant seals moult on the beaches.

Grytviken - In an abandoned whaling base, elephant seals and king penguins roam the streets like the own the place. You may be able see Shackleton’s grave as well as the South Georgia Museum. On day 10, depending on weather conditions, and the time of year, we'll start our journey south in direction of South Orkney Islands.

Sea ice may exist on this route. At the edge, some snow petrels and south polars skuas might join other seabirds following the vessel, south.

Depending on conditions, it is possible to visit Orcadas Base on Laurie Island, a scientific station of Argentina in the South Orkney Archipelago. Personnel here will be able to provide you with a wealth of information. The facility offers a panoramic view of the glaciers surrounding it. You can land on Coronation Island instead if a visit to the island is not possible. Shingle Cove.

The route you've just completed is roughly the same (if in the other direction) that Sir Ernest Shackleton took in spring using only the James Caird lifeboat. The year 1916. It's impossible not to be amazed at what he and his crew of five accomplished after crossing so much water. This feat is no mean achievement Shackleton made the crossing to save 22 members of his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (also known as Endurance Expedition), who were shipwrecked. Stranded on Elephant Island. Shackleton carried out this rescue for four and half months. Elephant Island is in a very harsh environment. Most of the coastline is made up by vertical rock and Ice cliffs that are highly exposed to elements. You should take the Zodiacs at Point Wild where Shackleton’s marooned expedition members miraculously survived.

You can sail to the Antarctic Sound, which is located at the Weddell sea's northwestern tip. The eastern edge of the Weddell Sea is marked by colossal icebergs. The Antarctic Peninsula. Brown Bluff could be a possible landing site, where you might get to step foot on Antarctica.

South Shetland's volcanic islands are often windswept, and covered in mist. But they offer subtle pleasures. There is a variety of plants (mosses and lichens), and a large number of animals (gentoo and chinstrap petrels, and southern giant penguins). The ship enters the caldera of Deception Island through Neptune’s Bellows. You will find a whaling base abandoned, along with thousands of Cape petrels. Also, you can see kelp-gulls and brown or south polarskuas. Antarctic terns are also present. This fascinating volcanic landscape is perfect for a good hike.

Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and unique polar wildlife below and above welcome you into the otherworldly expanse of Antarctica. You enter the area around Gerlache Strait, venturing into one of the most beautiful settings Antarctica has to offer. Sites you may visit here include:

Neko Harbour - An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.

Paradise Bay - You may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there's a good chance you'll encounter humpback and minke whales.

The aim is then to head south. If conditions allow, sites you can visit 'over' the polar circle include:

Crystal Sound - Your journey takes you south along the Argentine Islands to this ice-packed body of water, and from here across the Polar Circle in the morning.

Detaille Island - You may make a landing at an abandoned British research station here, taking in the island's lofty mountains and imposing glaciers.

Pourquoi Pas Island - You might circumnavigate this island, named after the ship of the famous French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot. This location is known for its tight fjords and lofty, glacier-crowded mountains.

Horseshoe Island - This is the location of the former British Base Y, a remnant of the 1950s that is now unmanned though still equipped with almost all the technology it had while in service. As with all of our Antarctic trips, conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

You're not alone on your return trip. You'll see the same seabirds you saw on the way south as you cross the Drake. They seem more familiar now to you, as do you.

No matter how great the adventure may be, it must end. Now it's time to leave Ushuaia with the memories you will carry. Wherever your next adventure takes you, we'll be there.