Steeped in Shackleton and whaling lore, covered mostly in glaciers, South Georgia explodes with life: king, Gentoo, and macaroni penguins, enormous elephant seals, and a thriving fur seal population. In South Georgia, you can observe one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles: tens of thousands of stately king penguins on a single beach. The Falkland Islands are equally impressive, with colonies of nesting albatross and rockhopper penguins. This British Territory also adds a human element, with remote settlements and people living off the land.
Highlights
Visit a massive king penguin colony in South Georgia
Observe seabirds such as albatrosses, skuas, and penguins
Hike in the footsteps of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton
Paddle past curious fur seals, and cruise in a Zodiac among icebergs
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Buenos Aires. Transfer from the airport to the Alvear Icon or similar (National Geographic Endurance) before setting out on a guided tour of the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and parks. Visit Recoleta—the final resting place of Argentina's iconic first lady, Eva Perón—and enjoy a private visit to El Zanjon de Granados, one of the city’s premier museums.
Gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel in the early evening.
Fly southward to Ushuaia—aka ‘The End of the World’—sandwiched between ice-mantled peaks and the protected waters of Beagle Channel. Savor lunch onboard a private catamaran as you cruise the Channel, keeping an eye out for plump sea lions and sleek imperial cormorants. By day’s end, embark and settle into your floating expedition home base
Feel the excitement build as you depart South America and enter the chilly realm of the Far South Atlantic. Visit the Bridge (the ship's nerve center and ideal for spotting wildlife), enjoy a massage, and listen in on informal gatherings with the naturalist staff as they discuss what to expect in the wilds of the Falklands. Spend time on deck scanning the horizon for petrels, penguins, and albatross.
Everything you love about expedition travel seems to come together in the western Falkland Islands. Where else can you land on a beach tucked into a rocky cove, hike out across a rolling green pasture, and suddenly find yourself at the crest of a sea cliff looking out over the South Atlantic surf? Just a few steps further, you’re standing at the edge of a breeding colony of black-browed albatross, so close that you can hear the wind on their wings as they swoop into land beside you. Check out the thousands of irresistible gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins congregating here, along with magnificent albatross and fur seals.
Expedition days at sea invite you to pause, catch a breath, and absorb some of the experiences you've already accumulated—before marching off on a range of all-new ones. It’s a great time to get some background on the history of Antarctic exploration and the flora, fauna, and geology of your next destination: South Georgia. And to learn from the naturalists how to identify the seabirds that inevitably follow there: wandering albatross, prions, and others.
Explore the spectacular coastline of South Georgia Island. In keeping with the nature of an expedition, your schedule is flexible with opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. Sailing along the coast, you can plan to offer activities every day including visits to Grytviken, the final resting place of Shackleton, and Stromness Harbour, where Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached aid at a whaling station. The island also has huge elephant seals and thousands of king penguins.
Relax onboard and enjoy the ship’s amenities. Head up to the Bridge to observe expert navigation at work as your skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day, the naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
With whales beneath and birds above, head up to the bridge or spend these days enjoying the ship’s spa, fitness center, library, and observation deck. After time at sea, your journey across the South Atlantic Ocean takes you again to the island archipelago that teems with nature. In the afternoon, you visit Stanley, the bright, pretty capital of the Falkland Islands, a charming outpost of British culture tucked into a small bay on the shore of these windswept islands in the far South Atlantic. Many Falkland Islanders still live in very traditional ways, and you’ll have a chance to visit a small farm to see some expert sheep shearing and learn about the best techniques for cutting blocks of peat for the fire. The rocky hills and white sand beaches outside town offer some excellent hikes, and afterward, a cup of tea or a pint at the local tavern goes down very nicely.
Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark | Fly to Buenos Aires or Santiago
After breakfast, you'll disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your private charter flight to Santiago or Buenos Aires to connect with your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 15 Dinners
16 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
4 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
5 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
7 months ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
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