Antarctica, Falkand Islands and South Georgia

• From the Falklands, we set out eastwards again, following the furious seas towards South Georgia. Here we enter the Furious Fifties, the stretch of powerful waters marking the entry to Antarctic waters – watch the mercury drop as we sail east; now we are truly in the Antarctic. In order to protect the extremely delicate and rich ecosystem of South Georgia, our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment. Be sure to wrap up warm and join your Expedition Team out on deck – this section of the South Atlantic is one of the most biologically productive on Earth, and is a haven for vast quantities of wildlife – from whales and albatross to penguins and seals.

Day 7-9: South Georgia Island.

• A strip of jagged mountains pierce the brooding clouds of the Southern Ocean. Icebound peaks loom over storm-washed beaches, while glaciers peek from the head of deep fjords. First believed to have been landed on by legendary explorer Captain James Cook, even to modern explorers, South Georgia presents a forbidding aura. But peer closer, and you will see greenery among the ice; movement on the beaches; wings in the skies above.
• As in Antarctica, our exact itinerary will be dictated by weather and sea conditions, but especially by the wind and swell – nevertheless, our experienced Expedition Team and Captain will work their hardest to maximise opportunities to explore. Options include visiting the vast penguin colonies of Salisbury Plain and St Andrew’s Bay, seeing the former whaling stations of Lieth and Stromness, drinking in the scenery and seal colonies of Gold Harbour, or exploring this island’s fascinating exploration heritage at Grytviken (where legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried). South Georgia is one of those locations which grabs hold of the senses and never lets go; even long after departure, the jewel of the South Atlantic will captivate visitors for years to come.

• Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage – the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and you will complete the crossing twice!
• Our days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our arrival in Antarctica – we will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated crew will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica’s delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!

• Arriving in Antarctica in the height of summer is an unparallelled experience. Enter a world where the mountains themselves are bright glittering white, and wildlife has no fear of humans.
• We will begin out time on Antarctica in the South Shetland Islands. This chain of rugged rocks marks the northernmost point of Antarctica, and the most exposed to the fury of the Southern Ocean. Because of this, it is also one of the richest in terms of wildlife, with large Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies. The ice-clad mountains of Livingstone, Greenwich and King George Islands give us a glimpse of what is to come as we venture further south.
• The following days will be spent exploring further south on the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is typically icy, so our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Captain – however we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region. Consisting of the ‘spine’ of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of glaciated and mountainous islands, the Gerlache Strait is what comes to mind when most people think of Antarctica.
• As the ocean warms during the fleeting summer, gentle giants arrive from warmer climes. Pods of elegant humpback whales frolic in the crystalline waters of the Antarctic peninsula, feasting on the krill which blooms in these waters each summer. And where there are whales, hunters are not far behind – pods of orcas, intelligent and cunning, patrol these waters on their never-ending search for prey.
• At this point in the summer, there is no true night; spectacular sunsets merge into breathtaking sunrises, and the weather is as kind as it gets in Antarctica, offering superlative opportunities to explore. While wind, ice and sea conditions will dictate our precise destinations and timings, our plans will be explained to guests during regularly scheduled evening briefings; these nightly sessions are also an excellent opportunity to hear from our knowledgeable crew, who will explain and expand on our experiences to ensure guests get the most from their voyage.