Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition
Overview
22 Days | Montevideo to Ushuaia | Polar Expedition Ship
The ultimate epic of southern exploration. Over 22 unhurried days, trace Sir Ernest Shackleton’s historic path across the Southern Ocean. From the vibrant capital of Uruguay to the penguin-packed shores of the Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, and the icy silence of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Duration
22 Days/21 Nights
Rating
4.9 (104 Reviews)
Pickup Point
Montevideo Airport - MVD
Price
Starting at $16,099 Per Person
Itinerary
Day 1: Montevideo, Uruguay
Arrive in Montevideo at any time (arrival transfer included). Spend the evening exploring the historic downtown or coastal promenades.
Day 2: Embarkation & Set Sail
Enjoy a free morning in Montevideo. In the afternoon, board the Expedition ship and set sail southwards across the South Atlantic Ocean.
Days 3–5: South Atlantic Crossing
Sailing towards the Falkland Islands. Attend onboard lectures by marine biologists and naturalists, scan the skies for seabirds, and relax in the lounge.
Days 6–7: Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Discover the Falkland Islands’ rich biodiversity. Spot Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins, visit Port Stanley, and meet the local islanders.
Days 8–9: Southern Ocean Crossing
Head southeast toward South Georgia. Attend specialized lectures preparing you for sub-Antarctic landings and watch for breaching whales.
Days 10–13 South Georgia/Scotia Sea
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.
Days 14–15South Shetland Islands/Antarctica
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.
Days 16–19South Shetland Islands/Drake Passage
Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days, retracing Shackleton's route backwards.
Days 20–21 Drake Passage/Ushuaia
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.
Day 22 Ushuaia
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.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
✅ Accommodations: 20 nights aboard the Expedition ship (ocean-facing cabins/suites with en-suite bathrooms) + 1 night twin-share hotel in Montevideo.
✅ Meals: 21 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners. (Allow USD 25–35 for non-included meals. Drinks and onboard tips are not included).
✅ Excursions & Gear: Daily Zodiac landings with our expert expedition team, waterproof boots supplied (USA sizes 4–16), and an expedition parka.
✅ Staff & Education: Daily lectures and educational programs led by a 1:10 ratio of expert expedition staff to guests.
✅ Transfers & Transport: Arrival transfer in Montevideo and departure transfer in Ushuaia, expedition ship, Zodiac boats, and private bus transport.
What's Excluded
❌ International Flights: Flights arriving in Montevideo, Uruguay, and departing from Ushuaia, Argentina.
❌ Optional Meals & Drinks: Meals not specified in the itinerary (allow ~$25–35 USD for non-included meals) and all drinks/alcohol onboard.
❌ Onboard Gratuities: Tips for the ship’s expedition team, crew, and service staff.
❌ Optional Activities: Optional add-ons such as the "G Photo Journey" photography program or extra city tours.
❌ Travel & Medical Insurance: Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance, including polar emergency medical evacuation coverage.
❌ Personal Expenses: Onboard satellite internet/phone, laundry service, and personal purchases.
Who Is This Tour For?
✅ Wildlife & Nature Enthusiasts: Ideal for travelers eager to experience raw, untouched wilderness and observe Antarctic species—such as penguins, whales, and seals—in their natural habitat.
✅ Bucket-List Adventurers: Perfect for anyone seeking the ultimate polar expedition to set foot on the 7th continent and cross the legendary Drake Passage.
✅ Photographers & Visual Storytellers: Designed for those who want to capture dramatic icy landscapes, towering glaciers, and rare wildlife moments with world-class natural backdrops.
✅ Active Travelers & First-Time Polar Explorers: Accessible to standard fitness levels looking for daily Zodiac landings, polar walks, and expert-led educational lectures without needing technical climbing or mountaineering skills.
Trip Details
Activity Level: Level 2 (Light/Moderate) – Accessible to most fitness levels able to handle walks on ice, snow, and wet, rocky beaches.
Zodiac Landings: Must be able to safely step in and out of Zodiac boats in cold, dynamic marine environments.
Ship Access: Must be able to navigate staircases between decks comfortably (the ship has no elevator).
Ready for Your Ultimate Polar Odyssey?
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