[For Quark Expeditions Cruise]

Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time of the day. Upon arrival in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will be independently transferred to your hotel (pre-expedition hotel night is included in the mandatory transfer package).

[For Silversea Cruises]

Arrive in Santiago.

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart!

[For Antarctica 21 – Magellan Explorer]

Board the ship in Ushuaia for an afternoon departure.

There are many activities available to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team.

If conditions are right, the first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sight of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Have your binoculars and cameras ready to capture these rocky spires rising out of the icy ocean waters. Shags and prions often rest here, and due to nutrient rich upwellings around the rocks it can be a good place to keep a lookout for whales.

[For Silversea Cruises and Antarctica21 – Magellan Explorer]

Save one day less at sea.

After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head toward its numerous beaches to find a bay for your first excursion.

South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins and seals. It won’t take you long to realize that you are in a bird paradise, with burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels seen in abundance.

You’ll find that South Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and now.

One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is Grytviken. This settlement is the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travellers finds this place with a special appeal, as it is the grave site of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the most famous Antarctic explorers.

[For Silversea Cruises]

Includes one additional day in South Georgia.

[For Antarctica 21 – Magellan Explorer]

Includes two additional days in South Georgia.

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife and landscapes that will surround you upon your arrival.

Upon reaching the White Continent, 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 penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear.

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. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as minkes, while on a Zodiac cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight 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!

[For Silversea Cruises]

Includes one additional day in Antarctica.

[For Antarctica 21 – Magellan Explorer]

Includes two additional days in Antarctica.

After more than a dozen days of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoying presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

[For Antarctica 21 – Magellan Explorer]

Sails to King George Island to take charter flight to Punta Arenas to save two days crossing the Drake Passage with a post-cruise hotel stay.

[For Quark Expeditions]

You cruise will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembarkation begins after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a little taste of Patagonia with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

[For Silversea Cruises]

Your cruise will arrive in Puerto Williams the previous evening, disembark and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Santiago, with one night post-cruise stay.

[For Magellan Explorer]

Passengers will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.