Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
20 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina
Visiting: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Martial Glacier, Falkland Islands, Stanley, South Georgia, Grytviken, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PUQ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 138
Age range:
12-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica" tour. This adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and takes you aboard the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship, to explore the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, and South Georgia. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of 150,000 pairs of king penguins at St Andrew’s Bay, and follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Experience the quaint charm of Stanley, and enjoy expert-led presentations on polar wildlife and history. With opportunities for Zodiac excursions, kayaking, and trekking, this expedition offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the polar regions. Enjoy all meals on board, with beer and house wine during dinner, as you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Martial Glacier
Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet boasts many shops, museums, cafes and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.
Day 2 : Board the Ocean Explorer
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travellers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your expedition team as it is for you. On board, your team is there both to ensure your comfort and safety as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.
Day 3 : Enjoy a day at sea, travelling to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Location: Falkland Islands
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your expedition team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history.
In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
Day 4 - 5 : Arrive at the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Location: Falkland Islands, Stanley
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Upon your arrival, your camera gets its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you explore on daily excursions.
Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favoured landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’re free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit the cathedral and museum.
In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here too! Also expect to see black- browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species: the flightless Falkland steamer duck and, possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren.
Your expert education team enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.
Day 6 - 7 : Sail to South Georgia
Location: South Georgia
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps nourish the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals and birdlife. Your expedition team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line and look for the seabirds and marine life that frequent this nutrient-rich area.
Day 8 - 11 : Explore South Georgia
Location: Grytviken
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once known for whale- and seal-hunting. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.
One significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station.
Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, its incredible densities of wildlife make it truly memorable. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Southern Sea, opens your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures.
One day, you may see colonies with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on shore; the next, you may visit another beach inhabited by hundreds 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 species on the island. This fragile and interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will instil in you during your time here.
Day 12 - 13 : Voyage to Antarctica
Location: South Orkney Islands
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say goodbye to the king penguins as you leave for your next destination: Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops and social activities led by your expedition team.
If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.
Day 14 - 17 : South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Location: South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.
You discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment, you’re overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence; the next, you’re inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a curious penguin waddles by to observe the humans.
Your expedition team takes care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies.
Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. During Zodiac cruises, keep an eye out for Antarctic whales such as minkes, as you may get a chance for an intimate experience with these majestic animals. Each day and each excursion presents a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.
As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!
Day 18 - 19 : Cross the Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy your final moments celebrating with your fellow shipmates and savour the silence of the sea as long as you can.
Day 20 : End Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.
What's Included
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All meals while on the ship
All meals are included while on the ship.
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Beer and house wine during dinner
Beer and house wine are provided during dinner.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included in the tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Optional paddling excursion
Optional paddling excursions are available at an extra cost.
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Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge is an optional activity and may incur additional costs.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes all transport and listed activities, with the main mode of transportation being the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship. This vessel is designed for Polar waters, providing frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, and exploration of remote areas inaccessible to larger ships.Accommodation
The Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica voyage is offered on the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship. These small ice-rated vessels are well-suited for Polar waters, offering intimate adventures with flexible itineraries, superb food, and excellent staff, ensuring a memorable experience.Food
Typical meals
The ship 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 the occasional buffet or barbecue.
Dinner: Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or antipasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of ship will we be traveling on during the tour?
The tour is conducted on the Ocean Explorer, which is a Polar Adventure Ship. These are small ice-rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters, offering intimate adventures with flexible itineraries and plenty of activities such as frequent Zodiac excursions and trekking.
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What wildlife can we expect to see on the Falkland Islands?
On the Falkland Islands, you can expect to see Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins, and possibly king penguins. The islands are also home to black-browed albatross and two endemic bird species: the flightless Falkland steamer duck and the elusive Cobb’s wren.
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What historical sites can we visit on South Georgia?
On South Georgia, you can visit the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at the settlement of Grytviken, which also features an old whaling station, a museum, a gift shop, a church, and a small research station.
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What activities are available during the days at sea?
During the days at sea, you can attend presentations led by the expedition team on topics such as photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. There are also workshops and social activities, and you can spend time on deck looking for wildlife or socializing with fellow travelers.
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What kind of meals are provided on the ship?
All meals are included while on the ship. Breakfast is buffet style with unlimited tea and coffee, fruit juices, hot options, bread, fruit, and cereal. Lunch is typically a three-course set meal, with occasional buffets or barbecues. Dinner includes three courses with a starter, a choice of three mains including vegetarian and seafood options, and a dessert. Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for with prior notice.
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What unique experiences are offered in Antarctica?
In Antarctica, you can partake in Zodiac cruising, visit historical sites, and observe penguin colonies. There is also an optional paddling excursion for an extra cost, and the opportunity to participate in the Polar Plunge by jumping into Antarctic waters.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 120 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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