Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica

from US$19,795 to US$35,095

Trip summary

Vessel:
RCGS Resolute
Voyage:
Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
Duration:
18 days / 19 days
Start:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish:
Ushuaia, Argentina

Season 2018/2019


DateProgramLengthCostAvailability*
Dec 12 2023Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person0 spaces available
Dec 16 2023Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person0 spaces available
Dec 19 2023Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Dec 22 2023Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Dec 27 2023Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person0 spaces available
Jan 4 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person4 spaces available
Jan 9 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person0 spaces available
Jan 12 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person1 spaces available
Jan 17 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person0 spaces available
Jan 20 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person5 spaces available
Jan 24 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person2 spaces available
Jan 27 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person6 spaces available
Feb 1 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person0 spaces available
Feb 6 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Feb 9 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person6 spaces available
Feb 13 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person0 spaces available
Feb 16 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person5 spaces available
Feb 20 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person4 spaces available
Feb 23 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Mar 1 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Mar 5 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Mar 12 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person6 spaces available
Mar 15 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person6 spaces available


Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica

This is our most far-reaching polar expedition, taking in three different locations including one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth.

The wild and remote environments of the sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands and the island of South Georgia are home to a proliferation of unique wildlife and birdlife. There are penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds, the beaches are covered in fur seals and elephant seals, while seabirds, including many of the albatross species, nest and raise their young. The islands have a fascinating human history as well which we will explore with our onboard experts. After exploring these sub-Antarctic islands we will continue to push south to the frozen continent itself, Antarctica. Icebergs in all shapes and sizes fill the waters, and yet more unique wildlife can be found living in sizable colonies. The waters are full of life and we frequently encounter whales including humpback, minke and orca.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina — Our exploration of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica commences in Ushuaia. Excitement is in the air as we board the ship, enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner and cast off for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2: Southern Ocean — Sailing northeast towards the Falkland Islands we are joined by hundreds of seabirds including the wandering albatross. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife and history of the Southern Ocean and the locations we plan to visit.

Days 3-4: Falkland Islands — Having arrived in the Falkland’s overnight, we plan to explore several locations in the West Falkland archipelago. These remote islands are home to a proliferation of seabirds and migratory birds including the stunning black-browed albatross. We see our first penguins of the trip on these islands, which could include West Point with its bustling rookeries of rockhoppers. On Carcass Island, we observe nesting Magellanic penguins as well as oystercatchers, geese and the striated caracara – a bird of prey. The following morning we arrive in Stanley, the capital of the Falklands Islands. Wandering through the quiet streets we learn how Stanley was a major port in the 19th century for the tall clipper ships rounding Cape Horn.

Days 5-6: Southern Ocean — We chart a south-easterly course bound for South Georgia. The seabirds once again join us in the Southern Ocean. Our educational presentations continue. History is a key theme of this voyage and the epic story of Sir Earnest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expeditions is central to any trip to South Georgia.

Days 7-10: South Georgia — The island of South Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ – and as we approach the deep bays of this rugged, rocky outcrop you begin to see why. Launching the Zodiacs we begin our exploration of the island in the vicinity of Elsehul Bay. Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal line the beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations, including Salisbury Plains, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbor. The island is also home to large numbers of nesting albatross and they fill the skies above. South Georgia is a thrilling location for history buffs as the rusting relics of the early whaling industry are all around us. A highlight is a visit to Grytviken – the largest of the former whaling stations on the island, and where we visit the gravesite of Shackleton, buried here in 1921. On our 18 night expeditions we spend a day less in South Georgia.

Days 11-13: Scotia Sea and Elephant Island  — After several busy days our exploration of South Georgia is complete and our attention now turns south, towards Antarctica. It takes several days to cross the Scotia Sea in the comfort of our modern expedition ship. Large tabular icebergs announce our arrival in Antarctic waters. The dark cliffs of Elephant Island appear and it is this location that ‘bookends’ the Shackleton story for many. Here Shackleton and his men were camped for many months, having lost HMS Endurance in the thick sea ice, far to the south in the Weddell Sea in 1915. If conditions allow we attempt a landing here.

Days 14-17: South Shetland Island and Elephant Island — Around 60 miles off the coast of the Antarctic mainland lies the South Shetland Island chain. Possible landing sites might include King George Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour or Hannah Point. Weather conditions permitting we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. After so much anticipation, we enter the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour or Cierva Cove. Snow covered mountains soar from the dark waters. Along the shoreline in the bays and harbors of the peninsula live an incredible abundance of wildlife. We explore by Zodiac boat and ashore where a range of wonderful activities awaits. Locations we hope to visit include Wilhelmina Bay, Orne Harbour, Cuverville Island and the Errera Channel. Join the photographic guide and take close up photos of the penguins, or of the impossibly blue ice. Or enjoy a hike to the top of a snowy mountain saddle with one of our adventure guides. If the opportunity presents itself, visit a science base or old historic hut. Each, you have a range of great choices.

Days 18-19: Southern Ocean — After several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula, it’s time to return to South America. The educational presentations continue and we enjoy an entertaining and memorable voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. If conditions allow we hope to make a rounding of the fabled landmark of Cape Horn.

Day 20: Ushuaia, Argentina — In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home. *Note: on a 19 night voyage, you will spend an additional day along South Georgia.

Please note: Specific sites visited will depend on ice and weather conditions, the planned itinerary will be updated at the time of final preparations as well as throughout the voyage in order to take advantage of favourable conditions.

Trip summary

Vessel:
RCGS Resolute
Voyage:
Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
Duration:
18 days / 19 days
Start:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish:
Ushuaia, Argentina

Season 2018/2019


DateProgramLengthCostAvailability*
Dec 12 2023Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person0 spaces available
Dec 16 2023Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person0 spaces available
Dec 19 2023Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Dec 22 2023Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Dec 27 2023Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person0 spaces available
Jan 4 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person4 spaces available
Jan 9 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person0 spaces available
Jan 12 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person1 spaces available
Jan 17 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person0 spaces available
Jan 20 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person5 spaces available
Jan 24 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person2 spaces available
Jan 27 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person6 spaces available
Feb 1 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person0 spaces available
Feb 6 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Feb 9 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person6 spaces available
Feb 13 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person0 spaces available
Feb 16 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person5 spaces available
Feb 20 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person4 spaces available
Feb 23 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Mar 1 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Mar 5 2024Overnight2 days / 1 nightUS$7,870 per person6 spaces available
Mar 12 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person6 spaces available
Mar 15 2024Full Day1 dayUS$6,600 per person6 spaces available


INCLUDED

Booking Documentation

  • Extensive pre-departure information package
  • Onboard Information Folder

Personalized Services

  • Educational presentations from experienced guides such as ornithologists, glaciologists, historians, geologists, naturalists and marine mammals experts
  • Photography advice and instructions from the resident photographer. Extended photography workshops available on select departures

Activities

  • All zodiac and landing excursions
  • Zodiac cruising, hiking, guided walks, photography workshops, fitness & yoga

Board and Lodging

  • All meals during the voyage prepared by our chefs
  • Welcome reception & welcome dinner
  •  Farewell dinner hosted by the Captain
  • Daily afternoon tea with fresh snacks
  • Coffee, tea & hot chocolate available anytime
  • Access to wellness area (Finnish Sauna, Plunge Pool filled with sea water, Hot Tub)
  • Natural essential oil amenities
  • Services of English speaking medical officer

Multimedia Room

  • Use of multimedia room to download images. Lightroom, Adobe, Photoshop and card readers are available for use on MAC and PC computers

Expedition Gear Package for duration of the voyage – valued at US$1,000

  • Windproof / waterproof jacket and bib pants
  • Comfortable insulated rubber boots
  • Water resistant binoculars
  • Waterproof backpack
  • Trekking poles available on shore

Transfers

  • From/ to designated meeting points to/from the ship
  • Additional transfers in welcome / departure cities (only applicable on certain departures)
  • Luggage transfer from designated locations to/from your cabin

Optional

  • Sea Kayaking at an extra cost of US$695 per person –  (Epic Antarctica: US$1590 per person). Pre-registration required at time of booking. Confirmed access to kayak at any offered excursion. Limited to 16 passengers per voyage. Includes high quality kayaking equipment.
  • Overnight Camping, including high quality equipment. No pre-registration required. Camping is available on select departures only and can be affected by itinerary and weather conditions. Please see your full itinerary for further details.

NOT INCLUDED

  • International and national airfares
  • Visa and passport fees, airport taxes
  • Pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodation in arrival / departure cities
  • Meals & transfers in arrival / departure cities
  • Personal expenses
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Massages from registered therapist
  • Personal laundry charges
  • Postage, telephone calls & email set up
  • Medical expenses such as fees, prescriptions or medications
  • Travel medical insurance including medical evacuation (mandatory)
  • Trip interruption / cancellation insurance
  • Gratuities to staff and crew

SINGLE TRAVELLERS

Single travellers can choose between “single occupancy” at a supplement of 1,5 x the cabin rate (2 x the cabin rate for suites), or “sharing basis” in Superior, Twin, or Triple category at no additional cost.

CHILDREN & YOUTH DISCOUNT

17 years & under: 25% OFF

18 – 21 years: 20% OFF (for those who can prove they are in full time education)

INSURANCE

Passengers are required to be adequately covered by a travel insurance policy that covers aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica as a result of a medical emergency during the trips, including emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT

A deposit of 20% of the cruise fare is required per person to confirm reservations with final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Payments can be made by wire transfer or by credit cards (Visa or MasterCard). Payments by credit card are subject to a 2.5% fee.