Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands & South Georgia from Ushuaia

Bienvenidos. Welcome to Argentina. Begin your Antarctic adventure with an overnight stay in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.

Ushuaia is a relatively small city and is easy to find your way around. From Avenida San Martin, the streets run uphill and you can get a great view of the Beagle Channel from the top. If you arrive early you might also like to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is located 11 km west of the city. If you arrive earlier or wish to extend your stay and need accommodation please ask Peregrine or your agent for details and costs.

Today board the ship and embark through the beautiful Beagle Channel in the afternoon, leaving Ushuaia behind you. The channel is rich in wildlife, so rug up and head out on deck. The expedition team may be able to point out penguins, cormorants, petrels and Black-browed Albatross in the sea and air around you.

While out at sea, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Browse the ship's library and attend a series of presentations by on-board experts about Antarctic marine biology, history, geology and ornithology. Armed with this new knowledge, your Antarctic explorations and interactions with wildlife will be all the richer. You will also be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

As you approach the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), see a treasure-trove of birdlife emerge. Kelp Geese, rockhopper penguins and Magellanic penguins are native to the area, so use your newfound knowledge to identify the various species you come across. Depending on the weather, daily Zodiac trips will take you to various landing sites around the Falklands. Hike up rocky beachheads and socialise with the friendly local residents in Port Stanley.

POSSIBLE LANDING SITES IN THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

CARCASS ISLAND
The 5 mile (8 km) island northwest of West Falkland is owned by Rob and Lorraine McGill. It is a picturesque island, where songbirds nest amongst the luxuriant growth that covers the gently rolling landscape. The island is named for a Royal Navy ship, HMS Carcass, which arrived in 1766.
NEW ISLAND
The most southwesterly island in the archipelago is about 8 miles (13 km) long and half a mile (800 m) wide. The western side of the island is a cliff 600 feet (183 m) high, while the eastern side slopes to the sea. The ownership of the island is held by Tony Chater and Ian Strange. Both men have turned their portion of the island into nature reserves.
STANLEY
The deep-water harbor of Stanley was the economic mainstay of the community since the Port’s completion in 1845. Sailing ships damaged while rounding Cape Horn called in for expensive repairs. Stanley is as lively as it gets in the Falklands (Malvinas) and the future of the port may be bright if hydrocarbon deposits off the coast prove to be abundant.
WEST POINT ISLAND
The Napier family has owned the island since the 1860s. Black-browed albatrosses nest in colonies on cliffs along the water’s edge on the western side of the island. Rockhopper penguins share the cliffs, while Commerson’s dolphins are often seen in the water surrounding the island.

The following Optional Activities are available to participate in, on some or all of the departures of this itinerary. These must be booked in advance (additional costs apply) and space is limited.

KAYAKING – Our kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of maximum 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. Kayaking is open to all levels of experience, however kayaking in the polar waters is not suitable for novice kayakers. Beginners interested in kayaking should first take an introductory course prior to the voyage which includes how to do a wet exit. In addition regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practise prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in the icy conditions.
INCLUDED OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES offered on some or all departures of this itinerary
SNOWSHOEING - A novel way to experience the beauty of the polar landscape, and discover remote alcoves and hidden valleys. The rewards of walking atop the snow are well worth the effort, as we’ll be able to visit new places that may be inaccessible on foot. This traditional means of transport across the snow comes from the indigenous people of North America. While you can appreciate a connection with the past, the snowshoes we use today are much lighter and more
forgiving than the old wood-weave snowshoes used during the days of the North American fur trade.

More shipboard presentations over the few days will prepare you for upcoming shore landings and possible Zodiac cruises along the coast of South Georgia. You'll know you’re in bona fide Antarctic waters when you cross the Antarctic Convergence – the biological boundary dividing Antarctica from the rest of the southern seas.

Your first sight of South Georgia will be of snow-capped mountains. Keep an eye out for wandering albatross and giant petrels, and don’t be surprised if you spot the odd reindeer. Although Antarctica has no native land mammals, reindeer were introduced in the early 20th century by Norwegian whalers. Over the next four days, planned activities include a series of landings at king penguin rookeries, abandoned whaling stations and the lonely gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton. As always, potential excursions are determined by weather and ice conditions.

POSSIBLE LANDING SITES IN SOUTH GEORGIA

DRYGALSKI FJORD
This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, with sharp and jagged peaks rising out of the sea. Glaciation never reached the peaks of this fjord, giving it a unique landscape.
GOLD HARBOUR
The backdrop to this harbor is the hanging Bertrab Glacier. King and gentoo penguins call this home, as do rowdy elephant and fur seals.
GRYTVIKEN
Only a handful of people live, albeit temporarily, on South Georgia, a United Kingdom overseas territory. Two of them are curators of the South Georgia Museum, located in the former whaling station manager’s villa. The church was built for the whaling community and is the only building in
Grytviken that is still used for its original purpose.
PRION ISLAND
Robert Cushman Murphy named this island for the species of petrels seen on the island. Birders will be pleased to know that wandering albatross are also known to nest on the island.
SALISBURY PLAIN
One of the largest king penguin rookeries on the island is located on Salisbury Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers flank the plain, creating a perfect backdrop for photographers.
ST. ANDREW’S BAY
Thousands of breeding pairs of king penguin nest at St. Andrew’s Bay. It is the largest king penguin rookery on South Georgia and is a wildlife spectacle to behold. Reindeer introduced by Norwegian whalers are known to feed on the grass in the area.
STROMNESS
This abandoned whaling station was in full operation the day that Ernest Shackleton and his companions staggered in after a 36-hour trek across the island. There is a small cemetery here, with the graves of 14 whalers.

Head south again, spending a few more education-filled days at sea en route to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Armed with unlimited hot drinks and a warm parka, enjoy time on deck searching for wildlife. If conditions allow, the ship may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, which are officially in Antarctica.

Leaving South Georgia behind, head to the unique landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. Changing conditions mean that each expedition is different, but your team will make sure that every day is memorable. Venturing out on the Zodiac, you might visit a penguin rookery and the historic harbour of Port Lockroy one day, and watch icebergs calve around Petermann Island the next. Chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. Curious whales, such as minkes, are often attracted to Zodiacs, giving you a chance to really get up close. Perhaps take a 'polar plunge' in the freezing waters of Neko Harbour. The options for exploration are as vast as the Peninsula itself.

POSSIBLE LANDING SITES ON THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

CUVERVILLE ISLAND
A gentoo penguin rookery is situated on the north end of the island on a rocky beach. Depending on the time of season you arrive, you may see them building nests or attending to their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls breed on the island.
DAMOY POINT
If you are lucky enough to mail a postcard in Antarctica, you’ll likely pass through Damoy Point, the northern entrance to the harbour on which Port Lockroy is located.
DANCO ISLAND
This small island, one mile (1.6 km) in length, is easy to explore and home to gentoo penguins. You can visit the marker of a former British Antarctic Survey hut and watch for a variety of seabirds such as snowy sheathbills, kelp gulls and blue-eyed shags.
ENTERPRISE ISLAND
Located in Wilhelmina Bay, the island was used by whalers. A Zodiac cruise around the island passes a wrecked whaling ship.
LEMAIRE CHANNEL
This strait runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula; you’ll see that this is one of the most scenic locations on the western coast, especially during sunrise and sunset. The 6.8 mile-long (11 km) Channel may become
impassable when ice fills the narrow passageway, so we’ll hope for clear waters.
MELCHIOR ISLANDS
A group of low islands in Dallmann Bay, on which you may see male fur seals haul-out at the end of the breeding season to recuperate from their battles for supremacy.
NEKO HARBOUR
Little evidence remains that this bay was once used by the floating whale factory ship Neko. You might see some whale vertebrae used by resident gentoo penguins as shelter from the wind. There is an unmanned refuge hut here, erected by Argentina. Climb past the hut and up a steep slope for
spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor.
PETERMANN ISLAND
Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can stand ashore and see the southernmost breeding colony of gentoo penguins. The dome of the island rises 650 feet (200 meters) above the sea, offering a challenging hike for panoramic views. Adélie penguins, shags and south polar skuas also inhabit the island.
PORT LOCKROY
A ‘fun’ destination of sorts, we always strive to journey to Port Lockroy if weather permits. The harbour is on the west side of Wiencke Island. A secret base was built on the harbour during the Second World War as part of Operation Tabarin. It is now designated as a historic site, where Port Lockroy is a museum and post office. Proceeds from your purchases here support the preservation of historic sites from the Heroic Age of Exploration.
WATERBOAT POINT
Of historic interest, you may venture to this unique point, which at low tide is connected to the Antarctic mainland. Zodiacs are used to explore the area when the tide is in. Two scientists studying penguin behavior lived in a water boat on the Point from 1921-22. The remains of their camp have been
designated an Antarctic historic site.
AITCHO ISLANDS
This is a group of small islands, some still unnamed, situated in the northern entrance of English Strait. You can often spot a great mix of wildlife here, with gentoo and chinstrap penguins having established rookeries. Southern elephant and fur seals are frequently hauled-out here too.
BAILY HEAD
Also known as Rancho Point, this area is a rocky headland on the southeastern shore of Deception Island. Chinstrap penguins build nests on slopes leading to a high ridge that dominates the natural amphitheater and provides a superb setting for landscape photography.
HALF MOON ISLAND
This crescent-shaped island was known to sealers as early as 1821. Unlike sealers who liked to keep their best locations secret, we’re happy to bring you ashore on this impressive island. Many Antarctic birds breed here including chinstrap penguins, shags, Wilson’s storm-petrels, kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic terns and skua.
HANNAH POINT
Macaroni, chinstrap and gentoo penguin rookeries are located on the point, which is on the south coast of Livingston Island. Due to the rather congested area available to the nesting penguins, you can only visit here from January 10 onwards.
PENDULUM COVE
Hot geothermal waters are found along the shoreline of this cove, named for observations made in 1829 by a British expedition. You may see yellow algae and boiled krill floating on the surface because of the scalding hot water!
PENGUIN ISLAND
Antarctica has two flowering plants, both of which you can find on Penguin Island: Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis. Chinstrap penguins, fur seals and southern elephant seals use the island for breeding purposes.
ROBERT POINT
A nice spot for Zodiac cruising, this point was known to sealers as early as 1820. Chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls and pintado breed here, and whales may be seen in the surrounding waters.
TELEFON BAY
Your Expedition Team will be happy to point out that it is here where the most recent evidence of volcanic eruption on Deception Island can be seen.
TURRET POINT
Chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries are found on this point, situated on the south coast of King George Island. The beaches here are often crowded with southern elephant, fur, and Weddell seals hauled-out on the rocks.
WHALER’S BAY
To reach Whaler’s Bay it is necessary to sail through a narrow passage called Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used by whalers from 1906 to 1931 and is part of a protected harbor created by a circular flooded caldera, known as Deception Island. Along with waddling penguins and lounging seals, you’ll see rusting remains of whaling operations on the beach. Watch for steam that may rise from geothermally heated water springs along the shoreline.
YANKEE HARBOUR
Gentoo penguins have established a rookery on this harbour, situated on the southwest side of Greenwich Island. Here you can see an abandoned Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier that stretches along the east and north sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing try pot is all that remains of the
activity that brought men thousands of miles in tall ships to seek their fortune.
The following Optional Activities are available to participate in, on some or all of the departures of this itinerary. These must be booked in advance (additional costs apply) and space is limited.



KAYAKING – Our kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of maximum 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. Kayaking is open to all levels of experience, however kayaking in the polar waters is not suitable for novice kayakers. Beginners interested in kayaking should first take an introductory course prior to the voyage which includes how to do a wet exit. In addition regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practise prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in the icy conditions.



 

Prepare for potentially rough seas as you journey homeward through the Drake Passage. This legendary waterway, named after Sir Francis Drake, separates the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from South America, making for a scenic voyage back to the mainland. Spend your last days at sea appreciating the vast open waters and surrounding wildlife, using sturdy sea legs when up on deck.

After a shipboard breakfast this morning, disembark in Ushuaia, where you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Your Antarctic adventure comes to an end here.