A collection of long-form polar expeditions through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica, designed for travellers seeking exceptional wildlife density, Shackleton history, king penguin colonies, remote island landings and deep Southern Ocean exploration.
Few places on Earth concentrate wildlife, history and remoteness as powerfully as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
The Falklands bring seabird cliffs, white-sand beaches, rockhopper penguins, albatross colonies, British island life and the remote capital of Stanley. South Georgia is wilder still: a sub-Antarctic theatre of king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals, albatross, glaciers, black-sand beaches and the enduring legacy of Ernest Shackleton.
This collection is for travellers who want a deeper polar journey, beyond the classic Antarctic Peninsula. Voyages are longer, wildlife encounters are denser, and the narrative moves through some of the most storied locations in the Southern Ocean.
Region at a Glance
Primary Regions
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Peninsula and, on selected itineraries, the Antarctic Circle.
Season
October 2027 through March 2028, depending on itinerary and vessel.
Duration Range
18 to 23 days.
Main Ports and Gateways
Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Ushuaia, Argentina; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Stanley, Falkland Islands, depending on itinerary.
Expedition Style
Long-form polar expedition cruising, wildlife photography, Zodiac landings, king penguin colony visits, South Georgia exploration, Falkland Islands birding, Shackleton history and, on selected itineraries, Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle exploration.
Pricing
Available on request, according to itinerary, departure date, vessel, suite category, cabin availability and any special offers valid at the time of proposal or reservation.
Departure Availability
Selected departures are scheduled across the 2027/2028 Antarctic season. Availability, cabin categories, routing and optional activities should be confirmed privately before proposal.
The Expedition Portfolio
Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure
This 20-day itinerary is one of the most wildlife-focused journeys in the programme, designed for travellers who want extended time in the Falklands and South Georgia.
The scheduled departure runs 19 October to 7 November 2027. The voyage embarks in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, and disembarks in Ushuaia, Argentina, with charter flight arrangements connected to Buenos Aires.
The itinerary begins from the Patagonian coast, reaching the northwestern islands of the Falklands, a rare route even among experienced polar travellers. The programme includes approximately three days exploring the Falklands archipelago, with potential visits to sites such as Steeple Jason, known for the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony, and New Island.
The expedition then continues to South Georgia, where the itinerary allows for six full days in one of the richest wildlife environments on Earth. Guests may encounter king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals, seabirds, dramatic mountains, glaciers, and black-sand beaches.
This voyage operates aboard Ultramarine.
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
This 18-day itinerary is designed for travellers who want to reach South Georgia and also set foot on the 7th Continent.
Selected departures operate in October and December 2027. The voyage embarks and disembarks in Ushuaia, Argentina, with selected charter flight and hotel arrangements connected to Buenos Aires depending on departure and vessel.
South Georgia is the heart of the itinerary. Guests walk beaches alive with king penguins and elephant seals, observe albatross, and encounter the powerful scale of sub-Antarctic wildlife. The voyage then continues to the Antarctic Peninsula, where guests may explore by Zodiac, photograph glaciers, encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, or experience the rugged coast from a sea kayak, depending on conditions and selected options.
This itinerary may operate aboard Ocean Explorer or World Voyager.
Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle
This 23-day itinerary is the most comprehensive journey in the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica collection.
The scheduled departure runs 17 January to 8 February 2028, embarking and disembarking in Ushuaia, Argentina, with charter flight arrangements connected to Buenos Aires.
The voyage begins in the Falkland Islands, where travellers may encounter albatross, dolphins, multiple penguin species and remote island coastlines. It then continues to South Georgia, one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries, with vast king penguin colonies, seabirds and seals set against a backdrop of glaciers and mountains.
From there, the expedition reaches the Antarctic Peninsula before pushing farther south to cross the Antarctic Circle. This itinerary is designed for travellers who want the fullest version of the Southern Ocean experience: Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctica and the Circle in a single long-form voyage.
A flightseeing experience is included for every guest, subject to weather and operational conditions.
This voyage operates aboard Ultramarine.
Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica
This 20-day itinerary brings together three polar narratives: the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Continent.
The scheduled departure runs 14 February to 4 March 2028, embarking and disembarking in Ushuaia, Argentina.
The voyage explores the sandy dunes, seabird cliffs and remote settlement character of the Falkland Islands, including the capital, Stanley, where British island life appears in one of the world’s most remote settings.
In South Georgia, guests enter the world of massive king penguin colonies, elephant seals, glaciated landscapes and Shackleton history. The voyage then continues toward Antarctica, where icebergs, glaciers, snow-covered peaks and wildlife define the final chapter of the journey.
This itinerary operates aboard Ultramarine.
Why Travel to the Falklands and South Georgia
The Falklands and South Georgia demand more time than a classic Antarctic Peninsula itinerary, but that time is rewarded with extraordinary wildlife density and a stronger historical narrative.
In the Falklands, travellers may encounter rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins, albatross, seabird cliffs, beaches, open landscapes and the character of Stanley. In South Georgia, the experience becomes more elemental: vast king penguin colonies, elephant seals, fur seals, mountain backdrops, glacier fronts, historic whaling stations and the memory of Shackleton at Grytviken.
For many polar travellers, South Georgia is the emotional centre of the Southern Ocean. It is less about a single sight and more about scale: the sound, movement and density of life across entire beaches.
Polar Vessels and Expedition Expertise
The Falkland Islands and South Georgia collection operates aboard small polar expedition vessels selected for access, observation and off-ship exploration.
Ultramarine carries up to 199 guests with 140 staff and crew and has a PC6 ice classification. It is equipped with 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs and, on selected itineraries, supports helicopter flightseeing and helicopter-based perspectives. It also offers spacious suites, extensive public areas, wildlife-viewing decks, Tundra Spa, sauna, fitness studio and multiple dining and lounge venues.
Ocean Explorer carries up to 138 guests with 105 staff and crew and has 1A, PC6 ice classification. Its modern design includes extensive observation spaces, Scandinavian-style accommodation, a Discovery Library, lecture lounge, spa, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzis.
World Voyager carries up to 168 guests with 125 staff and crew and has 1B ice classification. It is designed for discovery, with balcony suites, a Science Hub, auditorium, observation decks, spa, sauna, pool, Jacuzzis and spaces for expert-led learning and discussion.
Across all voyages, the expedition model is shaped by polar specialists: expedition leaders, Zodiac drivers, naturalists, historians, ornithologists, marine experts, glaciology lecturers and field guides who interpret wildlife, ice, weather, history and landing conditions in real time.
What the Expedition Programme Includes
Inclusions vary by itinerary, vessel, cabin category and departure, but the core framework may include:
Polar expedition team and educational programming
Zodiac cruising and shore landings
Three meals daily, plus snacks
Complimentary select beer, wine and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Basic Wi-Fi where satellite service permits
Loan of waterproof neoprene muck boots
A 3-in-1 hooded expedition parka to keep
Taxes and port charges
Online photo journal after the voyage
Included hotels where applicable
Port transfers to and from the vessel
Entrance fees to relevant national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic sites
Adventure options vary by voyage and vessel. Possible activities may include Zodiac cruising, walking or hiking, sea kayaking, paddling excursions, polar plunge, photography programming and, on selected Ultramarine voyages, flightseeing or helicopter-supported perspectives. All off-ship activity is weather, ice and landing-condition dependent.
Extension Possibilities
Depending on the chosen itinerary, pre- or post-expedition extensions may be arranged in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.
Options can include Iguazú Falls, Tigre Delta, Buenos Aires cultural experiences, Tierra del Fuego and Harberton Ranch, depending on route, timing and availability.
Exclusive Elite Travel Perspective
For Exclusive Elite Travel clients, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia collection is the more immersive, wildlife-rich expression of Antarctic expedition travel.
The Antarctic Peninsula delivers the iconic 7th Continent. South Georgia delivers staggering abundance. The Falklands add remoteness, birdlife, settlement history and a softer entry into the Southern Ocean narrative.
These voyages are best suited to travellers who do not want the shortest Antarctic itinerary. They are for those who understand that time is part of the privilege: more days at sea, more landings, more wildlife, more history and a deeper sense of what the far south represents.
A request begins with preferred region, desired duration, tolerance for sea days, wildlife priorities, vessel preference and cabin style. From there, the right departure can be selected according to availability and the most relevant seasonal conditions.
