Falkland Islands & South Georgia Expedition

Date: October 16 – 30, 2021
Host: Onboard crew and experts
Cost: See costing tab and call us for details!

This trip has been handpicked by Kylan who is one of our Antarctic specialists. The trip focus is on South Georgia and the Falkland Islands which are destinations usually only offered on longer Antarctic departures. This expedition offers some of the best wildlife experiences in the world. Penguin colonies in the 100,000’s, nesting Albatross, and so much more! My favorite is the site of protective elephant seals with their pups while their male counterparts can be seen battling aggressively over territories in the distance…

Start in the Falklands and enjoy watching rockhopper and gentoo penguins in their native habitat. From your zodiac spot Black-browed albatrosses and petrels high above. Hike into the local settlements and meet the people who have made this island home for generations.

From there, set sail for South Georgia and its mountains, which are permanently covered in thick layers of ice and snow. On this island, wildlife is king. Visit one of the world’s largest king penguin colonies and watch elephant seals relaxing on the shores. As we sail from bay to bay, watch out for whales and beautiful seabirds flying overhead.

Highlights

• A small ship allowing you to explore remote and beautiful lands in comfort
• A wilderness experience in the Southern Ocean
• See South Georgia’s incredible wildlife, including 30 breeding bird species and four penguin species
• Explore by ship, Zodiac and foot
• Learn about the area’s unique geology, history and wildlife with our onboard lecturers

© Images courtesy of Antarctica21

Brief Itinerary

[su_accordion]
[su_spoiler title="Day 1: Port Stanley, Embarkation" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

Pick up at the airport in Port Stanley, town visit, and embarkation. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 2: Saunders Island, Carcass Island" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

During a morning visit to Saunders Island we enjoy the long white-sand beach. A wilderness experience, the main attractions there are rockhopper penguins, nesting black browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins. In the afternoon we visit Carcass Island. There is an option for an easy hike to the settlement, bird watching, and a typical Falklands tea experience. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 3: New Island, Weddell Island" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

We visit New Island, a classic West Falklands experience, with albatross & penguin colonies. Depending on local conditions, in the afternoon we could visit Weddell Island. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 4: Bleaker Island" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

Morning landing at Bleaker Island. This is a natural reserve with a famous bird area featuring a large variety of birds. In the afternoon we head to South Georgia. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Days 5 & 6: At sea" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

As we sail toward South Georgia, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 7: Elsehul Bay" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

Depending on sea conditions over the previous days, arrival is planned for the afternoon. Provided we receive approval from the South Georgia Government, we plan to do an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 8: Grytviken, Fortuna Bay" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

Our first landing is at Grytviken. We clear Customs and then visit the historical site, with the museum and Ernest Shackleton’s grave. In the afternoon, we land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness to see king penguins. Here we learn more about Shackleton and his expedition. There is also an optional 2-3 hour “Shackleton walk”. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 9: Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

In the morning we plan a landing at Gold Harbour. This is a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatross here. In the afternoon, we visit Cooper Bay to see macaroni penguins during a Zodiac cruise. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 10: St Andrews Bay, Ocean Harbour" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

St Andrews Bay is the destination of our morning excursion. We see the largest king penguin colony, and elephant seal bulls. In the afternoon, we plan a Zodiac cruise and landing at Ocean Harbour. The highlights here are a shipwreck and remains of the whaling industry. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 11: Prion Island, Salisbury Plain" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

In the morning we plan to visit Prion Island to see the nesting wandering albatross. In the afternoon, we head to Salisbury Plain for more king penguins and stunning landscapes. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Days 12-14: At Sea" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

As we make our way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) our program of lectures and presentations continues. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Day 15: Port Stanley, Disembarkation" open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor="" class=""]

Upon arrival at Port Stanley we disembark and transfer to the airport for the ongoing flight. [/su_spoiler]

Questions? Please contact Kylan, one of the Civilized Adventures’ Custom Travel Advisors at kylan@civilizedadv.com

Important note : the itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather, ice, and sea conditions.

Click below to explore the ship.

Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built to the latest Polar Code specifications.

Magellan Explorer has capacity for 73 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. Most cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors.

The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

The fitness center aboard Magellan Explorer has been designed and built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, the world’s only fitness company with boutique gyms in all seven continents.

Includes:

• 14 nights on the Magellan Explorer Ship
• Leadership throughout your voyage by an experienced Expedition Leaders
• All shore landings &  zodiac excursions as per the daily program
• Formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• All meals (buffet breakfast and lunch / served dinner) and snacks on board
• Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship (and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock)
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions

Excludes:

• International flights & flights to/from Port Stanley (can be combined together)
• Travel & Personal accident insurance (strongly recommended)
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
• Mandatory waterproof jackets & pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Sea Kayaking ($895 USD pp – limited spots)
• Gratuities
• All items of a personal nature
• Any increases due to circumstances beyond our control

Cost

Starting/Ending in Port Stanley:

Price starting at US$11,990 per person, based on double occupancy (Deluxe Veranda)

US$1,000 reduced deposit per person and fully refundable offered until Dec 20, 2020

Past Antarctica21 Travellers are eligible for 5% Discount! Ask us for more details

All quoted prices and itinerary effective at time of publication (July 22, 20). Itinerary is subject to change due to improvements or changes in local conditions.