Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure

Approaching from Ruta 3, it’s hard to believe that the horizon line of buildings perched just beyond the windswept dunes and badlands is the most successful of all coastal Patagonia settlements. But once you get past the outskirts of town and onto the wide coastal road known as the Rambla, the picture begins to change. Ranged along the clear and tranquil Golfo Nuevo are restaurants, cafés, dive shops, and hotels, all busy—but not yet overcrowded—with tourists from around the world.Puerto Madryn is more a base for visiting nearby wildlife-watching sites like Península Valdés and Punta Tombo than a destination in its own right. The town’s architecture is unremarkable, and beyond a walk along the coast there isn’t much to do. Indeed, even the few museums serve mainly to introduce you to the fauna you’ll see elsewhere. The exception is the beginning of whale season (May through July), when the huge animals cavort right in the bay before heading north—you can even walk out alongside them on the pier. During these months it’s worth the extra expense for a room with a sea view.The many tour agencies and rental-car companies here make excursion planning easy. Aim to spend most of your time here on one- or two-day trips exploring the surroundings. Note that competition is fierce between tourism operators in destinations such as Puerto Madryn and Puerto Pirámides on Península Valdés. Take information that tour operators and even the tourism office give you about these with a grain of salt: they often exaggerate Madryn’s virtues and other areas’ flaws.

Day programme:

Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll board your vessel in Puerto Madryn and begin your expedition. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure ahead.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Our destinations will depend entirely on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations that offer the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is the small, slender Steeple Jason, one of the most northwesterly islands in the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. It’s truly a sight to behold. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely see albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many other bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, create a striking contrast with the sharp ridgeline in the background. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station—overshadowed by vast wilderness. Steeple Jason offers a rare chance to feel truly remote amid a vast ecosystem alive with countless animals. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, this small island boasts coves with white sandy beaches sheltered from the open ocean, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, joined by Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins—each with its own distinct nesting style. Other common sightings include songbirds and the formidable striated caracara. Dolphins, including those in shallow waters, are frequently seen in the area, adding to the island’s remarkable wildlife encounters. Other wilderness destinations may include bird-rich West Point and Saunders Islands in the western Falklands. Saunders Island will amaze you with its long white-sand beaches, the northern shore stretching for kilometers and facing the open sea. It’s almost surreal— particularly if you’ve encountered penguins in ice-and snow-laden Antarctica on previous voyages—to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water along sandy stretches. There’s also a smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, sharing the gently sloped, grassy island with grazing sheep tended by the warm-hearted Saunders family. Look for Commerson’s dolphins, often spotted in the shallow waters near Saunders’ sandy beaches. West Point Island is another Falkland gem, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. From the rocky beach, a gentle walk (with slight elevation) leads through a picturesque meadow to a cliff where black-browed albatross nest. West Point Island is home to 2,000 breeding pairs. We’ll visit a small section of the colony for intimate views of albatross in their nests and soaring above the waters. The walk passes through grassy fields dotted with wildflowers, blending the domestic with the wild. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat for sweeping views, while others can travel by 4X4 to the colony and overlooks. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is also an exciting destination. Like Saunders and New islands, Carcass boasts stunning white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and the tussock grasses are especially impressive. Look overhead for peregrine falcons soaring high above. No visit to the Falklands is complete without a stop in its largest community—Stanley. Highlights include the museum (admission covered) and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Pop into a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or a pint while chatting with locals about life on this windswept sub-Antarctic island. Stanley has a distinct boundary—where residential streets end and open wilderness and sheep meadows begin to stretch into the horizon. We’ll set sail in early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to cover the 700+ nautical miles to our next destination: South Georgia.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Our destinations will depend entirely on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations that offer the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is the small, slender Steeple Jason, one of the most northwesterly islands in the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. It’s truly a sight to behold. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely see albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many other bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, create a striking contrast with the sharp ridgeline in the background. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station—overshadowed by vast wilderness. Steeple Jason offers a rare chance to feel truly remote amid a vast ecosystem alive with countless animals. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, this small island boasts coves with white sandy beaches sheltered from the open ocean, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, joined by Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins—each with its own distinct nesting style. Other common sightings include songbirds and the formidable striated caracara. Dolphins, including those in shallow waters, are frequently seen in the area, adding to the island’s remarkable wildlife encounters. Other wilderness destinations may include bird-rich West Point and Saunders Islands in the western Falklands. Saunders Island will amaze you with its long white-sand beaches, the northern shore stretching for kilometers and facing the open sea. It’s almost surreal— particularly if you’ve encountered penguins in ice-and snow-laden Antarctica on previous voyages—to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water along sandy stretches. There’s also a smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, sharing the gently sloped, grassy island with grazing sheep tended by the warm-hearted Saunders family. Look for Commerson’s dolphins, often spotted in the shallow waters near Saunders’ sandy beaches. West Point Island is another Falkland gem, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. From the rocky beach, a gentle walk (with slight elevation) leads through a picturesque meadow to a cliff where black-browed albatross nest. West Point Island is home to 2,000 breeding pairs. We’ll visit a small section of the colony for intimate views of albatross in their nests and soaring above the waters. The walk passes through grassy fields dotted with wildflowers, blending the domestic with the wild. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat for sweeping views, while others can travel by 4X4 to the colony and overlooks. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is also an exciting destination. Like Saunders and New islands, Carcass boasts stunning white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and the tussock grasses are especially impressive. Look overhead for peregrine falcons soaring high above. No visit to the Falklands is complete without a stop in its largest community—Stanley. Highlights include the museum (admission covered) and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Pop into a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or a pint while chatting with locals about life on this windswept sub-Antarctic island. Stanley has a distinct boundary—where residential streets end and open wilderness and sheep meadows begin to stretch into the horizon. We’ll set sail in early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to cover the 700+ nautical miles to our next destination: South Georgia.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Our destinations will depend entirely on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations that offer the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is the small, slender Steeple Jason, one of the most northwesterly islands in the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. It’s truly a sight to behold. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely see albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many other bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, create a striking contrast with the sharp ridgeline in the background. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station—overshadowed by vast wilderness. Steeple Jason offers a rare chance to feel truly remote amid a vast ecosystem alive with countless animals. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, this small island boasts coves with white sandy beaches sheltered from the open ocean, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, joined by Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins—each with its own distinct nesting style. Other common sightings include songbirds and the formidable striated caracara. Dolphins, including those in shallow waters, are frequently seen in the area, adding to the island’s remarkable wildlife encounters. Other wilderness destinations may include bird-rich West Point and Saunders Islands in the western Falklands. Saunders Island will amaze you with its long white-sand beaches, the northern shore stretching for kilometers and facing the open sea. It’s almost surreal— particularly if you’ve encountered penguins in ice-and snow-laden Antarctica on previous voyages—to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water along sandy stretches. There’s also a smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, sharing the gently sloped, grassy island with grazing sheep tended by the warm-hearted Saunders family. Look for Commerson’s dolphins, often spotted in the shallow waters near Saunders’ sandy beaches. West Point Island is another Falkland gem, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. From the rocky beach, a gentle walk (with slight elevation) leads through a picturesque meadow to a cliff where black-browed albatross nest. West Point Island is home to 2,000 breeding pairs. We’ll visit a small section of the colony for intimate views of albatross in their nests and soaring above the waters. The walk passes through grassy fields dotted with wildflowers, blending the domestic with the wild. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat for sweeping views, while others can travel by 4X4 to the colony and overlooks. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is also an exciting destination. Like Saunders and New islands, Carcass boasts stunning white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and the tussock grasses are especially impressive. Look overhead for peregrine falcons soaring high above. No visit to the Falklands is complete without a stop in its largest community—Stanley. Highlights include the museum (admission covered) and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Pop into a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or a pint while chatting with locals about life on this windswept sub-Antarctic island. Stanley has a distinct boundary—where residential streets end and open wilderness and sheep meadows begin to stretch into the horizon. We’ll set sail in early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to cover the 700+ nautical miles to our next destination: South Georgia.

South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Destinations will depend on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations offering the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is Steeple Jason, a small, slender island among the northwesterly reaches of the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely spot albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, contrast sharply with the rugged ridgeline beyond. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station, dwarfed by vast wilderness—an ideal place to feel truly remote. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, it features sheltered coves with white sandy beaches and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, alongside Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. Songbirds and striated caracara are common, and dolphins— including those in shallow waters—are frequently seen. Other wilderness destinations may include West Point Island and Saunders Island in the western Falklands. Saunders Island impresses with long white-sand beaches, its northern shore stretching for kilometers along the open sea. It’s almost surreal to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water across sandy stretches. A smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, while grazing sheep, tended by the Saunders family, roam the grassy slopes. Look for Commerson’s dolphins in the shallows. West Point Island is another highlight, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. A gentle walk leads to a cliffside colony of about 2,000 breeding pairs of blackbrowed albatross. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat, while others can travel by 4×4. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders Island and New Island, it features white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and peregrine falcons are often seen overhead. No visit to the Falklands is complete without time in Stanley, its largest community. Highlights include the museum and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Visit a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or enjoy a pint while chatting with locals. We’ll set sail in the early afternoon for the 700+ nautical mile journey to South Georgia.

South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Destinations will depend on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations offering the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is Steeple Jason, a small, slender island among the northwesterly reaches of the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely spot albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, contrast sharply with the rugged ridgeline beyond. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station, dwarfed by vast wilderness—an ideal place to feel truly remote. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, it features sheltered coves with white sandy beaches and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, alongside Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. Songbirds and striated caracara are common, and dolphins— including those in shallow waters—are frequently seen. Other wilderness destinations may include West Point Island and Saunders Island in the western Falklands. Saunders Island impresses with long white-sand beaches, its northern shore stretching for kilometers along the open sea. It’s almost surreal to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water across sandy stretches. A smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, while grazing sheep, tended by the Saunders family, roam the grassy slopes. Look for Commerson’s dolphins in the shallows. West Point Island is another highlight, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. A gentle walk leads to a cliffside colony of about 2,000 breeding pairs of blackbrowed albatross. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat, while others can travel by 4×4. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders Island and New Island, it features white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and peregrine falcons are often seen overhead. No visit to the Falklands is complete without time in Stanley, its largest community. Highlights include the museum and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Visit a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or enjoy a pint while chatting with locals. We’ll set sail in the early afternoon for the 700+ nautical mile journey to South Georgia.

South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Destinations will depend on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations offering the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is Steeple Jason, a small, slender island among the northwesterly reaches of the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely spot albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, contrast sharply with the rugged ridgeline beyond. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station, dwarfed by vast wilderness—an ideal place to feel truly remote. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, it features sheltered coves with white sandy beaches and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, alongside Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. Songbirds and striated caracara are common, and dolphins— including those in shallow waters—are frequently seen. Other wilderness destinations may include West Point Island and Saunders Island in the western Falklands. Saunders Island impresses with long white-sand beaches, its northern shore stretching for kilometers along the open sea. It’s almost surreal to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water across sandy stretches. A smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, while grazing sheep, tended by the Saunders family, roam the grassy slopes. Look for Commerson’s dolphins in the shallows. West Point Island is another highlight, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. A gentle walk leads to a cliffside colony of about 2,000 breeding pairs of blackbrowed albatross. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat, while others can travel by 4×4. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders Island and New Island, it features white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and peregrine falcons are often seen overhead. No visit to the Falklands is complete without time in Stanley, its largest community. Highlights include the museum and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Visit a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or enjoy a pint while chatting with locals. We’ll set sail in the early afternoon for the 700+ nautical mile journey to South Georgia.

South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Destinations will depend on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations offering the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is Steeple Jason, a small, slender island among the northwesterly reaches of the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely spot albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, contrast sharply with the rugged ridgeline beyond. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station, dwarfed by vast wilderness—an ideal place to feel truly remote. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, it features sheltered coves with white sandy beaches and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, alongside Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. Songbirds and striated caracara are common, and dolphins— including those in shallow waters—are frequently seen. Other wilderness destinations may include West Point Island and Saunders Island in the western Falklands. Saunders Island impresses with long white-sand beaches, its northern shore stretching for kilometers along the open sea. It’s almost surreal to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water across sandy stretches. A smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, while grazing sheep, tended by the Saunders family, roam the grassy slopes. Look for Commerson’s dolphins in the shallows. West Point Island is another highlight, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. A gentle walk leads to a cliffside colony of about 2,000 breeding pairs of blackbrowed albatross. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat, while others can travel by 4×4. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders Island and New Island, it features white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and peregrine falcons are often seen overhead. No visit to the Falklands is complete without time in Stanley, its largest community. Highlights include the museum and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Visit a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or enjoy a pint while chatting with locals. We’ll set sail in the early afternoon for the 700+ nautical mile journey to South Georgia.

South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Destinations will depend on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations offering the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is Steeple Jason, a small, slender island among the northwesterly reaches of the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely spot albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, contrast sharply with the rugged ridgeline beyond. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station, dwarfed by vast wilderness—an ideal place to feel truly remote. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, it features sheltered coves with white sandy beaches and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, alongside Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. Songbirds and striated caracara are common, and dolphins— including those in shallow waters—are frequently seen. Other wilderness destinations may include West Point Island and Saunders Island in the western Falklands. Saunders Island impresses with long white-sand beaches, its northern shore stretching for kilometers along the open sea. It’s almost surreal to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water across sandy stretches. A smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, while grazing sheep, tended by the Saunders family, roam the grassy slopes. Look for Commerson’s dolphins in the shallows. West Point Island is another highlight, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. A gentle walk leads to a cliffside colony of about 2,000 breeding pairs of blackbrowed albatross. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat, while others can travel by 4×4. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders Island and New Island, it features white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and peregrine falcons are often seen overhead. No visit to the Falklands is complete without time in Stanley, its largest community. Highlights include the museum and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Visit a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or enjoy a pint while chatting with locals. We’ll set sail in the early afternoon for the 700+ nautical mile journey to South Georgia.

South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour.

Day programme:

With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Destinations will depend on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations offering the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is Steeple Jason, a small, slender island among the northwesterly reaches of the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely spot albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, contrast sharply with the rugged ridgeline beyond. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station, dwarfed by vast wilderness—an ideal place to feel truly remote. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, it features sheltered coves with white sandy beaches and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, alongside Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. Songbirds and striated caracara are common, and dolphins— including those in shallow waters—are frequently seen. Other wilderness destinations may include West Point Island and Saunders Island in the western Falklands. Saunders Island impresses with long white-sand beaches, its northern shore stretching for kilometers along the open sea. It’s almost surreal to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water across sandy stretches. A smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, while grazing sheep, tended by the Saunders family, roam the grassy slopes. Look for Commerson’s dolphins in the shallows. West Point Island is another highlight, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. A gentle walk leads to a cliffside colony of about 2,000 breeding pairs of blackbrowed albatross. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat, while others can travel by 4×4. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders Island and New Island, it features white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and peregrine falcons are often seen overhead. No visit to the Falklands is complete without time in Stanley, its largest community. Highlights include the museum and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Visit a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or enjoy a pint while chatting with locals. We’ll set sail in the early afternoon for the 700+ nautical mile journey to South Georgia.

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina’s northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego’s historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk’nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin’s “missing link” theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, “Southernmost City in the World” passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the ’70s and ’80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March’s Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of “sled houses” (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town’s landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Day programme:

Once the ship has docked in Ushuaia, you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. You are then free to continue your onward journey.