Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Experience Overview
Challenge. Desolation. Unlimited wonder. It’s not difficult to grasp what attracted the great explorers to Antarctica. Get a personal appreciation for the struggle to tame the bottom of the world on this 22-day adventure to the land that entranced Ernest Shackleton and countless others since. Down here, you’ll explore the Falkland Islands, encounter abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island, and pay your respects at Shackleton’s grave. Elsewhere, you’ll catch up with penguins (king, chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie varieties), learn all about them through daily lectures, get close to whales and cavorting seals from a Zodiac boat, and keep an eye peeled for towering icebergs and massive glaciers. Prepare to be astonished.
Highlights
- Meet hardy locals and see unique wildlife in the Falkland Islands
- Explore abandoned whaling stations and visit Shackleton’s grave
- Walk quietly amongst king penguins and watch them surf onto the beach
- Learn about the environment and ecology from industry experts
- Spot whales and seals while cruising through icebergs on Zodiacs
Trip Details
Product Code: 3093
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: XVGFSX
Starts: Montevideo, Uruguay
Finishes: Ushuaia, Argentina
Duration: 22 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- 20 nts aboard the G Expedition
- 1 nt hotel in Montevideo, on a twin share basis
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
Accommodation
- Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 20 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
- 21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
Transport
- G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.
Group Leader
- One expedition team member per 10 guests.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $20,899 ($950 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Montevideo
Arrive in Montevideo at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Uruguay's capital city.
Day 2: Montevideo/South Atlantic Ocean
Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port of Montevideo.
Embark on the G 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.
Day 3-5: South Atlantic Ocean/Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
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.
Day 6-7: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)/Southern Ocean
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.
Day 8-9: Southern Ocean/South Georgia
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.
Day 10-13: South Georgia/Scotia Sea
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.
Day 14-15: South Shetland Islands/Antarctica
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.
Day 16-19: South Shetland Islands/Drake Passage
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.
Day 20-21: Drake Passage/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.
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 G 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.
Day 22: Ushuaia
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.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Belinda W. - Traveled, November 2023
Your inclusive and ethical approach to travel. Sharing to avoid single traveller supplement.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
Juliane K. - Traveled, November 2023
Well orgenized, cool people and guides with a good scientific backround
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2024
Geoffrey G. - Traveled, November 2023
The experience offered by GA is first rate in all respects with expert knowledge of the product being offered and attention to detail at all levels. Very open friendly staff and a commitment to providing a memorable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Margaret M. - Traveled, November 2023
Very high standards with safety at the forefront. Nothing too much trouble for staff with all equipment and amenities high quality and working order. Blown away with the expertise of the G Adventures Staff who were very generous with their time and so enthusiastic for the whole time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
William R. - Traveled, November 2023
Everything was well organized and yet flexible to meet the changing environment.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2024
Alice B. - Traveled, November 2023
A much better experience than we had with Oceanwide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Bonnie F. - Traveled, November 2023
All involved make an enormous effort to make the trip as remarkable as it was.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2024
Judith W. - Traveled, November 2024
Extremely well directed program with great land visits and wonderful lectures. The energy and enthusiasm of the staff was wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
Gail R. - Traveled, November 2023
Incredible destinations, wonderful, knowledgeable staff, no single supplement, all necessary gear provided or available for purchase N.B. complimentary parka, excellent scientific presenters and documentaries, daily landings, weather permitting and for us almost always, varieties of fauna i.e.. penguin colonies that exceeded the population of Kitchener where I live! etc. etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
Daniel N. - Traveled, November 2023
A superbly researched, skillfully planned and professionally executed expedition. The team and the crew were friendly, knowledgeable and respectful, the ship tip-top, the food great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Maureen F. - Traveled, November 2024
I think you get good value for money - ship, accommodation, food, crew and experts all are excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Karen B. - Traveled, November 2023
Safety conciousness, personal connection with every guest, environmental stewardship .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Holly B. - Traveled, November 2023
The G Expedition Cruise was the time of my life, an unreal experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Kathleen Kerr - Traveled, February 2012
Holiday of a lifetime, which will never be forgotten. Had an absolutely amazing time from start to finish. This holiday was beyond our expectations! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? King Penguins and their chicks, so funny! A Gentoo chicks laying on my lap Up close and personal (about 8-10 feet away) from humpback whale swimming towards us - Awesome !Abundant wildlife behavior to watch and photograph fantastic scenery, weather and itinerary Amazing icebergs Watching Adelie penguins stealing stones from other nests, and looking so innocent when caught, just like on 'Frozen Planet' hilarious! Educational presentations by the Quark staff were so informative and very helpful, learnt so much. What did you think of your group leader? Shane was brilliant and did everything he could to get us ashore, and succeeded as we managed 21 landings and zodiac cruises. A At the briefings he was inspirational in telling us to &go out ;put down our cameras and feel our surroundings, watch the animals, take photos with your mind;, he was so right! A Shane even surprised us with a cruise round Cape Horn (which was unexpected).Do you have any advice for potential travelers you thought you might like to do this trip, don't think anymore, DO IT! You will have a life changing experience. A Wildlife in abundance, be on the first zodiac out and the last one back! Don't be tempted to have your eyes permanently stuck to the camera lens - just sit and watch it all happen around you ! A Take a tri-stool like we did and just sit and take it all there anything else you would like to add? The remainder of the expedition staff were amazing; Jamie, Tony, Mikolaj and Damien were so informative, their knowledge was immense and nothing was too much trouble for them. Angela (our shop assistant and newly qualified zodiac driver) was great, she was our driver around icebergs and she couldn't do enough to make our experience as enjoyable as possible; her patience, kindness and consideration were immense. Krystle was great with her photographic tips and Val and Solan brilliant for the kayakers. Dave and Karin were brilliant drivers and full of fun. Last but not least, Duncan who did so much behind the scenes and whose organizational skills were greatly appreciated. The crew onboard the ship were professional, friendly and helpful. A If we did have a complaint, then it would be that the food was good, but could have been a bit warmer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2012
Angela Longman - Traveled, February 2012
The Sea Spirit was very comfortable, the only problem they need to address is the food, as it was tepid and mediocre. We have been on Polar travels several times before and the food was always superb. not sure if the problem lies with Quark or the Danish owners. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We saw every type of seal and penguin, including a young Emperor one out on the ice which was pretty special. the highlight has to be a humpback whale feeding at Hannah's Point on the last afternoon which swam between 2 of the Zodiacs almost within touching range. What did you think of your group leader? Shane Envoy was full of fun and energy and an inspiration to all the passengers. Is there anything else you would like to add? The girl who ran the shop on board was highly obnoxious. A I gather she is employed by Quark as opposed to the owners. A I had occasion to return a paid of leather bootees, the day after purchase, as I felt that the leather seam inside was harsh to young feet. A She pointed out that exchanges/refunds could only happen on day of purchase, a notice was hidden amongst stock to this effect. A She eventually contacted her bosses who agreed to the exchange. A The next few days were busy and when we took the goods back, she said she had sold 100s with no complaint. I then said I would buy a child's Tshirt instead. She pointed out that they were reduced as they had been wrongly tagged, in case I came back and complained. Her interpersonal skills are sadly lacking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2012
Derek Holwill - Traveled, January 2012
Fantastic - great photographic trip. A lot of days at sea though - so an interest in sea-birds useful! South Georgia should be a must for anyone who enjoys photographing wildlife, so the time to get there is well worthwhile. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Gold Harbor on a sunny day with blue skies and mating elephant seals all over the place; A and Shackleton's grave. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent - the best we've had on 4 Antarctic trips. Do you have any advice for potential travelers? Be on the first zodiac going to land, and one the last one back! And take lots of sea-sickness tablets. Is there anything else you would like to add? I know it's a Quark trip - but an extra day or 2 in the Falklands would be great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2012
Andrew Barnes - Traveled, January 2012
It was a long way to travel - but it was well worth it, started with a few days in Ushuaia (Argentina) before the expedition cruise started. Ushuaia is a small town with many overpriced so called duty free shops, and outside the town is the National Park - which to be honest was very ordinary. Now to the actual trip itself - the Falkland, South Georgia and Antarctica - it was brilliant, very well run by the expedition staff and the journey on the Vavilov was 'plain sailing'. On this trip we missed one zodiac cruise, but managed to carry out all the other activities .Managed to see all the expected wildlife for that time of year, and great views when land and ice in view. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? South Georgia had everything, the scenery, history and the wildlife. What did you think of your group leader? Lynn Woodward - is an expert on the areas visited, so was always able to pass on her substantial knowledge. Do you have any advice for potential travelers? Great for wildlife photography. Spend as much time out on deck or on the bridge - you don't know what is going to swim or fly by !(Could not believe that out of 95 holiday makers on board - there were only three of us 'looking'). Is there anything else you would like to add? It was my second Polar Trip - having visited the Arctic in 2010, the two ends of the planet are very different - with the Polar Bears and flat ice in the North and the 'millions' of Penguins and 'high rise' Icebergs in the South, both trip were superb and very different experiences and would recommend both to everybody.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2012
Teresa Jones - Traveled, March 2011
A wonderful trip. Once you have seen Antarctica, you understand the importance of conserving and protecting it. Be prepared to come back as an ambassador for the region! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many to say! The first wonder was seeing an albatross fly past our cabin window when we opened the curtains in the morning Then there were the hundreds of thousands of penguins on South Georgia at St Andrews Bay, Shackleton's Grave at Grytviken, and the pod of Orcas that swam past the ship at one point . What did you think of your group leader? Kirsten was an experienced and conscientious leader Excellent briefing and debriefings. A general feeling that she knew the area well, the flora and fauna, together with the inherent risks associated with any landings. Do you have any advice for potential travelers? Be prepared to accept that conditions in the Southern Ocean completely determine what you can or cannot do by way of landings. Choose a ship (like ours - The Ioffe which can handle bad conditions and on which the movement of the ocean is less obvious than on lesser vessels Be prepared to be amazed! Is there anything else you would like to add? The Expedition Team were exceptional, the Crew wonderful, the food was very good and very plentiful. Expect to put on weight! It helped to have a superb, well captained, ship like the Academic Ioffe, which was more stable than one would imagine, even in a Force 12, in the Drake Passage. You will take more pictures than you imagine, but do spend some time not looking through the viewfinder. The DVD at the end of the trip was great. It was nice not only to have a slide show, but also all of the peoples best picture choices. The maps and daily bulletins helped to write up journals and remind us of anything we had forgotten. If you can go to South Georgia, do so. The combination of scenery, history and wildlife makes South Georgia one of the special places on this planet. It does help if you can get the very good weather we had. If you have any desire to go - then GO!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2011
Margaret Stapley - Traveled, January 2011
A trip I have wanted to do for years and it was wonderful. Quark had an excellent expedition staff on my trip who got us out on the zodiacs whenever they safely could. Nothing was too much trouble and the knowledge of the staff in their lectures enhanced the experience out with the animals and icebergs. A great crowd on the boat also allowed us to do all we could as all were committed to do with extra time for penguins and races around icebergs. In particular I would like to sing the praises of Graham Charles for being an inspiration because of his love for the areas we visited.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Race around an iceberg in the Weddell Sea , the Adelie penguin colony on Paulet island as it was snowing so truly Antarctic weather but best of all Gold Harbor with the King penguins and elephant seals a magical place. What did you think of your group leader? See above cannot sing his praises enough. Without him and his determination to make sure we got assure at every opportunity it would have not been so excellent. Do you have any advice for potential travelers? Take sea sick pills with you I would recommend Phenergan. Plenty of warm lightweight clothes but not on the boat which was always warm. Quark info is really helpful so follow that. Don't spend all your time taking photographs sit and watch and take it in the smells and the noise cannot be captured on a picture! Is there anything else you would like to add? No!!!But I would like to go again and spend more time in the Falklands and South Georgia as they were the best!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/30/2011
Matt Mckean - Traveled, January 2011
What a fantastic trip, Falklands and Albatross, South Georgia and Penguins/Seals and Antarctica and Tabular Icebergs. This trip is a true adventure where the rewards are high and the camera is rarely away from reach. Its jaw dropping beauty will leave you wondering where else on earth can i go that will give you so many fabulous memories. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There are so many, from Elephant Seals to King Penguins but one that i have fond memories was when sitting down just watching, not taking pictures, just sitting and watching Chinstrap Penguins. You are all told at the start of the expedition that we must respect the animals space and not cause them any distress by being to close... Keep your distance...These little guys, like the Adelie and Gentoo will waddle up so close, you could reach out and touch them. There is no fear from them, they are just so inquisitive. They melt your heart and leave you knowing this is the adventure and experience you been looking for......What did you think of your group leader? All Quark staff are fantastic and knowledgeable in there field of expertise from Historian to Ornithologist. All Expeditions are ran as the collective team, its the team that makes it work, no single individual, the expedition leader always gave praise to his team. Graham Charles was our expedition leader. Energetic, a mass of knowledge about polar travel and above all else he does what it takes to make this a trip that you will remember. His adventures are inspirational, his tales leave you wanting more he is a master at what he does. Do you have any advice for potential travelers? Expect the unexpected. It does rain so take a rain cover for your camera and Lens.  Always keep a spare set of batteries close to you in your jacket to keep them warm. Charge batteries every night as you will take more pictures then you can imagine. think you need an SLR with a huge lens. Penguins to Seals can be meters away, I saw great pictures from all levels of camera equipment.  Its not as cold as you might think, but take plenty of layers for those days when the wind picks up and the chill factor plummets...Is there anything else you would like to add? Only one thing that i would advise any traveler on this trip.... Take time to stop... put the camera down and just watch everything that is going on around you..... its fantastic experience that is difficult to put into words.. You will miss so much....
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2011
Ralph - Traveled, November 2024
This expedition was a very very very excellent experience. The crew, staff, and destinations were amazing. We were fortunate enough to have better than normal weather. I would definitely do this again with the same crew and staff. They were very knowledgeable and accommodating and had tons of experience. Artie, Nix, Woody, Neil, Sofia, and the rest of the team made this trip a very memorable trip. I also had a booking issue and it was resolved. If you have the time time, do this trip! You wont forget it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2024
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