HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
three diverse and spectacular biomes including the temperate Falkland
Islands, sub-Antarctic South Georgia and the frozen Antarctic continent
- Encounter
hundreds of thousands of stately king penguins on the beaches of
incomparable South Georgia
- Experience
abundant wildlife including seabirds, seals and even some of the great
whales at close range
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Feb 26, 2025 | Mar 20, 2025 | 15,587 |
16,195 |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Nov 10, 2025 | 14,528 |
15,095 |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Mar 21, 2026 | 16,068 |
16,695 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Feb 26, 2025 | Mar 20, 2025 | 15,587 |
16,195 |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Nov 10, 2025 | 14,528 |
15,095 |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Mar 21, 2026 | 16,068 |
16,695 |
ITINERARY
Please
Note: The
Feb 27, 2024
sailing is in the reverse direction of the below Itinerary
Day
1: Buenos Aires, Argentina (hotel night)
Welcome
to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. The name of the city can be
translated as "fair winds" but it is also referred to as the "Paris of
South America". This is an exuberant brew of traditions, languages and
different types of culltures.
Upon
your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which
has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. For
the rest of the day you are free to explore this welcoming city.
Day
2: Embarkation in Buenos Aires
We
provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the deluxe
expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in
your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor
the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams coming true as we slip our
moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds.
Day
3-5: South Atlantic Ocean
As
we head south, ocean breezes become cooler and seabirds become more
abundant. We keep a sharp eye out for cetaceans such as
Commerson’s dolphins and southern right whales in these
productive southern seas. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide
comfort in the event of rough weather. Presentations by our expert
naturalists and historians prepare you for our arrival in the Falkland
Islands.
Day
6-7: Falkland Islands
Our
exploration of the Falklands includes visiting the isolated outlying
islands. These bleakly beautiful isles are havens for wildlife. Large
colonies of seabirds, perched on windy bluffs overlooking azure seas,
are easily accessible by hiking over lush meadows. At this time,
black-browed albatross has returned to the islands and are just
starting to lay their eggs amongst the tussocks while feisty rockhopper
penguins leap up surf-battered cliffs to start building their nests
nearby.
On
sandy beaches below, gentoo penguins are also starting to lay their
eggs while king penguin chicks of all ages look on. They are joined by
female elephant seals suckling their newborn pups. Just offshore, you
may see Peale’s dolphins and even killer whales patrolling
the coasts. A wide range of land birds, including the endemic
Cobb’s wren and inquisitive striated caracara, contribute to
an abundance of wildlife that will leave nature lovers breathless.
On
these days we intend to come alongside the wharf at Stanley, the
historic capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant
walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland
Islands Museum, the governor’s house, various war memorials,
quality gift shops, and charming pubs. Christ Church Cathedral features
an impressive whalebone arch and dramatic views of shipwrecks in the
harbor.
We
also plan to offer an excursion to Gypsy Cove, a national nature
reserve where white sand beaches are frequented by numerous bird
species, including the endemic Falklands flightless steamer duck. Here
you can also see Magellanic penguins, who have just started to lay
their eggs in burrows by the seashore.
Day
8-9: Southern Ocean
We
sail east toward South Georgia, passing the remote, seabird-covered
pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We also cross the Antarctic
Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings,
bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare
you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Day
10-13: South Georgia Island
The
next five days will be devoted to the exploration of the unique and
spectacular wilderness of South Georgia, home to some of the greatest
concentrations of wildlife on the planet. This isolated subantarctic
island is said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including
numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, shags, skuas,
gulls and terns. Among these is one of the largest flying birds in the
world—the wandering albatross. Here you have the opportunity
to see large downy chicks stretching their wings after spending the
long Antarctic winter on snowy nests overlooking the wild Southern
Ocean.
On
South Georgia’s legendary beaches, king penguins are gathered
in huge colonies that stretch from sandy shorelines to the foothills of
glaciated mountains. Also at this time, hundreds of thousands of
macaroni penguins are coming ashore to start their breeding season.
Rare birds such as the endemic South Georgia pipit and yellow-billed
pintail round out the list of 78 bird species found across the
territory. The successfully completed rat eradication program has made
this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.
South
Georgia is also home to staggering numbers of southern elephant seals
and Antarctic fur seals. At this time, thousands of massive bull
elephant seals are defending and occasionally fighting to maintain
their harems of females, who have recently given birth. Meanwhile, male
fur seals are just arriving to stake out their mating territories. Once
hunted nearly to extinction, large whales are also returning to the
bountiful seas surrounding South Georgia. With the whalers long gone,
the historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the
excellent South Georgia Museum. Here you will also find the grave of
Sir Ernest Shackleton, heroic polar explorer and leader of the famous
Endurance expedition.
In
this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best
complemented by active adventure. There are many opportunities for
guided treks through this snowy wilderness, including the famous
Shackleton Walk. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of South
Georgia offer the chance to paddle with hordes of seals and penguins in
some of the world’s most scenic waterways.
This
is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and
exploration opportunities are dependent on weather in this wild and
remote corner of the world. Our experienced captain and expedition
leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the
conditions and circumstances at hand. You can be sure that we will take
every safe opportunity to go ashore in this challenging environment.
Day
14-15: Scotia Sea
After
our amazing time in South Georgia, we proceed southwest toward
Antarctica. We keep a constant lookout for humpback and fin whales
along the way. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful
subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be
viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies.
Day
16-20: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
During the
next five days, we go to the area of the Antarctic Peninsula. This
region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery
and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and
channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in
permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and
description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with
krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The
whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large
rookeries at special places on land.
The
South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and
will be our primary area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island
chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and
abundant wildlife. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from
Shackleton’s Endurance expedition spent the winter of 1916.
We continue west to King George Island, home to numerous Antarctic
research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post
offices.
Weather
and ice permitting, we also hope to visit the supremely picturesque
Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness
of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine
mammals and bustling penguin colonies. Here we have a chance to land on
the continent of Antarctica.
Throughout
this area, we encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie
penguins, sometimes nesting side by side. At this time of the season,
all three species are busy courting and mating. This is a good time to
observe the importance of pebbles in penguin culture, as prized nesting
material to be stolen from rivals and given to mates. Also at this
time, very high concentrations of sea ice provide more opportunities
for seals and penguins to congregate on ice floes, a situation that
attracts killer whales. Photographers will appreciate the pristine
appearance of fresh, undisturbed snow across the landscape in this
early summer month.
Antarctica
is a true wilderness with unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice
conditions, which will dictate our route and exploration opportunities.
With more than 17 hours of daylight per day, we seize every chance to
experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery via Zodiac
cruises and shore excursions.
Day
21-22: Drake Passage
It
is now time to head north across the Drake Passage toward South
America, but the adventure is not quite over. Seabirds are our constant
companions and there is always the possibility of whale encounters in
these wild waters. This is also the time for festivities such as the
Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow.
Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of
smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
Day
23: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After
a final delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We provide a group
transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more
time in Tierra del Fuego. As you look back on your wonderful experience
in the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica, you may already be
looking forward to your next polar adventure!
Sea Spirit (Luxury Expedition, 114-guests)
The ice-strengthened small all-suite expedition ship Sea Spirit (originally Renaissance V) was built in 1991 in Italy. From that time she has changed several operators and regions of navigation, cruising in Singapore, Alaska, Pacific Basin, Arctic and Antarctica. The vessel was modified in late 2010. Providing spacious suites for accommodation of maximum of 114 passengers (the smallest suite is 20 sq. meters) the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctica.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
pre-voyage night at the Alvear Art Hotel on Day 1;
- Group
transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation;
- Group
transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
- Shipboard
accommodation;
- All
meals on board throughout the voyage;
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily;
- All
scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader &
Expedition Team;
- Branded
Poseidon Expeditions parka;
- Rubber
boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails;
- All
port fees;
- Group
transfer to airport or central location right after disembarkation;
- Pre-departure
materials;
- Digital
Voyage Log;
- Wi-Fi
on board.
Not
Included
- Airfare;
- Transfers
from the airport to the hotel if arriving prior to Day 1 of the program;
- Visa
and passport fees (if applicable);
- Luggage
and trip cancellation insurance;
- Soft
drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and
celebrations;
- Personal
expenses such as laundry and onboard communication (telephone calls,
faxes, and e-mail service);
- Fuel
surcharge may be applied for all bookings;
- Mandatory
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per
person;
- Staff
gratuities;
- Kayaking;
- Pre-
or post-cruise travel expenses.
ADVENTURE OPTIONS - Kayaking: USD 895
- Photography: Free
