Falkland Islands & South Georgia Sea Voyage

From Punta Arenas, Chile to Punta Arenas, Chile

Tour Overview

This exciting 17-day adventure aboard the modern, custom-built expedition vessels Magellan Explorer or Magellan Discoverer takes you to TWO of the densest wildlife habitats on Earth: the Falklands and South Georgia.

Journey begins in Punta Arenas as you embark on the ultimate adventure to the Falklands. Visit  Saunders Island, where long white-sand beaches are home to rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. Then  explore Carcass Island with options for an easy hike, birdwatching, and a traditional island tea experience.

Discover Port Stanley or Gipsy Cove with guided walking tours, or wander independently—enjoy lunch at a local pub, visit the maritime museum and church, stroll along Ross Road, and pay tribute at the waterfront war memorials. Depending on sea conditions, an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay offers breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.

Step ashore at Grytviken in South Georgia to clear customs, visit the museum, and pay respects at Ernest Shackleton’s grave. Watch king penguins at Fortuna Bay or Stromness, and opt for the iconic Shackleton walk to follow in the footsteps of history. 

Your final island landing is at Bleaker Island, a protected reserve famous for its diverse birdlife. The expedition concludes in Punta Arenas—the world’s southernmost city—where this unforgettable wildlife adventure meets the gateway to Antarctica, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.

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Fall in love with the beauty of South Atlantic Ocean aboard the comfort of a modern expedition vessel. Spacious cabins, inviting lounge areas, and sauna. Plus onboard entertainment all designed for your relaxation.

One of the unforgettable highlights of your journey is encountering South Georgia’s iconic penguins. Between November and February, marvel at the breathtaking King penguin colonies.

Prepare to join a guided walking tour of Port Stanley, visiting local maritime museums, grabbing lunch at a local pub, strolling along Ross Road, exploring the church, and hunting for souvenirs.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Punta Arenas | Embarkation

From 9:00 hrs., make your way to Explorers House in Punta Arenas and enjoy the facilities. At 16:00 hrs., a group transfer will take you to the port for embarkation. As we sail along the Strait of Magellan, our Expedition Team will introduce the history of this fabled sea route.

Day 2
At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s hospitality as we make our way to the Falklands (Malvinas). Our engaging series of lectures and presentations begin.

Day 3
Saunders Island, Carcass Island

We enjoy the long white-sand beach during a morning visit to Saunders Island. A wilderness experience, the main attractions are rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. In the afternoon, we visit Carcass Island. There is an option for an easy hike to the settlement, bird watching, and a typical Falklands tea experience.

Day 4
Port Stanley

Join our expedition team on guided walking tours of Port Stanley or Gipsy Cove. Or explore on your own and absorb the atmosphere, grabbing lunch at the local pub, visiting the maritime museum, the church, hunting for souvenirs, or walking down Ross Road, paying tribute at the war memorials at the waterfront.

Day 5-6
At Sea

As we sail towards South Georgia, attend presentations on the history and fauna of the archipelago. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales.

Day 7
Elsehul Bay

Depending on sea conditions over the previous days, arrival is planned for the afternoon. Provided we receive approval from the South Georgia government, we plan to do an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.

Day 8
Grytviken, Fortuna Bay

Our first landing is at Grytviken. We clear Customs and then visit the historical site with the museum and Ernest Shackleton’s grave. We land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness in the afternoon to see king penguins. Here we learn more about Shackleton and his expedition, and there is also an optional 2-3 hour “Shackleton walk.”

Day 9
Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay

In the morning, we plan a landing at Gold Harbour, a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals, and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatrosses here. In the afternoon and on a Zodiac cruise, we visit Cooper Bay to see macaroni penguins.

Day 10
St Andrews Bay, Ocean Harbour

St Andrews Bay is the destination of our morning excursion. The highlights here are a shipwreck and the remains of the whaling industry. We see the largest king penguin colony and elephant seal bulls. We plan a Zodiac cruise in the afternoon and landing at Ocean Harbour.

Day 11
Prion Island, Salisbury Plain

In the morning, we plan to visit Prion Island to see the nesting wandering albatross. In the afternoon, we head to Salisbury Plain for more king penguins and stunning landscapes.

Day 12-14
At Sea

Our education program continues as we make our way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Day 15
Bleaker Island

Evening landing at Bleaker Island, a natural reserve with a famous bird area featuring a large variety of birds.

Day 16
At Sea

Relaxation at Sea.

Day 17
Disembark in Punta Arenas

Upon arrival at Punta Arenas, we disembark and take a group transfer to the town center, where the expedition will end. Explorers House remains available to you for the day.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 16 nights accommodation onboard
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals onboard
  • Included Copy 20 Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner onboard
  • Included Copy 20 Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks onboard
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All guided shore excursions and zodiac cruises
  • Included Copy 20 Lectures and entertainment on board
  • Included Copy 20 Includes IAATO passenger fee
  • Included Copy 20 Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material
  • Included Copy 20 Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica
  • Included Copy 31 Optional Activities: hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing (additional cost)
  • Included Copy 7 Domestic and International Airfares & Travel insurance. Personal expenses such as laundry onboard
Transportation
Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer

96 (76 on fly-cruise) Passengers

Magellan Discoverer

Magellan Discoverer

96 (76 on fly-cruise) Passengers

Activities

  • Included Learn the story of Shackleton’s legendary expedition and visit his final resting place in Grytviken.
  • Included Join daily excursions led by expert polar guides for up-close wildlife & unforgettable experiences.
  • Included Wildlife encounters: Seals, whales, seabirds, penguin colonies and more!
  • Included Take part in optional activities such as kayaking, hiking, or snowshoeing (additional cost).
  • Included Discover the region’s secrets with onboard presentations on history, geology, ecology, and more.
  • Included Witness up close the largest king penguin colonies & majestic elephant seal bulls in South Georgia.
Tap here for dates & prices
Duration

17 days

Price from

$10,995 USD

Per person, twin share

Based on a porthole cabin

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