Complete Antarctica
From the Antarctic Circle to the Falkland Islands
on the M/V Sylvia Earle

23 days - 22 nights

Day 1 - Ushuaia

Reception at the airport in the city of Ushuaia and transfer to the hotel. This day you must remove the tags 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 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 Sylvia Earle 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 adventure in Antarctica. Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch is on your own.

Day 3 and 4 - Drake Passage

As we begin our journey across the South Atlantic Ocean, we make the most of our time to get comfortable with the movements of the sea. Our expedition team prepares you for our first disembarkation 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 experiences with The wildlife begins as we enjoy observing and photographing the numerous seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels that follow our boat. On days at sea, you can enjoy the facilities on board the ship, including a gym, sauna and jacuzzis, or relax in one of the observation rooms.

As we approach the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable as everyone converges on one of the viewing platforms in search of our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole 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 sighting of a large iceberg is likely to stay with you for a lifetime. If time and weather permit, we will be able to attempt our first landing in Antarctica in the late afternoon.

Day 5 to 10 - Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle

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 landings or excursions in Zodiac twice a day. 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-capped 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 cruises and shore excursions, we can sail by boat through some of the straits that separate 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. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.

On this trip, under favorable conditions, we intend to cross the Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at latitude 66°33' south. Without a doubt, this is a special moment for many expeditioners. As we approach the polar circle, you will notice subtle changes in the landscape and wildlife distribution. The waters at this time of year are rich in krill and we hope to see many whales, particularly humpback and minke whales. We also hope to enjoy the spectacle of the penguins feeding their voracious chicks.

Day 11 to 12 - 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 13 - At sea / South Georgia Island

If sea and weather conditions will determine our arrival time at South Georgia today.

As you approach the rugged island of South Georgia, think about the Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it was the northern tip of a large 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. As you approach, mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often seen gliding around the ship. We will sail down the coast contemplating the spectacular glacial landscape. This charming coastline is yours to explore! If time and weather conditions permit, along the way we can pass near Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of irregular rocky islets jutting out of the sea, near South Georgia.

Day 14 to 17 - 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. 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.

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 southern Georgia, we'll have the opportunity to reflect on Shackleton's epic journey. Conditions permitting, we plan to follow in the footsteps of Shackleton, Worsley and Crean and complete the final leg of their walk from Fortuna Bay to Stromness.

Remember to layer up before joining the Zodiac tours that can venture into rugged coves and along the rocky coastline in search of nesting penguins, seal shelters and bird cliffs. Remember to also keep an eye out for South Georgia's kelp forests – these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite fascinating as their leaves sway back and forth on the surface of the water. Our zodiac boats will also transport you to land, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on Earth, take a guided walk among sea lions and elephant seals (making sure to listen to your guides and keep your distance!) and stroll along pebble streams. and grassy plains and glaciers.

We also hope to visit the remains of South Georgia's thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to 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 do it whenever conditions allow. In addition to Zodiac excursions and shore excursions, we can take boat cruises through fjords with imposing ancient stone cliffs or into deep bays. jagged towards spectacular glacier fronts. This is a good time to find a comfortable spot in the observation room or head to the bridge (open at the captain's discretion) for uninterrupted views of the majestic South Georgia coast.

Day 18 to 19 - At sea

On the way to the Malvinas Islands we observe the incessant flight of the numerous sea birds that follow and surround the ship. Our onboard conference program will continue with presentations from our team of experts. You can also enjoy the ship's many facilities, borrow a book from our well-stocked library or perhaps get active in the gym.

Day 20 - At sea / Falkland Islands

Sea and weather conditions will determine our arrival time in the Falklands today.

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 islands (East Falklands and West Falklands), with more than 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. These beautifully arid islands are true wildlife paradises and are home to an impressive diversity of birds, including the largest colony of black-browed albatrosses in the world. The cold, nutrient-rich waters that surround the islands make this a privileged place to observe marine life.

Day 21 - Falkland Islands

Our time in the Falklands includes a short walk through the historic town of Stanley. 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. You'll discover how the island's natural beauty and solitude make it a haven for wildlife and visitors. In 2009 this island was officially declared a National Nature Reserve, with no introduced predators living on the island.

Tussac grass covers much of the island and provides ideal habitat for elephants and fur seals which can be found on many of the island's spectacular beaches. A large number of birds such as thrushes, finches, tussac and Magellanic penguins also live in the tussac. Pods of killer whales, Peale's dolphins and leopard seals are regularly seen in the waters around the island. The island's southern giant petrels, with a wingspan of two metres, act as a welcome party to ships as they approach Sea Lion Island. Rockhopper, Gentoo and Magellanic penguins come to this island to breed. Macaroni penguins, king penguins, and striped and crested caracaras are also commonly seen on the island. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do it whenever conditions allow and, of course, polar diving enthusiasts will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in polar waters, conditions permitting!

Day 22 - At sea

As we sail towards Ushuaia, you can choose to spend your valuable time editing photos, enjoying the facilities on board or attending final conferences. Celebrate the end of an unforgettable voyage with new friends at a special captain's farewell dinner. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean.

Day 23 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia

During the early morning, we sail along the Beagle Channel, before arriving at the dock of the port of Ushuaia, where we begin to disembark 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 pm 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 From the trip. 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.