Crossing The Circle Via Falklands & South Georgia – Epic

The Trip

Day 1: Buenos Aires – Arrive Buenos Aires and overnight
Day 2: Ushuaia – Fly to Ushuaia and board the boat
Day 3: At Sea – Cross over to the Falkland Islands
Day 4-5: Falklands: Explore the Falkland Islands
Day 6-7: At Sea – Cross over to South Georgia
Day 8-11: South Georgia – Explore the wildlife of South Georgia
Day 12-13: At sea – Cross over to the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 14-16: Shetlands – Explore the Shetlands and Peninsula
Day 17-18: Antarctic – Cross into the Antarctic Circle
Day 19-20: Antarctic – Navigate northbound along the Peninsula
Day 21-22: At Sea – Cross the Drake Passage
Day 23: Buenos Aires: Arrive Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires

Day 1

Today you will arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city.

Day 2

This morning you will take your direct flight to Ushuaia, the most southerly town in the world. When you arrive you will board the ship and after settling in begin navigation along the Beagle Channel which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

Day 3

Today is at sea crossing over to the Falkland Islands. There are many activities to keep you engaged during the voyage. Take advantage of the library of books available on the ship, hang out at the bar and chat to your fellow guests or spend time on deck looking for whales and sea birds. The Expedition Team will conduct a series of presentations to help you understand the wildlife and geology of the white continent.

Day 4-5

The next couple of days will be spent exploring the wildlife on the Falkland Islands. You will visit both the East and West Island and take daily zodiac and land excursions. Visit the largest settlement, the capital Port Stanley, an interesting British outpost where you can find a traditional pub, church and museums. During the time here you should see at least three species of penguins and two endemic bird species – Cobb’s wren and the Falklands flightless steamer duck.

Day 6-7

The next couple of days will be at sea crossing to South Georgia. It’s here that you will cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of oceans which creates an abundance of krill and marine life that attract large humpback whales and many sea birds. Continue with time on deck observing with wildlife and enjoying presentations from Polar experts.

Day 8-11

Arrive in South Georgia, one of the most interesting areas in the Antarctic for both wildlife and the human history. Learn about the inhabitants who arrived here many years ago to hunt for whale, fur and elephant seals. Visit the whaling stations and visit the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

After the history you will focus on wildlife. South Georgia is sometimes called the ‘Galapagos of the Poles’ due to its high numbers and variation of wildlife. An exact itinerary will depend on weather conditions but a typical day could include a visit to a beach filled with a hundred thousand pairs of king penguins, have a close encounter with a fur seal colony or take a hike in search of the many sea birds.

Day 12-13

Continue navigation to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. While you are at sea you can enjoy quiet time or take in presentations from Polar experts who will cover everything from the wildlife, history and geology of the region. They will also be on deck to help you identify species.

Day 14-16

The next few days will be spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. As you cruise the waterways you will see many species of seabird and even whales. The expedition team will keep you alerted of sightings so you don’t miss a thing. Make zodiac landings to observe penguins and seals. Each landing will be different depending on weather conditions. You will certainly see Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins and you will take zodiac trips in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneay Island. Watch ice carve off a glacier on Petermann Island and you can even camp on the white continent for a night if you wish.

Day 17-18

Over the next couple of days you will cross over into the Antarctic Circle, something not often done on expeditions cruises, particularly of this length. You can you fellow shipmates can celebrate with a glass of champagne. This is the Antarctic at its most pristine, home to the midnight sun. Many Weddell seals can be found here as well as some beautiful ice formations. There will be a series of on board lectures and presentations by Polar experts to help you make the most of your time here.

Day 19-20

Continue northbound along the edge of the Antarctic Peninsula. You will also continue to make zodiac expeditions at least twice a day in search of spectacular scenery and wildlife. More sightings of penguins, whales and seals will be a daily occurrence.

Day 21-22

Leave the Antarctic behind and cross back over the Drake Passage. Spend time with your fellow guests sharing stories of the things you’ve seen. Go back on deck to watch for wildlife and attend lectures and presentations given by Polar experts.

Day 23

This morning you will disembark at Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your return flight back to Buenos Aires.

Prices in US Dollars and are per person. Prices in other currencies on request.