Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia - Antarctic Cruise

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia | Magellan Explorer | Antarctica ToursFalklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia | Magellan Explorer | Antarctica Tours

Summary of Activities (2024-25 Season)

Embark on a 17-day expedition from Punta Arenas, Chile, that seamlessly integrates the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and South Georgia. Immerse yourself in the Falklands, observing rockhopper and gentoo penguins thriving in their natural surroundings. Witness Black-browed albatrosses and petrels soaring high above from the comfort of your zodiac. Explore local settlements on foot, connecting with the inhabitants who have called this island home for generations.

Continue the journey to South Georgia, where majestic mountains are perpetually cloaked in thick layers of ice and snow. Wildlife reigns supreme on this island paradise. Visit one of the world's largest king penguin colonies and witness elephant seals basking on the shores. As we navigate from bay to bay, be on the lookout for whales and graceful seabirds soaring across the sky.

17 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Punta Arenas

Commencing at 9:00 hrs., head to Explorers House in Punta Arenas to utilize the amenities. At 16:00 hrs., a collective transfer will transport you to the port for boarding. While navigating the Strait of Magellan, our Expedition Team will provide insights into the historical significance of this legendary sea passage.

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: At Sea

Experience the ship's hospitality during our journey to the Falklands (Malvinas), where a captivating series of lectures and presentations will commence.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: Saunders Island & Carcass Island

Savor a morning at Saunders Island, reveling in its expansive white-sand beach. Amidst the wilderness, encounter rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatrosses, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. Later in the day, explore Carcass Island, with opportunities for a leisurely hike to the settlement, bird watching, and indulging in a traditional Falklands tea experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: Port Stanley

Participate in guided walking tours of Port Stanley or Gipsy Cove led by our expedition team. Alternatively, venture out independently to soak in the atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a local pub, visit the maritime museum, explore the church, hunt for souvenirs, or stroll down Ross Road. Pay homage at the war memorials along the waterfront.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 & 6: South Georgia

While sailing towards South Georgia, engage in presentations about the archipelago's history and fauna. Accompanied by expert guides, keep a lookout for wildlife from the lounge or outside decks. Marvel at magnificent seabirds like albatrosses and petrels, and be on the lookout for various whale species.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7: Elsehul Bay

Arrival in the afternoon is scheduled, contingent on sea conditions in the preceding days. Pending approval from the South Georgia government, an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay is planned.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8: Grytviken & Fortuna Bay 

Initiating our exploration, we first land at Grytviken. After clearing Customs, we explore the historical site featuring a museum and Ernest Shackleton's grave. In the afternoon, we reach Fortuna Bay/Stromness to witness king penguins. Delve into the legacy of Shackleton and his expedition, with an optional 2-3 hour "Shackleton walk" available.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9: Gold Harbour & Cooper Bay

The morning entails a landing at Gold Harbour, a breathtaking locale boasting king penguins, elephant seals, and suspended glaciers, with the added presence of sooty albatrosses. In the afternoon, embark on a Zodiac cruise to Cooper Bay for a glimpse of macaroni penguins.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10: St Andrews Bay & Ocean Harbour 

Our morning excursion takes us to St Andrews Bay, showcasing a shipwreck and remnants of the whaling industry. Witness the largest king penguin colony and elephant seal bulls. In the afternoon, we schedule a Zodiac cruise and landing at Ocean Harbour.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11: Prion Island & Salisbury Plain

Our morning itinerary includes a visit to Prion Island to observe nesting wandering albatrosses. In the afternoon, we proceed to Salisbury Plain for additional sightings of king penguins and breathtaking landscapes.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12, 13 & 14: Falkland Islands

The educational program persists as we journey back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15: Bleaker Island

Experience an evening landing at Bleaker Island, renowned for its natural reserve and a prominent bird area hosting a diverse array of bird species.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16: At Sea

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17: Punta Arenas

Upon reaching Punta Arenas, disembark and join a group transfer to the town center, marking the conclusion of the expedition. Explorers House remains at your disposal for the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast
 | Faroe Islands |  Antarctica
 | Disko Island | huge icebergs
+12
 | Falkland | Penguins Colony
 | Paradise Bay |  AntarcticaCarcass Island  | Falkland | Falcon | Scoresby Sund | Icebergs floating | Falkland | Rockhopper, Black-browed Albatross colonyCarcass Island  | Falkland |  Antarctica | Chilean Fjords |  AntarcticaFortuna Bay | South Georgia |  Antarctica | Falkland | Bird | Jan Mayen |  Antarctica | Falkland | Orca | Paulet Island |  Antarctica | Lemaire Channel  |  Antarctica

17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Includes

  • Comprehensive material containing information before and after the journey.
  • Exclusive entry to Explorers House granted to Punta Arenas guests.
  • The provision of waterproof boots for shore excursions, charges for landings, a contingency plan, and the IAATO passenger fee.
  • Daily buffet-style breakfast, along with à la carte lunch and dinner options, inclusive of beverages such as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and onboard snacks.
  • Included in the package are guided shore excursions, along with onboard lectures and entertainment.

17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Does not Include

  • Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
  • Internet connection on board the ship.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Gratuities
  • Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
  • Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.

17 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

  • Witness the world's largest king penguin colony and observe elephant seals.
  • Attend educational presentations on South Georgia's history and fauna.
  • Engage in an educational program during the return journey to the Falkland Islands.

Itinerary Map

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia

17 Day Antarctica cruise 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.

Animals you might see on this itinerary

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