Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina – the gateway to Antarctica! Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, a transfer is provided to the hotel. After checking in, take time to explore the city. Browse local shops for souvenirs or sample traditional Argentinian cuisine at a nearby restaurant. In the evening, attend a welcome meeting at the hotel to meet fellow travelers and the Expedition Team. This session provides important details about the journey ahead and the embarkation process. Afterward, consider visiting a local bar or restaurant to enjoy a relaxing evening before the adventure begins.

Special information
An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare.

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Ushuaia at your own pace. Stroll through the charming town with a camera or pick up any last-minute essentials. In the afternoon, transfer to the port and board the Ocean Nova, the expedition vessel for the journey ahead. Settle into the cabin before sailing through the historic Beagle Channel toward Antarctica. Take in the stunning views as Argentina fades into the distance, then head inside to join informative sessions about the adventure ahead. In the evening, explore the ship and enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining room.

As you sail, spend time out on deck or on the ship's bridge scanning the horizon for wildlife. Keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses on their lengthy migration routes, and look for the telltale splash of breaching whales or the dorsal fins of other mighty marine mammals breaking the water's surface. You could also settle in for presentations given by your expert Expedition Team on topics like the behaviour of humpback whales, the life cycles of penguins, the formation of the Antarctic ice sheet, and more. Evenings on board are equally memorable. After a day of learning and wildlife spotting, head to the warmth of the ship's Panorama Lounge. Enjoy a drink in hand as you swap stories with your fellow travellers, sharing the excitement of your journey.

You’ll approach the Falkland Islands this morning – a wildlife photographer’s dream. Here, you can find the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of penguins that breed on the islands, including gentoo, king, Macaroni, Magellanic, and rockhopper. Once in Stanley, the capital, learn about the intriguing and controversial past of the Falkland Islands from local experts. Near the town, you may see southern giant petrels, Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. Weather permitting, you may explore Saunders Island, the second-largest island in the Falklands, and The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces. On the afternoon of Day 5, following the morning excursion, farewell the Falkland Islands and sail towards South Georgia.

From the outer decks, keep your eyes on the horizon for seabirds and other passing wildlife as you settle in for two days at sea en route to South Georgia. This remarkable destination offers many experiences, from fascinating history and geology to incredible wildlife encounters. While on board the cosy Ocean Nova, take part in engaging presentations led by your Expedition Team, designed to prepare you for the wonders that await you at South Georgia.

Over the next few days, you’ll explore the island of South Georgia, once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers and now a protected site with dedicated Antarctic research teams. You’ll explore various landing sites and learn about the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton, known for his incredible survival during a failed expedition south. You’ll spend several days retracing some of Shackleton’s steps and visiting his grave at the ex-whaling station of Grytviken, located on the east side. Wander among hundreds of thousands of king penguins in the dramatic South Georgian light, visit old whaling stations, and enjoy educational presentations on the past and present of the area. Across the island, you’ll see dark volcanic beaches backgrounded by hanging glaciers and have the chance to go on day hikes among alpine lakes.

Special information
Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites. 

During your next couple of days at sea, experience sweeping vistas from the Panorama Lounge or the outer decks. You should take this opportunity to relax and recharge or play games of cards at the bar with your shipmates. Whatever takes your fancy – the ship is yours to explore!

Today, you’ll voyage south towards continental Antarctica. For the next five days, you’ll dedicate your time to searching for wildlife from land, ship, and Zodiac. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. With numerous landing sites to explore, your Expedition Team carefully selects the best options based on weather, accessibility, and wildlife activity. Depending on the conditions, you may also have the chance to enhance your journey with optional adventures like camping on the ice (a serene and silent experience like no other), day paddling across icy waters, or snowshoeing across untouched terrain. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova – a swift dip into Antarctica’s freezing waters that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised!

Special information
Optional activities such as Day Paddle, Camping, and Snowshoeing are very dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Your experienced Expedition Team provides regular updates on which days they are available throughout your voyage.

Day Paddle and Camping have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel. Snowshoeing must be booked onboard via your Expedition Team.

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to treasure, as not all expeditions venture this far south. If weather permits, a celebration is held after reaching latitude 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in! While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. You’ll travel past colossal icebergs to a point where only a few travellers have ever sailed.

As the Ocean Nova heads north, you’ll feel more confident navigating the wonders of the Antarctic waters. Test your newfound penguin expertise and sharpen your wildlife-spotting skills as you identify fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and shore landings continue, offering ample opportunities to see the peninsula’s diverse wildlife and capture stunning photographs of your adventure.

Settle back into your comfortable surroundings aboard the Ocean Nova for the return journey across the Drake Passage. The Ocean Nova tracks north towards your destination of Ushuaia, Argentina, arriving into the calmer waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 23. During these final sea days, you can attend more onboard lectures and enjoy a slideshow of images captured by the Expedition Photographer during your voyage. Now is also the chance to catch up with your shipmates and share stories about your voyage over a meal or a drink at the bar.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team, and fellow travellers as you disembark in Ushuaia. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

Special information
If you would like to stay on in Ushuaia beyond today or would like to explore South America, please speak to your booking agent to discuss options. If you are flying out today, please don’t book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavorable weather conditions.