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 $19,999 ($909 /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.
Similar Tours
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
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: 01/01/2024
Marie P., - Traveled, November 2023
G Expeditions overall attention to making the trip as good as possible for participants. (hard to answer with just one reason though)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/02/2024
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
Rosemary B., - Traveled, November 2024
Attention to detail without being overbearing, The ships crew were so genuinely happy and helpful, The expedition team professional group of people . I can't rate them highly enough first class.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/15/2024
Karen B., - Traveled, November 2023
Safety conciousness, personal connection with every guest, environmental stewardship
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
William S. - Traveled, November 2023
I felt the expedition team and the ship's staff were sincerely interested in providing a great experience for the passengers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
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
Danika A., - Traveled, November 2023
Well organized. The excursions exceeded my expectations!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Jennifer L., - Traveled, November 2023
It was recommended by 2 of my friends that I should fine out what interested me from G Adventures. I particularly like the policy of no single supplement as I always travel without a partner of the same interest.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/27/2024
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
Meike N., - Traveled, November 2023
The expedition was the most amazing thing I've ever done. The landscapes, wildlife, landings, the staff, the food - just the whole package exceed my expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Donald G., - Traveled, November 2023
The trip was to such an awesome place, with all the wildlife up close and not concerned about your presence and getting there was part of the adventure. The CEOs were out of this world, so friendly and helpful, with their only concern to make your trip the best ever.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2024
Sarah O., - Traveled, November 2023
Such a great trip Friendly welcoming staff, great lectures, great food and of course, great times on land and in the zodiacs
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2024
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 ie. 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
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