Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Categories Winter & Spring Cruises Small Ship Cruises Antarctica Cruises Adventure & Eco Travel Cruises

South Georgia’s remote, untamed landscape is simply stunning. Marvel at the haunting cries of light-mantled sooty albatross, adorable fur seal pups learning to swim and herds of reindeer cantering across lush, grassy flats. Hike up tussock-covered slopes, past mossy streams for magnificent views of macaroni penguins, courting albatross and glaciated mountain peaks.

Scattered across the mighty Southern Ocean, the tiny arc of windswept islands and harbors are some of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Famed for its abandoned whaling stations and Shackleton’s heroic journey, South Georgia is home to literally millions of fur seals and penguins, wallows of elephant seals, and nesting albatross. This remarkable voyage also includes time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula.

Optional kayaking available on all departures.

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh your soul. Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes in the north and south as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations.

Itinerary

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

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 travelers, chat, read and prepare for the days ahead.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

We have ample time to explore the network of harbors 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 harbors, 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.

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

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.

Notes