Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica

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Expedition Details

  • Duration: 20 days
  • Start Location: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • End Location: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Embarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina (AR USH)
  • Disembarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina (AR USH)
Itinerary Map

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina

You may arrive in Ushuaia at any time on Day 1. This southernmost city of South America is known for its beautiful mountainous surroundings, so we encourage you to consider arriving a day or two before your expedition. We will arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel, both of which are included in the cost of your trip. An optional pre-departure briefing will be held in the lobby of your hotel at 6 pm.

Day 2 - Embarkation in Ushuaia
Cruising

Your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your hotel in the morning and transferred to the ship. Ship embarkation is usually around 4 pm. Guests will meet at a designated location near the pier, and board the buses for transfer to the ship. Information about embarkation will be posted in your Ushuaia hotel and discussed during your optional pre-departure briefing on Day 1.

Day 3 - At Sea
Cruising

Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Days 4 and 5 - Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Cruising

Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this subAntarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily excursions. Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit the cathedral and museum. In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well. You can expect to see blackbrowed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and, possibly, the elusive Cobb’s wren. Your expert education team will enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.

Days 6 and 7 - At Sea
Cruising

Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps nourish the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to this part of the world. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent this nutrient-rich area.

Days 8 to 11 - South Georgia
Cruising

This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once known for whale– and seal–hunting. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. One significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station. Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, its incredible densities of wildlife make it truly memorable. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Southern Sea, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures. One day you may see colonies with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on shore, and the next, you may visit another beach inhabited by hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will instill in you during your time here.

Days 12 and 13 - At Sea
Cruising

Say goodbye to the king penguins as you leave for your next destination: Antarctica. Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team. If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.

Days 14 to 17 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Cruising

The most common reaction upon reaching the Antarctic Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a curious penguin waddles by to observe the human. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. During Zodiac cruises, keep an eye out for Antarctic whales such as minkes, as you may get a chance for an intimate experience with these majestic animals. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy. As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge.

Days 18 and 19 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Cruising

After more than two weeks of endless wildlife sightings, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy your final moments celebrating with your fellow shipmates and savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.

Day 20 - Disembark in Ushuaia
Ushuaia, Argentina

Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Once the ship has docked, you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. You are then free to continue your onward journey.

What's Included

Rates Include
  • An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
  • Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting your expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Group arrival transfer in Ushuaia from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
  • Group transfer from hotel to ship on embarkation day
  • Group departure transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from ship to local airport or to luggage.

Not Included

Rates Specifically Do Not Include:
  • International airfare
  • Passport and applicable visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
  • Phone charges may vary by location
  • Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.