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Join the Polar Pioneer on a 15-day in-depth wildlife viewing and photography exploration of South Georgia’s spectacular nature. This expedition is aimed at those wanting to spend the maximum amount of unhurried time ashore observing wildlife and is suited for photographers and wildlife watchers.
What makes this trip even more special is our vessel takes just 48 guests and when you are ashore you will be in a small group of just 12 guests for an intimate wildlife and photography experience. Travelling on a small expedition vessel allows us to visit many sites along the coast that larger ships are not allowed to land and get closer to South Georgia’s incredible nature.
Voyage Currency: Please consider this voyage is priced in USD$ and the AUD$ rates shown are indicative only at today's exchange rate.
Day 1 - Falkland Islands: Embarkation Day
In the afternoon we embark Polar Pioneer in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands ready for an adventure of a life time. The Falkland Islands is accessible by flights from Chile and the UK. We will depart late afternoon and set sail towards South Georgia.
Day 2/3 - Sailing to South Georgia
As we sail across the Scotia sea towards South Georgia we will spend time on deck looking out for wildlife. Wandering Albatrosses often follow the ship. In the water it is possible to see whales and Orcas. During the sea days our guiding team will do lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of South Georgia. In the afternoon of day 3 we will sight South Georgia for the first time.
Day 4/7 - Exploring South Georgia
The plan is to sail along the entire coast of South Georgia and to make landings on all the days. The main focuses of this expedition is to visit as many wildlife sites as possible. South Georgia is home to 450,000 king penguins offering some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. We aim to visit key penguin breeding colonies at St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain and Gold Harbour. An advantage of a longer trip allows is that it allows us a much larger weather to visit different sites.
Day 8/12 - Exploring South Georgia
Other landing sites could include Prion Island to see nesting albatrosses, a site that is only accessible to ships carrying under 50 guests. Cooper Bay on the islands south is home to Macaroni penguins living in the tussock grass. Alongside wildlife, South Georgia is home to fascinating history and we will visit Grytviken, a former whaling station on South Georgia and home to the grave of explorer Ernest Shackleton. We also plan to explore the Drygalski fjord home to some of the islands most breathtaking landscapes.
Day 13/14 - At Sea towards the Falkland Islands
As we sail towards the Falkland Islands our guiding team will do a series of lectures to finish off our exciting adventure. The final 2 sailing days offers a chance to relax onboard, take a sauna and share stories from the expedition with fellow guests.
Day 15 - Falkland Islands: Disembarkation Day
On safe arrival in Port Stanley we will disembark after breakfast on the final day.
* You will need to organise your own flight back to South America.
**The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any expedition is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather conditions which are highly variable in South Georgia. Our expedition team will make sure you see as much a possible.
Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
All of our expeditions and itineraries offer fantastic photography experiences, however on selected expeditions we offer specialised photography workshops with our expert photography guides.
Boasting rugged scenery and excellent wildlife opportunities, including the Black-browed albatross, Elephant seals and a number of penguin species not found in Antarctica.
One of the true wildlife experiences on our planet, often the wildlife displays here are referred to as the greatest on Earth. Set amongst awe inspiring scenery and home to King penguins, Wondering albatross and Elephant seals, it’s hard to imagine how early pioneers survived in this harsh landscape.
For aspiring photographers, the best time to shoot the Antarctic landscape is definitely October, November and March. At these times the sun is much lower in the sky and thus creates beautiful twilight hues and shadows, which contrast the landscape magnificently.
Of course, if it is wildlife and Antarctica’s babies you are hoping to shoot, then January and February are the best times. Alternatively, consider an early season South Georgia & Antarctica expedition for the best of wildlife and photo opportunities in Antarctica.
Our Fly/Cruise programs an excellent choice to navigate the Drake Passage quickly. This expedition comprises of 1 or 2 charter flights across the Drake Passage, so you need not worry about crossing the passage by sea. These expeditions are great options and often allow for an increased amount of time around the continent.
Catering to both amateurs and the more experienced photographers, our onboard team of photography guides deliver photography workshops and one-on-one instruction from the deck or Zodiacs and during landings.
POLAR PIONEER
The legendary MV Polar Pioneer is a strong, capable veteran expedition ship loved by guests and expedition leaders for her capability in ice and her small size with a proven track record exploring the remote polar regions over the last 19 seasons.
Her new Scandinavian owners are currently doing an extensive refit upgrading her to today’s standards and she will be ready for the 2022 Arctic season.
She benefits from taking just 48 guests on an authentic expedition adventure free from the crowds of larger vessels. All guests can fit in the Zodiacs at the same time ensuring there is no waiting to go ashore and all guests can explore at the same time.
The MV Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1982, and the ship was originally an ice-strengthened research vessel with ice class 1A Super, which is perfect for navigation in polar regions with heavy sea ice.
She can transit open water crossings with ease and comfort due to the integrated dynamic water ballast system, which guarantees a great reduction of rolling in heavy seas. Her ingenious stability system works marvellously also during the zodiac’s loading/unloading operations or while sitting at anchor. As a result, the Polar Pioneer is one of the most stable vessels currently in operations in the Polar regions.
| Luxury star rating: | 3 |
| Guests #: | 52 |
| Crew #: | 20 |
| Ice Class: | 1A |
| Speed: | 14 |
| Refurbished: | 2000 |
| Year built: | 1982 |
| Length: | 71m |
| Width: | 13 |
| Draft: | 4 |
| Tonnage: | 1753 |
| Registry: | Cyprus |
| Elec Outlets: | 220V / 2 Round Pin |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
