Falklands, South Georgia And Antarctica - M/v Polar Pioneer

Embark in the late afternoon to a warm welcome before we set sail along the Beagle Channel.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Dinner

Our Drake Passage crossing offers excellent bird-watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from our expert naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition staff. We have time to meet fellow travellers, chat, read and prepare for the days ahead.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If the Drake Passage is kind, we should make our first landing today. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while sightings of penguins, fur seals and king cormorants announce our approach to the South Shetland Islands.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where we plan to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Approaching the steep slopes of Elephant Island, home to 22 of Shackleton’s men for four months, we hope for a clear view of the spot where the men wintered beneath their upturn boats. With luck we will go ashore to pay tribute to these hardy souls.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following in Shackleton’s wake, we cross the Scotia Sea detouring to the remote, mountainous South Orkney Islands. Zodiac cruise through a maze of icebergs to land at a beach bedecked with penguins, seals, and lichen-encrusted boulders.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time to reflect on all we’ve seen and learned, and to prepare for the next phase of our journey as continue across the Scotia Sea.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have ample time to explore the network of harbours along South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, visiting wildlife havens that include the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbours, 3000-metre peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and a plethora of penguins.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Keeping watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, we cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by our expert naturalist and historian.

Overnight Comfortable Cruise Boat Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dawn greets us in the very British capital of the Falkland Islands, Stanley. We bid farewell and continue onward travel, or stop in the Falkland Islands or continue onto Punta Arenas in Chile.

Included meals: Breakfast