STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACAXMFSG
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
SHIP: Magellan Explorer
South Georgia, Falkland Islands
09/10/2024
All meals on board the ship, including wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, & snacks
Return Group Transfers from the Explorers Club in Punta Arenas to the ship
Cabin on board a ship
Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Combine the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and South Georgia with this 17-day expedition starting from Punta Arenas, Chile. In the Falklands and enjoy watching rockhopper and gentoo penguins in their native habitat. From your zodiac spot Black-browed albatrosses and petrels soaring high in the sky. Hike into the local settlements and meet the people who have called this island home for generations.
From there, set sail for South Georgia, which are permanently covered in thick layers of ice and snow. On this island, wildlife is king. Visit one of the world’s largest king penguin colonies and watch elephant seals relaxing near the shore. As we sail from bay to bay, watch out for whales and beautiful seabirds flying overhead.
From 9:00am, make your way to Explorers House in Punta Arenas and enjoy the facilities. At 16:00pm, a group transfer will take you to the port for embarkation. As we set sail along the Strait of Magellan, our Expedition Team will introduce the history of this fabled sea route.
Enjoy the ship’s hospitality as we make our way to the Falklands (Malvinas). Our engaging series of lectures and presentations begin.
We enjoy the long white-sand beach during a morning visit to Saunders Island. A wilderness experience, the main attractions are rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic Gentoo penguins. In the afternoon, we visit Carcass Island. There is an option for an easy hike to the settlement, bird watching, and a typical Falklands tea experience.
Join our expedition team on guided walking tours of Port Stanley or Gipsy Cove. Or explore on your own and absorb the atmosphere, grabbing lunch at the local pub, visiting the maritime museum, the church, hunting for souvenirs, or walking down Ross Road, paying tribute at the war memorials at the waterfront.
As we sail towards South Georgia, attend presentations on the history and fauna of the archipelago. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales.
Depending on sea conditions over the previous days, arrival is planned for the afternoon. Provided we receive approval from the South Georgia government, we plan to do an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.
Our first landing is at Grytviken. We clear Customs and then visit the historical site with the museum and Ernest Shackleton’s grave. We land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness in the afternoon to see king penguins. Here we learn more about Shackleton and his expedition, and there is also an optional 2-3 hour “Shackleton walk.”
In the morning, we plan a landing at Gold Harbour, a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals, and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatrosses here. In the afternoon and on a Zodiac cruise, we visit Cooper Bay to see macaroni penguins.
St Andrews Bay is the destination of our morning excursion. The highlights here are a shipwreck and the remains of the whaling industry. We see the largest king penguin colony and elephant seal bulls. We plan a Zodiac cruise in the afternoon and landing at Ocean Harbour.
In the morning, we plan to visit Prion Island to see the nesting wandering albatross. In the afternoon, we head to Salisbury Plain for more king penguins and stunning landscapes.
Our education program continues as we make our way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
Evening landing at Bleaker Island, a natural reserve with a famous bird area featuring a large variety of birds.
Sailing back towards Punta Arenas while enjoying the last of the wildlife and scenery as your journey comes to an end.
Upon arrival at Punta Arenas, we disembark and take a group transfer to the town center, where the expedition will end. Explorers House remains available to you for the day.
The Magellan Explorer, is a modern and elegant base from which to explore the polar regions, combining boutique hospitality with top class expedition facilities. It is the ideal platform for air-cruise operations and several international polar expedition experts were involved in the design process. Working with engineers, naval architects and designers, the expedition experience of guests was always kept in mind. Built in Chile, the Magellan Explorer has a capacity of 73 passengers providing an intimate small ship cruising experience. All cabins include feature private batrooms and heaeted floors and all cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. The ship has a fleet of 10 zodiacs to ensure all guests can disembark the ship and enjoy time on the icy landscapes or drift through glacial waters in search of unique wildlife. The ship contains a glass observation lounge and presentation room that boasts state-of-the-art visual and audio equipment for presentations conduct by the expert expedition crew. Onboard you will enjoy fitness facilities including a gym, sauna and well stocked bar.
Ice Class:
Length: 90.7 m (298 ft.)
Breadth: 16.2 m (53 ft.)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:100
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreFalklands & South Georgia | Magellan Explorer from AUD 21,529 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
09 Oct 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | 17 |
Group transfers to/from the Explorers House in Punta Arenas to the ship.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Accommodation on board during your voyage.
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Loan of waterproof boots for excursions in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
All guided excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
International or domestic flights, unless specified
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Airport arrival or departure taxes
Vaccination charges
Travel insurance
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to gratuities, select drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
Available upon request. Please contact us for more details.
Prices are based on per person, and may be based off quad/triple/ or twin share cabins* (please contact us for more details)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.