Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Arrive in Montevideo at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Uruguay's capital city.

There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the Expedition and your upcoming adventure. Please note that the first night in Montevideo is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travellers in your group and have not purchased a private cabin, you will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Embarkation on the Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port of Montevideo. Embark on the Expedition. Transfer as a group in the early afternoon. The morning is free, take the chance to explore one of Montevideo's colourful neighbourhoods. The evening is spent onboard the ship sailing southwards towards the Falkland Islands.

Please note while it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, meet the Expedition Leader for an expedition overview.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Teeming with people and full of cultural activity, this bustling metropolis is the capital of Uruguay. Enjoy a walk and admire neoclassical and art deco buildings in its historical downtown area. Visit a tango bar or a beachfront disco at Punta Carretas or Positos neighbourhoods for a taste of its vibrant nightlife.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
• Embarkation of the Expedition: In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

With course set southeast, become acquainted with the ship. Enjoy the lecture and educational sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Spend time on deck to spot wildlife including albatross and possibly whales and dolphins. Relax in the library, grab a drink in the Polar Bear Pub, or make some new friends in the Discovery Lounge.

Included Experiences

• Daily lectures and educational program: Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

Included Experiences

• Falkland Islands Excursion: Witness the biological diversity and spectacular scenery of the southern islands on a stop at the Falkland Islands. With any luck, catch a glimpse of penguins like the Magellanic, Rockhopper and Gentoo species. Keep a look out for some of the island’s other wildlife like sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras, and sheep.
• Visit with Stanley Locals: Stop at Port Stanley for an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters. The town is the capital of the Falkland Islands, most locals head to Stanley to do their shopping, visit the post office, or go golfing. The bomb disposal unit from the Falklands War in 1982 is also in the town as well as several war museums.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

Included Experiences

• Falkland Islands Excursion: Witness the biological diversity and spectacular scenery of the southern islands on a stop at the Falkland Islands. With any luck, catch a glimpse of penguins like the Magellanic, Rockhopper and Gentoo species. Keep a look out for some of the island’s other wildlife like sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras, and sheep.
• Visit with Stanley Locals: Stop at Port Stanley for an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colourful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters. The town is the capital of the Falkland Islands, most locals head to Stanley to do their shopping, visit the post office, or go golfing. The bomb disposal unit from the Falklands War in 1982 is also in the town as well as several war museums.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

With a course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with historical and biological lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters. Our lecture series resumes to prepare us for South Georgia, spend plenty of time on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the South Ocean.

Included Experiences

• Daily lectures and educational program: Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

With a course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with historical and biological lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters. Our lecture series resumes to prepare us for South Georgia, spend plenty of time on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the South Ocean.

Included Experiences

• Daily lectures and educational program: Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. South Georgia is also home to over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island. South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton’s grave, former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather permitting spend 3-4 full days and opt to explore this island. A huge colony of king penguins is the highlight of this part of the journey. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds. South Georgia is also the home over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups alongside their mothers.

Included Experiences

• South Georgia Island Exploration: Spend four days exploring South Georgia Island if weather permits. Observe a large colony of King penguins, the second largest species of penguin that stand almost 100cm (3 ft) tall. Nearby islands are the nesting grounds for Wandering albatross, a species of albatross that only stays on land to breed and eat. Hopefully in the four days in the area the group will get a chance to spot one of these majestic sea birds during the small amount of time it spends on land. South Georgia is also the best place in the world to observe the southern elephant seal, the largest breed of seal. The island is home to over half of the world's population of these animals. October is a great time to see newly birthed pups alongside their mothers.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Optional Experiences

• South Georgia Heritage Trust: South Georgia is an island known for its rich diversity of wildlife and historical significance. It is a breeding ground for Antarctic fur and elephant seals, albatross, and petrels. It is also home to South Georgia pipits, pintails, and some of the world’s largest colonies of king penguins. With our partners, Friends of South Georgia Island and South Georgia Heritage Trust, Planeterra has invested over $150,000 CAD into a four-year habitat preservation program, where over 12,800 hectares have been cleared of invasive species, helping the local flora and fauna flourish. Depending on weather conditions, some cruises may visit the South Georgia Museum in Grytviken, where proceeds from volunteer-run tours and the gift shop help fund the conservation work to keep the island invasive-species free.

Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. South Georgia is also home to over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island. South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton’s grave, former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather permitting spend 3-4 full days and opt to explore this island. A huge colony of king penguins is the highlight of this part of the journey. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds. South Georgia is also the home over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups alongside their mothers.

Included Experiences

• South Georgia Island Exploration: Spend four days exploring South Georgia Island if weather permits. Observe a large colony of King penguins, the second largest species of penguin that stand almost 100cm (3 ft) tall. Nearby islands are the nesting grounds for Wandering albatross, a species of albatross that only stays on land to breed and eat. Hopefully in the four days in the area the group will get a chance to spot one of these majestic sea birds during the small amount of time it spends on land. South Georgia is also the best place in the world to observe the southern elephant seal, the largest breed of seal. The island is home to over half of the world's population of these animals. October is a great time to see newly birthed pups alongside their mothers.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Optional Experiences

• South Georgia Heritage Trust: South Georgia is an island known for its rich diversity of wildlife and historical significance. It is a breeding ground for Antarctic fur and elephant seals, albatross, and petrels. It is also home to South Georgia pipits, pintails, and some of the world’s largest colonies of king penguins. With our partners, Friends of South Georgia Island and South Georgia Heritage Trust, Planeterra has invested over $150,000 CAD into a four-year habitat preservation program, where over 12,800 hectares have been cleared of invasive species, helping the local flora and fauna flourish. Depending on weather conditions, some cruises may visit the South Georgia Museum in Grytviken, where proceeds from volunteer-run tours and the gift shop help fund the conservation work to keep the island invasive-species free.

Home to many interesting sites (including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton), South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. South Georgia is also home to over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island. South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton’s grave, former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather permitting spend 3-4 full days and opt to explore this island. A huge colony of king penguins is the highlight of this part of the journey. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds. South Georgia is also the home over half of the world's enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups alongside their mothers.

Included Experiences

• South Georgia Island Exploration: Spend four days exploring South Georgia Island if weather permits. Observe a large colony of King penguins, the second largest species of penguin that stand almost 100cm (3 ft) tall. Nearby islands are the nesting grounds for Wandering albatross, a species of albatross that only stays on land to breed and eat. Hopefully in the four days in the area the group will get a chance to spot one of these majestic sea birds during the small amount of time it spends on land. South Georgia is also the best place in the world to observe the southern elephant seal, the largest breed of seal. The island is home to over half of the world's population of these animals. October is a great time to see newly birthed pups alongside their mothers.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Optional Experiences

• South Georgia Heritage Trust: South Georgia is an island known for its rich diversity of wildlife and historical significance. It is a breeding ground for Antarctic fur and elephant seals, albatross, and petrels. It is also home to South Georgia pipits, pintails, and some of the world’s largest colonies of king penguins. With our partners, Friends of South Georgia Island and South Georgia Heritage Trust, Planeterra has invested over $150,000 CAD into a four-year habitat preservation program, where over 12,800 hectares have been cleared of invasive species, helping the local flora and fauna flourish. Depending on weather conditions, some cruises may visit the South Georgia Museum in Grytviken, where proceeds from volunteer-run tours and the gift shop help fund the conservation work to keep the island invasive-species free.

Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards. Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days the legendary Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands. The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.

Included Experiences

• Daily lectures and educational program: Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Optional Experiences

• Polar Plunge: You remembered to pack your bathing suit, right? Depending on weather conditions, opt to do the polar plunge and jump into the frigid waters of the Antarctic. Convince some of your fellow passengers to join and you’ll be left with an amazing group experience no one will ever forget!

Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards. Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days the legendary Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands. The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.

Included Experiences

• Daily lectures and educational program: Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Optional Experiences

• Polar Plunge: You remembered to pack your bathing suit, right? Depending on weather conditions, opt to do the polar plunge and jump into the frigid waters of the Antarctic. Convince some of your fellow passengers to join and you’ll be left with an amazing group experience no one will ever forget!

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Included Experiences

• South Shetland Islands Excursion: Explore the South Shetland Islands. Ask the Expedition team for tips on exploring this stunning landscape. Look out for Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins.
• Zodiac Landings: Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Included Experiences

• South Shetland Islands Excursion: Explore the South Shetland Islands. Ask the Expedition team for tips on exploring this stunning landscape. Look out for Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins.
• Zodiac Landings: Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Included Experiences

• South Shetland Islands Excursion: Explore the South Shetland Islands. Ask the Expedition team for tips on exploring this stunning landscape. Look out for Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins.
• Zodiac Landings: Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our goal is to attempt memorable shore landings daily and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Included Experiences

• South Shetland Islands Excursion: Explore the South Shetland Islands. Ask the Expedition team for tips on exploring this stunning landscape. Look out for Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins.
• Zodiac Landings: Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for a last chance to spot whales. Turning north, embark upon the 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the first day, cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling create an ocean very high in marine productivity. Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join the Expedition on the journey towards the South American continent.

Included Experiences

• Daily lectures and educational program: Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Reflect on a memorable adventure and take in some final lectures en route to Ushuaia. Keep a careful look out for a last chance to spot whales. Turning north, embark upon the 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the first day, cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling create an ocean very high in marine productivity. Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join the Expedition on the journey towards the South American continent.

Included Experiences

• Daily lectures and educational program: Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.
• Expedition: Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Disembark in the morning. Our adventure comes to a close. Have a final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning.

Included Experiences

• Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.