Ultimate Explorer: Falklands, S Georgia & Antarctic Circle

24 Days / 22 Nights On Board

Ushuaia to Ushuaia

When You Can’t Get Enough of a Life-Changing Experience

This, to sum it up plainly, is the expedition for those would-be explorers who want it all, and have the time available to experience it all, in one epic, unforgettable journey. You’ll immerse yourself in the rich history of the Falklands, step onto the rugged terrain and cliff-lined coast of South Georgia, and feast your eyes on beaches covered in fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, in one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever witness. We’ll have ample time to explore the fascinating history of the area, dating back to the grandiose times of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ of the late 1800s and early 1900s, before heading to the Antarctic Peninsula, to be greeted by glorious icebergs and glaciers, an array of penguin species, and likely whale encounters. The final act of this magnificent drama awaits, as we attempt to reach 66°33’S and cross the Antarctic Circle, before heading home, knowing we’ve truly done it all.

Expedition Dates

Activities: Kayaking, Photography, Citizen Science, Snowshoeing

Itinerary

Booking Info

Ocean Nova

Photo Gallery

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
Day 2: All Aboard!
Day 3: Southern Ocean
Days 4–5: The Falklands
Days 6–7: Southern Ocean
Days 8–11: South Georgia
Days 12–13: Scotia Sea
Days 14–18: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Days 19–20: Antarctic Circle
Day 21: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Days 22–23: Drake Passage
Day 24: Ushuaia Disembarkation

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Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can't be accommodated at the Arakur, you'll unwind at another of Ushuaia's top luxury hotels.)

Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Day 2: All Aboard!

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

Day 3: Southern Ocean

As we sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held, and you won’t want to miss our scientific and environmental experts as they begin their deeply knowledgeable and always entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the areas we will soon be exploring.

Days 4–5: The Falklands

Welcome to a wildlife lover’s dream. As you approach this ruggedly beautiful archipelago, keep the camera ready to capture the abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery of this fascinating part of the world. Here, you’ll find the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of breeding penguin. Bird lovers, stay on the lookout for kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. East and West Falklands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinarily diverse landscapes, and rich history of the southern islands. Weather permitting, we’ll explore Saunders Island, the second-largest island in the Falklands, and The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces, where the mighty black-browed albatross build their nesting colonies.

Days 6–7: Southern Ocean

Things continue ramping up with plenty of birdlife sightings as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. See if you can identify the world’s largest bird, the Wandering albatross. From soaring giants like the Southern Giant petrel to the tiny Wilson’s Storm petrel, a range of impressive bird species will be hitching a ride on the updrafts created by ocean swells and waves. And be on the lookout for whale blows and our very first iceberg sighting.

Days 8–11: South Georgia

South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’, and it’s easy to see why as you take in tens of thousands (not a typo!) of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Breathtaking mountain scenery, majestically sculpted icebergs, glaciers in every direction, and a rich historical tapestry are all here to complement the incredible array of wildlife on view as we travel down South Georgia’s leeward coast. We’ll also visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.

Days 12–13: Scotia Sea

Heading farther south, we’ll continue our informative presentations and wildlife spotting as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.

Days 14–18: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica

With twice-daily outing as our goal, we’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through iceberg-rich channels as we travel alongside an array of wildlife. There are opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as we take in the wide range of penguin species, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. Four days give us plenty of time to explore, discover, and be forever changed by the power of the last wild place on earth.

Days 19–20: Antarctic Circle

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to cherish, as not all expeditions venture this far south. We’ll take our time gliding through the famed Lemaire channel, accompanied by icebergs of every dazzling shape and size, with the anticipation of reaching latitude 66°33’S. Along the way, you’ll marvel at one of our planets most spectacular 360 landscapes, ushering you towards to the legendary Antarctic Circle. Together we’ll quietly marvel the sheer rawness of the surroundings and revel in the moment. A toast and celebration awaits should the Circle welcome us. While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle will leave you breathless, and with one of life’s greatest memories.

Day 21: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica

Test your newfound penguin expertise and sharpen your wildlife-spotting skills as you identify fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and shore landings will continue, offering ample opportunities to encounter the peninsula’s diverse wildlife and capture stunning photographs of your adventure.

Days 22–23: Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 24: Ushuaia Disembarkation

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Visiting a Penguin Colony

Activities

Important Details

Prices quoted are per-person based on double/triple occupancy. A limited number of twin suites may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

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Traveling With a Group?

Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.

Rates vary by cabin.

A Classic Expedition Experience

With a maximum of just 80 passengers, Ocean Nova offers the best advantages of a small ship adventure – a small enough size to maneuver into the most intimate and pristine landscapes, and a superior guide-to-passenger ratio, ensuring a highly personalized experience for everyone both on board and off. Our unique Panorama Lounge, at the heart of Ocean Nova, and its accompanying outside deck offer unparalleled wildlife viewing.