Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure 2027 2028
A 20-day polar expedition aboard Ultramarine, travelling from Puerto Madryn to Ushuaia through the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, with extended time in two of the most wildlife-rich regions of the Southern Ocean.
Some polar journeys are defined by ice. This one is defined by life.
Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure is an expedition for travellers who want to go beyond the classic Antarctic Peninsula and enter a wilder, more remote world of albatross colonies, king penguin beaches, elephant seals, historic whaling stations, sub-Antarctic mountains and the enduring legacy of Ernest Shackleton.
Sailing from Puerto Madryn on Argentina’s Atlantic coast and concluding in Ushuaia, this long-form expedition gives rare emphasis to time in the field: approximately three days exploring the Falkland Islands and six full days in South Georgia, an unusual depth of access in expedition travel.
The journey operates aboard Ultramarine, a purpose-built polar vessel with a PC6 ice classification, 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, extensive wildlife-viewing areas, a dedicated Science Hub and a specialist expedition team trained for remote polar environments.
Journey at a Glance
Expedition Name: Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure
Region: Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Southern Ocean, Argentine Patagonia
Duration: 20 days
Departure Date
19 October to 7 November 2027
Operational Start / End: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ship Embarkation
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Ship Disembarkation
Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship: Ultramarine
Ship Capacity: Up to 199 guests
Staff and Crew: 140 staff and crew
Ice Class: PC6
Core Experience: Falkland Islands wildlife, South Georgia king penguin colonies, elephant seals during peak pupping season, black-browed albatross colonies, Shackleton history, Zodiac cruising, guided hikes, Science & Discovery programming and polar expert interpretation.
Pricing
Available on request, according to suite category, availability and any special offers valid at the time of proposal or reservation.
Why This Expedition
This voyage is designed for travellers who understand that the far south is not a single destination, but a progression of environments.
The Falkland Islands offer windswept beaches, seabird cliffs, remote settlements, white-sand coves and colonies of albatross, rockhopper, Magellanic and gentoo penguins.
South Georgia is more elemental. Often described as the Galapagos of the Southern Ocean, it is one of the most fertile breeding grounds for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches filled by king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals and seabirds against a backdrop of glaciers and dark mountain ridges.
The timing is particularly significant. Late October and early November bring exceptional wildlife drama in South Georgia, including southern elephant seals during peak pupping season and males competing for territory on the beaches.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The expedition begins in Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city known for its architecture, European heritage and cultural confidence.
Guests arrive independently and make their way to the designated group hotel. The pre-expedition hotel night is included as part of the Charter Flight and Hotel Package.
Day 2: Fly to Puerto Madryn and Embark Ultramarine
After breakfast, the group transfers to the airport for the charter flight to Puerto Madryn, in Argentina’s Patagonian province of Chubut.
Puerto Madryn sits on the Atlantic coast and carries a distinctive Welsh-Argentine heritage. Before embarkation, guests may have time to explore the port town, its cafés, artisan markets and shoreline, where sea lions may be seen and southern right whales can sometimes be spotted offshore.
In the afternoon, guests board Ultramarine, settle into their cabins and meet the Expedition Team before sailing toward the sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia.
Days 3 and 4: At Sea Toward the Falkland Islands
The first days at sea introduce the rhythm of expedition life.
As the ship heads toward the Falkland Islands, guests attend expert presentations on Patagonian coastlines, seabirds, marine mammals and the isolated wildlife environments of the South Atlantic. Time on deck may bring sightings of albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, dolphins and whales.
As the ship approaches the northwestern Falklands, seabird activity often increases, marking the beginning of one of the great birding regions of the Southern Ocean.
Days 5 to 7: The Falkland Islands
With extended time in the Falklands, the Expedition Team seeks the best opportunities for landings and Zodiac exploration, guided by weather, sea state and marine forecasts.
Possible sites may include Steeple Jason, one of the most remote islands in the archipelago and home to the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. The landscape here is defined by tussock grass, ocean wind, rocky ridgelines and the scale of birdlife.
New Island may also be visited, a haven for birders with sheltered coves, white-sand beaches and around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nests, alongside Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins.
Other possible Falkland sites include Saunders Island, West Point Island, Carcass Island and Stanley, the archipelago’s remote capital. Stanley brings a different register to the journey: British island character, traditional pubs, a museum, cathedral, local community life and the boundary where settlement gives way to open wilderness.
Wildlife may include gentoo, Magellanic, rockhopper and king penguins, black-browed albatross, striated caracara, Falkland steamer ducks, Commerson’s dolphins, Peale’s dolphins and other marine species.
Days 8 and 9: At Sea Across the Antarctic Convergence
The voyage continues toward South Georgia, crossing the Antarctic Convergence, also known as the Polar Front.
This biological boundary marks the meeting of the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean. Water temperature, weather and wildlife patterns begin to shift. Fog and cloudy conditions may appear as colder southern waters meet warmer northern currents.
The area can be rich in birds and marine mammals. Albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, prions, shags, whales and Antarctic fur seals may be seen as Ultramarine approaches South Georgia.
Days 10 to 15: South Georgia, Galapagos of the South Seas
South Georgia is the heart of the expedition.
For six full days, the ship explores one of the most wildlife-dense places on Earth. Landing sites vary according to weather and sea conditions, but each day offers the possibility of overwhelming abundance: king penguin colonies, southern elephant seals, Antarctic fur seals, albatrosses, petrels, glaciers, black-sand beaches, old whaling stations and mountain amphitheatres.
One of the most meaningful sites is Grytviken, a former whaling station and the burial place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. A visit here connects the wildlife richness of South Georgia with one of the most powerful human stories in Antarctic history.
Possible South Georgia sites may include St. Andrew’s Bay, home to the island’s largest king penguin colony, with more than 150,000 breeding pairs by conservative estimates; Gold Harbour, with king and gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals and the Bertrab Glacier; Cooper Bay, where king, gentoo, macaroni and chinstrap penguins may be found along the same stretch of coastline; Royal Bay, Hercules Bay, Godthul and Drygalski Fjord.
If conditions permit, the programme may include an extended hike along the final stretch of Shackleton, Worsley and Crean’s route to Stromness, adding a physical and historical layer to the South Georgia experience.
Days 16 to 19: At Sea Toward South America
The return journey covers more than 1,000 nautical miles back toward South America.
As the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence again and passes near Burwood Bank, guests may continue to observe seabirds and marine mammals. The environment gradually shifts from the colder ecological Antarctic toward the milder waters of Tierra del Fuego.
These final sea days allow time for lectures, photography review, conversations with polar experts and reflection on one of the richest wildlife journeys in the Southern Ocean.
Day 20: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Ultramarine arrives in Ushuaia in the morning.
After breakfast, guests disembark and transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires, included as part of the Charter Flight and Hotel Package.
Ultramarine: A Polar Vessel for Remote Wildlife Exploration
Ultramarine is a technologically advanced polar expedition vessel designed to reach beyond familiar routes and support immersive off-ship exploration.
The ship accommodates up to 199 guests, with 140 staff and crew, and carries a PC6 ice classification. Its 20 Zodiacs, positioned at water level for quick deployment, allow the Expedition Team to maximise wildlife encounters, shore landings and spontaneous exploration opportunities.
Key features include:
20 quick-deploy Zodiacs
PC6 ice classification
Spacious suites and polar-view public areas
Exceptional wildlife-viewing decks
Science Hub for guest learning and research engagement
Tundra Spa with VOYA treatments
Morning stretch classes
Sauna
Fully equipped fitness centre
Health-conscious dining
Multiple restaurants, lounges and presentation spaces
Due to local restrictions, the ship’s helicopters do not operate on this voyage. The expedition experience is therefore centred on ship-based exploration, Zodiac cruising, shore landings, hiking, photography and expert-led wildlife interpretation.
Included Activities
Activities are always subject to weather, sea state, safety and landing conditions, but may include:
Zodiac cruising
Shore landings
Guided hiking in the Falklands and South Georgia
Daily presentations by polar experts
Photography guidance
Polar plunge, scheduled once per expedition if conditions permit
Science & Discovery programming
Citizen science activities, including seabird surveys, whale observations and water sampling
Wildlife observation from ship, shore and Zodiac
Optional Adventure Activities
Optional activities vary by conditions and must be booked in advance.
Possible options include:
Sea kayaking
Paddling excursion
Sea kayaking is suitable for experienced kayakers and may operate multiple times during the voyage, weather permitting. Paddling excursions offer a one-time, less demanding opportunity on stable sit-on-top kayaks, guided by experts in calm conditions.
Science & Discovery
The onboard Science Hub gives the voyage an educational and research-oriented dimension.
Guests may engage with scientists, researchers and Expedition Guides, explore digital learning displays, review samples collected during science Zodiac cruises and participate in citizen science activities. These may include seabird surveys from deck, documenting whale sightings and interactive water sampling to measure environmental conditions.
This turns the journey into more than wildlife observation. Guests gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystems they are entering and the scientific work required to study and protect remote polar regions.
Inclusions
Rates generally include:
A 3-in-1 expedition parka to keep
Leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced Expedition Team
Zodiac transfers and cruising according to the daily programme
Shore landings according to the daily programme
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
Photographic journal documenting the expedition
Loan of waterproof expedition boots for landings and Zodiac cruising
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Basic Wi-Fi access where service permits
Miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme
Luggage handling aboard the ship
The Charter Flight and Hotel Package generally includes:
One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
Group flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Madryn
Return group flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
Group transfer from Puerto Madryn airport to the ship
Group transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport upon return
Exclusions
Rates generally do not include:
International airfare
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival or departure taxes not specifically mentioned
Travel insurance, including baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical cover
Excess baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants or other personal gear not listed as included
Laundry, bar, spa and personal charges unless specified
Premium Wi-Fi packages
Voluntary gratuities for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers unless explicitly stated
Optional adventure activities not listed as included
Possible Extensions
Because the journey begins and ends through Buenos Aires, pre- or post-expedition extensions can be arranged privately.
Options may include:
Buenos Aires cultural stay
Recoleta, Palermo and San Telmo
Tango evening
Argentine parrilla dining
Iguazú Falls extension
Ushuaia Maritime Museum
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Patagonian hiking and nature experiences
Exclusive Elite Travel Perspective
For Exclusive Elite Travel clients, Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure is one of the strongest wildlife-led polar expeditions in the Antarctic season.
Its distinction lies in time. Three days in the Falklands and six full days in South Georgia allow the journey to unfold with a depth that shorter itineraries cannot replicate. The result is not a brief encounter with the far south, but a layered immersion into seabird cliffs, remote island life, king penguin colonies, elephant seal beaches, Shackleton history and the biological intensity of the Southern Ocean.
This expedition is best suited to travellers who value rare wildlife, serious photography, expert interpretation and the patience required for meaningful polar travel.
A request begins with cabin preference, fitness level, wildlife priorities, optional activity interest and any desired pre- or post-expedition arrangements.
