Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica (Ocean Victory)

Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica! When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. This evening, you’ll have a welcome meeting to meet the other adventurers joining you for your journey. If you arrive in Ushuaia with time to spare, you might like to wander along the city’s main street in search of souvenirs or a taste of the local cuisine.

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Rise and shine – today your adventure officially begins! Spend this morning either relaxing at the hotel or maybe explore Ushuaia – the Maritime Museum and artisanal markets are both good options. This afternoon, board your ship and settle into your cabin. You’ll meet the Expedition Team who will be guiding you on your trip. After a safety and orientation meeting, join the captain and your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner on deck.

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Begin your journey south and start to learn about the wildlife, history and geology of the destinations you’ll soon be exploring. Take part in the program of onboard activities, including educational talks from the Expedition Team and the Citizen Science program, where you can help collect data that contributes to vital research into Antarctica’s ecosystems. There will also be a briefing on environmental regulations and expedition safety to prepare you for the journey ahead.

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Today, you’ll explore some of the westernmost settlements in the remote archipelago of the Falkland Islands. West Falkland is the second largest of the Falkland Islands and is known for its rugged terrain and cliff-lined coast. Stretch your legs as you explore farmland and beaches, seeking out sightings of albatross and penguin colonies. You might see rockhopper, king and Magellanic penguin rookeries.

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Today, you’ll visit Stanley – the capital city of East Falkland, the largest of the Falkland Islands. This small port town is nestled in a sheltered harbour, scattered with colourful houses and sheep farms. The Falkland Islands Museum showcases the history of maritime exploration and the 1982 Falklands War. Visit Gypsy Cove – a protected National Nature Reserve located on the Cape Pembroke peninsula, where you’ll see Magellanic penguins and birds including black-crowned night herons, long-tailed meadowlarks, two-banded plovers and upland and kelp geese.

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Feel the temperature drop as you cross the Antarctic Convergence, officially making your way into Antarctic waters. Keep an eye out for the world’s largest bird – the wandering albatross. Other birds like the tiny Wilson’s storm petrel and the southern giant petrel will also be catching a ride on the updrafts created by ocean swells and waves. Have your binoculars and camera ready for whale sightings and your first glimpse of icebergs.

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Known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’, South Georgia is an ideal spot for wildlife lovers. See tens of thousands of breeding pairs of penguins as well as seals and seabirds on this mountainous island. Behold huge glaciers and icebergs and learn about the island’s history as you travel down its coast. You’ll visit the former Grytviken whaling station and the gravesite of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton – Shackleton is known for leading the ill-fated Endurance expedition which ended with the astounding rescue of all 27 crew members after they were stranded in Antarctica for almost two years.

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Continue further south, watching the icebergs grow bigger and more plentiful as you approach the Antarctic Peninsula. Deepen your knowledge of the natural wonders you’re about to witness firsthand during educational talks, presentations and wildlife spotting sessions with the Expedition Team.

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Spend four days going on Zodiac expeditions to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. The distinctive geology of the South Shetland Islands has been shaped by volcanic activity over time – you might walk along the black sands of Deception Island or make your way into the calmer waters of Yankee Harbour. Visit bays, historic landing sites, active scientific bases, iceberg-filled channels and wildlife hotspots where you’ll see penguins, seals and whales. With the guidance of your Expedition Team, witness firsthand the wildlife you’ve been learning about, plus sharpen your photography skills with plenty of photo ops along the way.

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Begin the journey back north, bound for Ushuaia. Cross the Drake Passage once again and celebrate your journey with a slideshow of memories from the trip, a photography contest with your fellow travellers and a farewell dinner. Reflect on the adventures you’ve shared and toast to a memorable trip!

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Your journey comes to an end this morning as you disembark in Ushuaia. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.