Best of the Southern Ocean

• Day 1 - Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina (hotel night)

  Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

  For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

• Day 2 - Welcome Aboard!

  Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for an exciting day. Today, we set sail on our beautiful Sea Spirit towards the Subantarctic islands.

• Day 3 - At sea

  As we sail towards the subantarctic islands, make the most of your time! Attend our captivating presentations from experts, familiarize yourself with our Sea Spirit, and get ready for our arrival at a wildlife paradise.

• Day 4/5 - Falkland Islands

  The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more 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. Our route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands.

  We also intend to visit Stanley, 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 6/7 - Southern Ocean

  From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our experts prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.

• Day 8/14 - 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 15/16 - Back to the Falkland Islands

  It is time to head back toward the Falkland Islands. However, our adventures are not over yet. We will share our impressions, review all the great photos we’ve taken and enjoy a friendly atmosphere of likeminded fellow travellers.

• Day 17 - Falkland Islands

  In this remote and stunningly beautiful wilderness, seabirds and marine mammals are counted in the millions. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. In this rugged yet
  accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. Our knowledgeable guides will offer hiking and hill climbing for an even greater perspective of this raw polar wilderness. This is expedition cruising at its
  most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment.

• Day 18 - Southern Ocean

  As you sail, immerse yourself in fascinating presentations from our expert staff and bond with fellow travelers. On the open deck, marvel at the sight of birds and marine mammals that grace our journey. South polar skuas, snow petrels, and
  albatrosses may escort our vessel, enhancing your experience with their majestic presence. This is also the time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. The seabirds you saw at the beginning of your voyage reappear, offering a full-circle experience of natural wonder.

• Day 19 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

  After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience, you may already be looking forward to
  your next incredible polar adventure!

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.