Classic South Georgia

In the afternoon, you will board the USHUAIA. After a welcome drink, you’ll be introduced to the crew and the expedition team, and have time to meet your fellow travelers. The ship then sets course for the Western Falkland Islands (Malvinas), known for their rugged beauty and rich bird and seabird life.

Thanks to the USHUAIA’s open bridge policy, you can watch the officers navigate, observe marine life, and enjoy the views. While keeping an eye out for seabirds, orcas, and dolphins, the expedition team will join you on deck. An engaging lecture program will prepare you for excursions to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

Weather permitting, your first excursion begins on October 15, 2023, accompanied by lecturers and naturalists.

On the west coast, you may visit West Point Island, located at the northwestern tip of West Falkland. Here, you can see Rockhopper penguins, Black-browed albatrosses, and the famous Devil’s Nose cliffs.

Carcass Island, northwest of the Falkland Archipelago, is an unspoiled island inhabited by Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. In the small settlement with beautiful gardens, you can enjoy tea and biscuits with the locals.

Overnight, you’ll sail eastward and arrive in the capital, Stanley, the next morning.

In the morning, you can explore the picturesque town of Stanley, with its museum, souvenir shops, and pubs. The city has a rich history, including participation in two world wars.

Nature lovers will have plenty to see: giant petrels, steamer ducks, kelp gulls, and peregrine falcons. Turkey vultures nest on buildings, and upland geese can be spotted in the park.

In the early afternoon, the ship sets course for South Georgia.

During the days at sea, an extensive lecture program will be offered. Experts and naturalists share their knowledge about the wildlife and unique ecosystems you’ll encounter on your journey. South Georgia is considered one of the most beautiful and inspiring places on Earth, with greater biodiversity than almost anywhere else on the planet.

South Georgia comes into view! Despite its remoteness, the island impresses with high mountains, glaciers, fjords, and wide grasslands. Weather permitting, a visit to one of the following sites is planned for the late afternoon:

Elsehul – located at the northwestern tip of South Georgia, this scenic harbor is home to colonies of Black-browed and Gray-headed albatrosses nesting along its sheltered shores.

Right Whale Bay – a 2.4 km wide bay between Craigie Point and Nameless Point on the north coast of South Georgia. The name dates back to the early whaling period around 1922. Here, you may observe a small colony of king penguins, giant petrels, gulls, and fur seals on the black-sand beach.

Your exact itinerary will depend on local land and sea conditions, but the following destinations are among those you may explore:

Salisbury Plain – also called the “Serengeti of the South,” is famous for its thousands of king penguins surrounded by glaciers. The beach offers a perfect opportunity to visit the colony, while elephant seals and giant petrels are abundant.

Grytviken – home to the ruins of a former whaling station and the South Georgia Museum. Nearby lies the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered peaks.

Godthul – a 3 km long bay on the Barff Peninsula, known for Gentoo penguins and light-mantled sooty albatrosses, showing relics of the whaling era.

St. Andrews Bay – the 3 km long coastline hosts the largest colony of king penguins and is a haven for wildlife including leopard seals and various bird species.

Cooper Bay – located at the southeastern tip of South Georgia, featuring impressive volcanic cliffs and the chance to see Chinstrap and Macaroni penguins.

Drygalski Fjord – fascinates visitors with its glaciers and the opportunity to witness ice calving.

You’ll spend the next two days crossing the Scotia Sea toward the Antarctic Peninsula. This time offers a chance to be on deck, read, review your photos, or simply reflect on the magical experiences of the past days on South Georgia.

Elephant Island is linked to Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1916 rescue mission. Shackleton left 22 men behind while he and five others set out on a daring rescue — one of the greatest survival stories ever told. Every traveler returns with a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary feat.

The expedition team will prepare you for an unforgettable experience on the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

During the day, you’ll reach the Antarctic Peninsula in the beautiful Antarctic Sound. You’ll attempt landings at one of the following sites:

Argentine Antarctic Station Esperanza – You’ll attempt to navigate to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula through the Antarctic Sound, which runs northwest–southeast. Hope Bay and the Argentine Station Esperanza are located on the western side of the sound.

Brown Bluff – a promontory on the Tabarin Peninsula, lies south of Hope Bay. Both could be possible landing sites. The Weddell Sea forms the heart of the Adélie penguin population of the peninsula.

Gerlache Strait – This area of wide seas, mountainous islands, protected bays, and narrow channels offers moments of solitude. Towering peaks and massive glaciers dominate the landscape.

Hydrurga Rocks – You may visit the Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islands in the Palmer Archipelago, at the northern entrance to the Gerlache Strait. Chinstrap penguins, blue-eyed shags, and kelp gulls nest here.

Cuverville Island – You might visit Cuverville Island in the Errera Channel, home to many Gentoo penguins. As you sail northward, you’ll explore the South Shetland Islands.

Deception Island – Sail through the narrow passage into the caldera of Deception Island, the largest volcano in the South Shetland Islands.

Half Moon Island – This crescent-shaped island is home to Chinstrap penguins in a breathtaking setting.

You’ll leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join the lecturers and naturalists on deck to look for seabirds and whales. Enjoy final lectures and reflect on your extraordinary adventure.

You’ll reach the port of Ushuaia early in the morning and disembark from the USHUAIA after breakfast.