sea spirit south georgia cruise

Best of the Southern Ocean

  • Overview
    We start this extraordinary expedition in Puerto Madryn near the fabulous Península Valdés in Argentine Patagonia. First, in the Falkland Islands, we discover a stark and beautiful archipelago where abundant penguins and albatross nest side by side. We sail forth through legendary waters where marine mammals lurk in astonishing numbers. On the island of South Georgia, amidst dramatic Southern Ocean seascapes, we explore a pristine wilderness swarming with stately king penguins, raucous fur seals, jousting elephant seals, and a profusion of seabirds. We finish in Ushuaia, in Argentina’s gorgeous Tierra del Fuego: gateway to Antarctica.
    Duration: 19 days
    Passengers: 114 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Puerto Madryn, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Puerto Madryn, Argentina

      Welcome to Puerto Madryn in Argentine Patagonia, starting point of our expedition. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. For the rest of the day you are free to explore this welcoming seaside city. Take advantage of sandy beaches and the restaurant-lined promenade on Golfo Nuevo with views of wild Península Valdés.

    • Day 2 - Embarkation in Puerto Madryn

      In the afternoon we provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. As we sail through Golfo Nuevo on our first evening we have our first chance to see whales, particularly southern right whales.

    • Day 3/4 - South Atlantic Ocean

      From Golfo Nuevo we sail south through the South Atlantic Ocean toward the Falkland Islands. We keep a lookout for dolphins and whales. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas.

    • Day 5 - Falkland Islands

      The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate visiting some of the isolated outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various whale and dolphin species.

    • Day 6/7 - Southern Ocean

      From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia, passing the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.

    • Day 8/13 - South Georgia

      This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place.

      South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivalled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.

      The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.

      Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

    • Day 14/15 - Southern Ocean

      After our amazing time in South Georgia we proceed west back toward the Falkland Islands. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

    • Day 16/17 - Falkland Islands

      Our route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands.Stanley is the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.

    • Day 18 - Beagle Channel

      From the Falkland Islands we sail southwest toward the tip of South America and enter the Beagle Channel. This is the time for our End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.

    • Day 19 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

      After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. In this case, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park is definitely worth a visit.

    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.

  • Adventure Activities

    Kayaking

    Antarctica is a paddlers’ paradise. The White Continent boasts some of the world’s most impressive landscapes and is home to incredible marine wildlife. Sea Kayak Club members will have the opportunity to paddle through tranquil waters filled with glittering icebergs and porpoising penguins while surrounded by magnificent glaciers and mountains.

    The protected and picturesque waters of the Antarctic Peninsula offer the best sea kayaking opportunities in Antarctica. Sea Kayak Club is also offered on selected voyages to South Georgia, where members may have the rare opportunity to encounter the island’s legendary abundance of wildlife from a kayaker’s perspective, if the area’s notoriously inclement weather permits.

    USD$ 782 per person

    Photography

    The Polar Regions are perhaps the most photogenic on earth, with countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day. Endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals or penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies, and even the majestic northern lights – they all present fantastic photographic opportunities and in order to make sure that you come home with some spectacular images we offer you the chance to learn and practice your photography alongside an experienced professional.

    Our expert Photographer will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on-board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing.

    Included

    Wandering Albatross

    Spectacular in flight and on the ground, with the largest wingspan of any bird on the planet; gracefully and effortlessly glides for thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean to their nesting site on South Georgia.

    South Georgia; Wildlife Mecca

    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.

    Shoot to your shutter's content!

    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.

  • Inclusions

    Transfers and Accommodation

    Your arrival and departure transfers are included, as well as a night at the ship hotel on Day 1

    Expedition Gear

    Expedition boots and a high quality expedition jacket are provided as standard on your expedition

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Digital voyage log
    - Pre-departure material
    - Port fees
    - Welcome and Farewell cocktails
    - All shore excursions and lectures
    - Hot beverages
    - All accommodation and meals on board

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Pre and post-cruise travel expenses
    - Internet/Wifi
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption / emergency and medical travel insurance
    - Airfares
    - Beverages
    - Visa & Passport fees
    - Gratuities
    - Laundry
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
  • Map
    Map coming soon
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    SEA SPIRIT

    Like some of the birds we see in the Arctic and Antarctica, our m/v Sea Spirit is migratory and follows the sun, northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter, always ready for spontaneous discoveries – a pod of whales, a family of polar bears or a glaciated mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow fjords of East Greenland and entering the small bays of Spitsbergen. Onboard, we create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests. They are united by one goal – to have a memorable wilderness experience and to become real polar adventurers. We believe that first-hand travel to such places makes one an ambassador for conservation, and helps strengthen our resolve to protect these natural environments for future generations. Providing spacious suite accommodation of 114 passengers the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. The vessel has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing.

    Features & Facilities
    • Luxury accommodation
    • Bar
    • Lounge
    • Presentation Lounge
    • Open Bridge Policy
    • Gym.
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 114
    Crew #: 72
    Ice Class: 1D
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished: 2017
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1991
    Length: 90m
    Width: 15
    Draft: 4
    Tonnage: 4200
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 110V / 2 Flat Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Triple Suite

20 Oct 2017 - 07 Nov 2017
A genorous Suite with 3 x lower berths and private facilities
USD$ 9,176pp
USD$ 9,176pp

Main Deck Suite

20 Oct 2017 - 07 Nov 2017
A genorous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilties
USD$ 12,236pp
USD$ 12,236pp

Classic Suite

20 Oct 2017 - 07 Nov 2017
A genorous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilties
USD$ 13,052pp
USD$ 6,526pp
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Superior Suite

20 Oct 2017 - 07 Nov 2017
A genorous Suite with twin or king bedding and private facilties
USD$ 13,324pp
USD$ 6,662pp
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Deluxe Suite with Balcony

20 Oct 2017 - 07 Nov 2017
An extremely comfortable Suite with twin or king bedding, private facilities and a balcony
USD$ 14,548pp
USD$ 7,274pp
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Premium Suite with Balcony

20 Oct 2017 - 07 Nov 2017
An extremely comfortable Suite with twin or king bedding, private facilities and a balcony
USD$ 15,636pp
USD$ 7,818pp
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Owner's Suite with Balcony

20 Oct 2017 - 07 Nov 2017
Among the most sought after Owner's Suites due to its unique forward position.
USD$ 20,668pp
USD$ 20,668pp