South Georgia Island, Antarctica & Falklands
on the M/V Greg Mortimer or the M/V Sylvia Earle

21 days - 20 nights

Day 1 - Ushuaia

Reception at the airport in the city of Ushuaia and transfer to the hotel. This day you must remove the labels from your luggage at the hotel assigned by the shipping company and confirm if you wish to navigate the Beagle Channel and Los Lobos Island in tomorrow. A representative of the shipping company will give details of the shipment.

Day 2 - Boarding and departure from the port of Ushuaia, after sailing through the Beagle Channel.

This morning, enjoy a pleasant breakfast at the hotel, then we will pick you up at the hotel at noon to go sailing on the Beagle Channel, visiting the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse (as long as you have confirmed the day before in the lobby of the hotel). First check that your cabin luggage is properly labeled with your name and cabin number. Once checked, leave it at the hotel reception, so that it can be transferred to the corresponding cabin on the boat. Otherwise, enjoy the entire morning free in Ushuaia. In that case around 3:45pm they will pick you up from the hotel lobby to transfer you to the port dock to board. During the navigation through the Beagle Channel we will cross the Bridges Archipelago, we will slow down to observe colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sunbathing on the rocky outcrops, while seagulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses are often seen. and cauquenes.

Once boarded in the afternoon, the M/V Greg Mortimer begins its journey, we will meet on the deck to begin our adventure with spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. You will have time to settle into her cabin before our important briefings. Tonight, she will meet her fellow expedition members and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of an exciting Antarctic adventure. Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch is on your own.

Day 3 to 4 - Drake Passage, arriving at the South Shetland Islands

As we begin the crossing of the Drake Passage, we make the most of our time to get comfortable with the movements of the sea. Our expedition team prepares you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosafety procedures and begins our lecture program to help you learn more about the history, wildlife and environment of Antarctica. Our wildlife experiences begin when we enjoy observing and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels that follow us. They rise and fall skillfully, using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.

On the fourth day we approach the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the excitement is palpable with each of the meeting points at one of the observation platforms, on the horizon we see the first icebergs. The ocean takes on a new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to stay with you for a lifetime. Weather permitting, we can attempt our first landing in Antarctica in the late afternoon.

Day 5 to 8 - Antarctic Peninsula

It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Discovering your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of the freshest, freshest air in the world is an experience that will stay with you forever. Once we arrive, we will be able to explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, and we will have a wealth of options available. Because we are so far south we will have approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you like. Their experienced expedition team, who have made countless trips to this area, will use their experience to design your trip day by day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. We generally carry out Zodiac landings or excursions twice a day. You'll want to bundle up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among stranded icebergs, keeping an eye out for whales, seals, and porpoise penguins. The zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin colonies, discover historic cabins and explore some of our favorite places along the peninsula.

While on land, our goal is to stretch our legs, strolling along pebble beaches or perhaps climbing snow-covered ridges to viewpoints with mountains towering above our heads and ice-flecked oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to participate in the activity whenever conditions allow and of course polar diving enthusiasts will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in polar waters, conditions permitting! The polar dive can take place at any time during the trip, so listen to the expedition team's announcement and get ready for the most exciting dive of your life! In addition to Zodiac departures and shore excursions, we can sail by boat through some of the spectacular straits that separate the coastal islands from the mainland, or stop in picturesque bays to watch whales traveling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or head to the bridge (open at the captain's discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its glory. Listen to the crunch and deep rumble of the glaciers as they head out to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.

Day 9 to 10 - By the Scottish Sea towards South Georgia Island

On the way to South Georgia Island, we'll head across the Scottish Sea, following the route Shackleton and five of his men took to find help for the rest of his crew. On April 24, 1916, they piled into the James Caird, the shelterest of their open boats, to attempt this dangerous journey to South Georgia: some 1,290 km / 801 mi. distance. Shackleton hoped to reach southern Georgia in two weeks. There he would count on the help of the whalers to return to Elephant Island and rescue the men who had been left behind.

“There were almost always gales. So small was our ship and so great the sea, that often our sail waved idly in the calm between the crests of two waves. “Then we would climb the next slope and take in the full fury of the gale where the wool-like whiteness of the water broke around us.” - Ernest Shackleton

Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures from our expedition team and learn about the wildlife, history and culture of the places you will visit on the trip. You may want to use the sauna and hot tubs, get active in the fitness center, or borrow a book from our well-stocked library and relax in one of the many viewing areas on board the ship.

Day 11 to 15 - South Georgia Island

Over the next few days, marvel at the incredible scenes of South Georgia, such as the huge, bustling colonies of king penguins, sea lions fighting for space on the beach, stunning mountain landscapes, and discover the epic journey of Shackleton rescue. As you approach the rugged island of South Georgia, think of Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 believing it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent. In fact, it is a small island only 176 km (110 mi) long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft) snow-capped mountain range, some of the largest congregations of wildlife in the world, and a truly human history. Fascinating, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches.

On daily departures with the Zodiac boats, discover bays full of loud and playful sea lions and disembark on pebble beaches (beaches with pebbles - thick stones) to meet curious penguins. Challenge yourself with hiking and enjoy dazzling unspoiled landscapes seen by few. South Georgia is a place where you can truly feel like you have truly escaped your normal daily life. In addition to Zodiac boats and shore excursions, we can sail by boat through fjords with towering ancient stone cliffs or into deeply indented bays towards spectacular glacier fronts. This is a good time to find a comfortable spot in the viewing room to enjoy uninterrupted views of South Georgia's majestic coastline.

South Georgia is one of the most amazing natural environments in the world. Just a speck on the vastness of the South Atlantic Ocean, and lying entirely within the Antarctic Convergence, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a refuge for the life of some of the largest congregations of wildlife in the world. . The surrounding sea is one of the most productive areas on Earth, supporting the lives of millions of seals, whales, penguins and other seabirds. A mountain range forms the backbone of this long, narrow island.

Between the mountains, shattered glaciers carve their way through scrub grass to the deeply indented coast, a landscape that is synonymous with Shackleton, Worsley and Crean's epic survival expedition. Rusty, abandoned whaling stations and explorer remains reflect the passage of time, while summer workers carry out scientific and regeneration projects. As we explore South Georgia, we will have the opportunity to reflect on Shackleton's epic voyage. We also hope to visit the remains of South Georgia's thriving whaling stations and visit the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible journey of survival is synonymous with this island. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to participate as long as conditions allow.

Day 16 to 17 - At sea towards the Falkland Islands

The sea and weather conditions will determine our departure time from South Georgia Island (It may be the 15th or 16th). These programs are tied to the prevailing weather, which is why the itineraries are very changing, making it impossible to follow them to the letter. As we sail towards the Falklands, there will be plenty to keep you busy on board. Our expedition team will continue to share their wealth of knowledge about wildlife, history and the natural world as part of the onboard lecture series. You will have plenty of time to enjoy watching seabirds from the stern of the ship, keeping a close eye on whales and other marine animals, or simply enjoying the many facilities available on the ship.

During the voyage from South Georgia Island to the Falkland Islands, you will be fascinated by the incessant flight of the many seabirds that follow in our wake, skillfully using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. At this stage, we are usually traveling with some dependence on the weather, so it is difficult to estimate our precise arrival time at South Georgia Island. If time and weather conditions permit, we can pass near Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of irregular rocky islets jutting out of the sea, off South Georgia.

Day 18 to 19 - Falkland Islands

The sea and weather conditions will determine our arrival time to the Falkland Islands.

The Falkland Islands are located 477 kilometers (296 miles) east of southern Argentina, the Malvinas is a unique combination of being a wildlife hotspot and an outpost town. An archipelago of more than 700 islands, but consisting of two large main islands, east and west (East Falklands and West Falklands), only seven of the islands are inhabited, out of a total of 700 islands scattered off the coast that is constantly windswept, with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make them a prime location for marine life, including seabirds and seals. Although we are north of the Antarctic Convergence, the cold weather does not stop

Our time in the Falklands includes a short walk through the historic town of Stanley or Puerto Argentino. On landing we can visit albatross colonies, penguin colonies and maybe even have a traditional English "tea and scones" in a local hut. This charming town has a distinctly British character, with terraced houses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box. The colorful buildings are home to cozy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Dockyard Historical Museum, with exhibits on the Falkland Islands' maritime history, natural history and links to Antarctica.

The islands belong to Argentine sovereignty, currently usurped by the English government. Our experienced expedition team, who have made countless trips to this area, will use their experience to design our trip over the next two days. This allows us to make the most of the weather and wildlife opportunities. In addition to Puerto Argentino, there are many interesting places that we can choose to visit.

Day 20- At sea

On our return to Ushuaia, you can choose to spend your time editing photos, enjoying the facilities on board or listening to an informative conference. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the South Atlantic Ocean. There is time to reflect and discuss what we have seen and experienced. As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain will be able to sail near the legendary Cape Horn, weather and weather permitting.

Day 21 - Ushuaia

During the early morning, we sail along the Beagle Channel, before disembarking at the Ushuaia dock, around 8:00 am. Farewell to your expedition team and traveling companions as we all continue our future journeys, hopefully with a new sense of the immense power of nature. Upon disembarking, passengers on flights departing before 2:00 p.m. will be transferred directly to Ushuaia airport, while those lucky enough to continue their journey in this spectacular region of the world will be transferred to their accommodation in Ushuaia after journey. Passengers flying after 2pm will have time to explore Ushuaia, before an afternoon airport transfer, details of which will be provided on board prior to disembarkation. At the end of the trip, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia before 12:00 p.m. of the day of disembarkation in case of delays.

Nota: Please note that all our travel plans are subject to weather conditions and landings cannot always be guaranteed. Traveling to Antarctica is flexible and no trip is ever the same, so the activities detailed in the itinerary are for reference only.