Join us for a journey to the last untouched continent. First we will visit several of the Falkland Islands, looking for Black-browed Albatross, Rockhopper Penguins and Imperial Cormorants. Then we continue to breathtaking South Georgia for Christmas. Huge King Penguin colonies, its whaling history and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition with the Endurance make South Georgia special. Antarctica will show spectacular icebergs and calving glaciers and the possibility of up-close encounters with penguins ashore, seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and humpback or Minke whales surfacing close to the ship. Weather depending, we will take daily Zodiac departures in South Georgia and Antarctica and cruise amidst colorful icebergs, or step ashore to visit a variety of penguin rookeries and research stations on excursions led by our team of natural history experts. Keep your eye peeled for the lovely black and white Commerson’s dolphins in the Falklands. For New Year we will be in the South Shetland Islands. Throughout the voyage, learn about the geology, wildlife and history of this spectacular area from lecture presentations offered by your knowledgeable onboard Expedition Team.
Voyage Highlights:
West Point Island, Falkland Islands –
Look for Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins while approaching the settlement of West Point Island, where just one family lives. Hike to a Black-browed Albatross colony next to Rockhopper Penguins and Imperial Cormorants. Visit the home of the owners for some tea and home-baked cakes and cookies.
Stanley, Falkland Islands –
Explore Stanley, the Falkland Islands’ capital. See the whalebone arch in front of the Anglican Cathedral, or walk the streets and have a beer at one of the charming local pubs. The Historic Dockside Museum is also worth a visit, covering the natural and cultural history of the region.
South Georgia –
In South Georgia we will land at old whaling stations, depending on landing conditions hope to visit a huge King Penguin colony, see the Museum at Grytviken, and do Zodiac cruises looking for wildlife.
Elephant Island, Antarctica –
If conditions cooperate, you might take a Zodiac cruise to see where Sir Ernest Shackleton’s men were stranded for more than four months. A bust here commemorates the Chilean captain who finally helped Shackleton rescue the men in mid-winter.
Antarctic Sound, Antarctica –
We will travel to see tabular icebergs in the Antarctic Sound. The Sound is named after the first ship to navigate through it and has massive continental icebergs, which rise out of the water like giant white-blue blocks. Depending on ice conditions, Zodiac cruises and a landing might be possible.
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica –
We will explore the Antarctic Peninsula from the Silver Explorer, on Zodiac cruises and via landings to see seals and penguin colonies. These activities will be expertly selected by your Captain and Expedition Leader while working with the weather and ice conditions. This promontory of land is the furthest-north extension of the Antarctic mainland and we will be there for New Year’s Eve.
South Shetland Islands, Antarctica –
Several landing sites and remains of whaling stations can be found in the South Shetland Islands. This grouping of islands is 75 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula and holds many research stations run by Argentina, the US, Chile, Spain and other countries. Sites to be seen for New Year will be selected based on weather and ice conditions.
Cultural Highlights:
• Meet the residents of West Point Island and see the capital of the Falkland Islands at Stanley Port. Learn about the cultural and natural history of the region at the Historic Dockside Museum.
Wildlife Watch List:
• Penguins (Magellanic, Rockhopper, King, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins)
• Seals (Antarctic fur seals, southern elephant seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals and leopard seals)
• Whales (humpback whales, Minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, pilot whales, orcas, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins)
• Birds of note: Blue-eyed Shag, Upland Goose, Grass Wren, Long-tailed Meadowlark, Striated Caracara, Black-browed Albatross, Wandering Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Snowy Sheathbill
Please note: Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.
GEAR UP
Not sure what to wear while onboard? Visit our shop and gear up. We've got layers to keep you dry and warm, breezy wear to keep you covered and cool, and accessories to keep everything packed up and ready to go. So, no matter the weather, you'll be better prepared for your expedition.
Our Gear Shop has an expert outfitting staff and features all the essentials:
Clothes for all types of weather, boot rentals, accessories and more »
Make sure you get all your essentials today. We offer packages or individual items, for your convenience, and recommend you place orders at least 30 days before your embarkation date.
