Epic Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing via Buenos Aires

Epic Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing via Buenos Aires

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23 Days From

$39790

Epic Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing via Buenos Aires

23 Days Starting and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Visiting: Falkland Islands, Antarctic Convergence, South Georgia, Grytviken, Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle, Drake Passage

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

PRV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 199

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

From: $39790

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey with the "Epic Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing via Buenos Aires" tour. This adventure begins in Buenos Aires, leading you to the remote and rugged landscapes of the Falkland Islands, where you can explore the charming British town of Stanley. Witness the breathtaking wildlife of South Georgia, home to over 30 species of breeding birds, including four penguin species. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton and visit his gravesite. Experience the thrill of crossing the Antarctic Circle, celebrating with a toast, and enjoy helicopter flightseeing for a unique view of the Antarctic Peninsula. Travel aboard the Ultramarine, a small expedition vessel, with expert Expedition Staff guiding you through this polar wonderland. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of some of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth.

Highlights

  • Explore the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

  • See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often called the Galapagos of the Poles.

  • Follow in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyage to South Georgia and visit his gravesite.

  • Cross the Antarctic Circle and celebrate with a toast.

  • Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the Antarctic Peninsula.

  • Experience the abundance of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales, on the Antarctic Peninsula.

  • Visit the South Shetland Islands and enjoy glacier hikes and visits to research bases.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start Buenos Aires, Argentina; Overnight In Hotel

Accommodation Name: hotel

Our journey begins in Buenos Aires where we will overnight in a hotel.

Day 2 : Fly To Ushuaia And Embark

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier. Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

Day 3 : At Sea

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There are many activities to keep you engaged while we’re at sea. You can take advantage of the library of books available on your ship, hang out at the bar chatting to other travellers or spend time out on deck, admiring the sea. Your Expedition Team will also conduct a series of presentations to familiarize you with how to prepare for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Day 4 - 5 : Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Location: Falkland Islands

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Falkland archipelago contains two main islands, East and West, which we will explore by Zodiac excursions and daily landings. These rugged islands have a frontier feel to them, especially at Port Stanley—the largest settlement on the islands. It’s an interesting British outpost–type place, where you may just as easily wander into a pub as you will a church or museum.

With your camera at hand, our wildlife sightings in the Falklands (Malvinas) should include at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species—Cobb’s wren and the Falkland’s flightless Steamer duck.

Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna so that you have the most memorable time.

Day 6 - 7 : At Sea

Location: Antarctic Convergence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enroute to South Georgia you’ll cross the invisible biological boundary unique to Antarctica – the Antarctic Convergence. This meeting of oceans is what creates the abundance of krill and marine life that attract large cetaceans such as Humpback whales.

Day 8 - 11 : South Georgia

Location: South Georgia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Evidence of the old whaling and sealing heydays is still found throughout the island. You’ll be surprised to learn that whale and seal populations were once decimated here, as today their populations are strong, with massive rookeries to be seen.

One significant and historic site that will be of interest is the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Visiting his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station and a research station, is a day for reflecting on what it must have been like to be one of the first explorers to this unforgiving, yet beautiful environment.

While South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the islands, it is the wildlife that you and your shipmates will likely find most captivating. Often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of the Poles,’ South Georgia contains an exceptional quantity of wildlife. Each landing you make on South Georgia will open your eyes to a new wonder of wildlife. One day you may see rookeries with a 100 thousand pairs of King penguins waddling on the beach. The next day we may visit another beach with thousands of Fur or Elephant seals.

The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different bird and animal species. Your Expedition Team will be happy to share their knowledge of how these vulnerable relationships all play out on the island.

Day 12 - 13 : At Sea

Location: Antarctica

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Antarctica awaits, along with its own penguin and seal species. While you’re at sea, you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations by the Expedition Team, who will cover everything from the history and geology of Antarctica to tips on identifying different species and what makes each of them unique.

Day 14 - 16 : South Shetland Islands And Antarctic Peninsula

Location: South Shetland Islands

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.

Glacier hikes, visits to research bases and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the Leopard seal, or come eye–to–eye with a curious Minke whale while on a Zodiac. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy!

Day 17 - 18 : The Antarctic Circle

Location: Antarctic Circle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not come close to reaching this far south.

With a toast to the first explorers who ventured here, you can raise a glass of champagne and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, with the potential for fantastic iceberg sightings.

Day 19 - 20 : Northbound Along The Peninsula

Location: Antarctic Peninsula

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. The Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Day 21 - 22 : Crossing The Drake Passage

Location: Drake Passage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.

Day 23 : Disembark In Ushuaia And Fly To Buenos Aires

Meals Included: Breakfast

We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, we will taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before we transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

What's Included

  • Meals
    11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners.

  • All meals while on the ship

    All meals are provided while on the ship, ensuring you are well-fed throughout the journey.

  • Beer and wine at dinner

    Enjoy beer and wine with your dinner during the cruise.

  • All accommodation

    Accommodation is included for the duration of the tour.

  • All transport and listed activities

    All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff

    A tour leader and qualified expedition staff will accompany you throughout the journey.

  • Mandatory transfer package

    The tour includes a mandatory transfer package with return charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

  • Flights from the UK

    Flights from the UK can be included upon request. Please contact us for a quote.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.

  • Visas and vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged by the traveler.

Food

All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.

Accommodation

The Epic Antarctica journey is offered on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship. These small ice-rated vessels are well-suited for Polar waters, providing intimate adventures with flexible itineraries. Enjoy superb food and staff, frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, and technical advances for a sensitive Polar experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including more than 30 species of breeding birds, four species of penguins, and endemic bird species like Cobb's wren and the Falkland's flightless Steamer duck. In South Georgia, you may encounter large rookeries of King penguins, Fur seals, and Elephant seals. In Antarctica, you might see species such as Leopard seals, Minke whales, and various penguins and seals.

  • What activities are included during the sea days?

    While at sea, you can engage in various activities such as taking advantage of the library of books available on the ship, socializing at the bar, or spending time on deck admiring the sea. The Expedition Team will also conduct presentations to prepare you for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and cover topics like the history and geology of Antarctica.

  • What is the significance of crossing the Antarctic Circle on this tour?

    Crossing the Antarctic Circle is a significant achievement as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach this far south. It is a rare opportunity to visit a part of the world that few people have seen, and it is celebrated with a toast to the first explorers who ventured there.

  • What kind of ship will we be traveling on during the tour?

    The tour is conducted on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship. These are small, ice-rated vessels well-suited for polar waters, offering intimate adventures with flexible itineraries and activities such as frequent Zodiac excursions and trekking.

  • What is the accommodation like on the ship?

    The accommodation on the Ultramarine is designed for comfort and adventure in polar regions. The ship offers superb food and staff, and the technical advances of the fleet ensure that travelers can maximize their experience in the Poles.

  • Are there any special historical sites we will visit during the tour?

    Yes, one of the significant historical sites you will visit is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at the settlement of Grytviken in South Georgia. This site also includes an old whaling station and a research station.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Epic Antarctica - Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Diamond - Quark Expeditions)

Checking in for the internal flights Buenos Aires to and from Ushuaia was chaotic. Despite arriving well in advance check ins opened with barely enough time to make the flights. Once at Ushuaia outward and return all Quark arrangements were clear and efficient. Hotel Albatross in Ushuaia was very good. Onboard Ocean Diamond the hotel service was excellent. The Quark team were excellent. The photographic, historical, geological, ornithological and wildlife lectures were of the highest quality in terms of technical content, detail and delivery. The daily briefings and recaps were informative and entertaining. The zodiak cruises, landings, hikes, paddling and other activities were excellent: fascinating; informative; exciting; well managed; safe; well supervised; well guided. The experienced Quark staff ensured that we saw at close quarters all the wildlife that could be expected for this trip: all penguin species except the Emperor; nesting albatross; elephant, fur, Weddell, leopard seals; orca; humpback and fin whales; guillemots, skewers, etc. The weather was kind to us so we were able to visit nearly all the planned destinations on this expedition skilfully scheduled by the ship's captain and the Quark Expedition Leader to ensure interesting activities each day. The scenery throughout was stunning, especially in the earie light of the midnight sun below the Antarctic Circle. I enjoyed the paddling, not booked in advance, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight getting really close to the wildlife. In conclusion the expedition exceeded my expectations!

Excellent, well run trip

This trip was well organised and well run from start to finish. The ship (The Ultramarine) was very comfortable and had an excellent crew. The expedition staff were very knowledgeable and professional. This trip to Antartica was everything we hoped for, can highly recommend it.

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Sunday - Monday

Jan 18, 2026 - Feb 09, 2026
$39790
Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

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    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

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