Wildlife on an Extraordinary Scale
Explore some of the Southern Ocean’s richest penguin, seal and seabird habitats, always subject to natural conditions.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBETWO ICONIC POLAR WORLDS
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula
Concentrate the voyage on South Georgia’s immense wildlife colonies and the ice-filled western Antarctic Peninsula.
18–20 days Typical durationNovember–March Travel seasonUshuaia Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- 18–20 days
- Season
- November–March
- Voyage style
- Extended ship-based expedition
This long-form expedition links sub-Antarctic South Georgia with the glaciated Antarctic Peninsula.
More sea days make room for king-penguin colonies, expedition history and a deep progression into the Southern Ocean.
Why This Route
Condition-Led Exploration
The captain and expedition team choose sites according to weather, swell, permits, wildlife activity and safety.
A True Southern Ocean Voyage
Use sea days for wildlife watching, lectures and the growing sense of distance between remote island groups.
King Penguin Kingdom
Explore mountain-backed coasts where vast king-penguin and seal concentrations may gather.
Route Map
Ushuaia → South Georgia → Scotia Sea → Antarctic Peninsula → Ushuaia
The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day by Day
A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.
Days 1–4
Sail towards South Georgia
Embark in Ushuaia and cross the South Atlantic while the expedition team introduces South Georgia’s ecology, history and landing protocols. Spend time on deck watching albatrosses and petrels, attend photography and wildlife talks, and feel the growing remoteness as the ship approaches the island’s mountain-lined coast.
Days 5–8
South Georgia
Explore South Georgia through condition-led landings and Zodiac cruises. Mountain-backed beaches may hold vast king-penguin colonies as well as elephant and fur seals, creating some of the Southern Ocean’s most powerful wildlife scenes. Weather may also allow a visit to Grytviken and sites connected with the island’s whaling and Shackleton history. Every shore visit is carefully paced around animal movement and strict viewing distances.
Days 9–11
Across the Scotia Sea
Cross the Scotia Sea towards Antarctica as naturalists scan for whales, albatrosses and other Southern Ocean seabirds. Lectures connect South Georgia’s sub-Antarctic ecosystem with the colder world ahead, while the appearance of the first icebergs signals the ship’s gradual approach to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 12–16
Antarctic Peninsula
Enter the ice-filled waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula for flexible penguin-colony landings, snow walks and Zodiac cruises. Travel beneath glacier fronts and between sculpted icebergs, watching for seals on floes and whales in sheltered bays. The captain and expedition team select each site according to weather, sea ice, wildlife and safe landing conditions.
Days 17–20
Return to Ushuaia
Turn north across the Drake Passage, keeping watch for seabirds and possible whales while expedition recaps bring together the wildlife, history and landscapes of the voyage. Re-enter the Beagle Channel and disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast, allowing suitable buffer time for onward travel because the final schedule remains condition-dependent.
EXPEDITION SHIPS
Ships Commonly Found on This Route
Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.
Poseidon ExpeditionsSea Spirit
114 guests · Intimate, all-suite ship
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Quark ExpeditionsOcean Explorer
138 guests · PC6 · X-BOW design
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Antarctica21Magellan Explorer
76 guests · Purpose-built expedition ship
Ask about this ship →PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Ushuaia, Argentina
- Arrival
- Ushuaia, Argentina
Who This Journey Suits
- Wildlife-focused travellers
- Guests comfortable with a long ocean voyage
What You May See
- King penguins
- Elephant and fur seals
- Antarctic penguins
- Whales and albatrosses
- South Georgia
- Scotia Sea
- Antarctic glaciers
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Frequent Zodiac transfers and landings on wet, snowy, rocky or uneven ground; longer voyages require comfort with consecutive active days.
- The voyage includes extended open-ocean passages. Weather, swell and sea ice can substantially change the programme.
Before You Book
- Landing sites and wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed
- Long-voyage cabins often book early
- Allow buffer time around onward travel
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclusions and Exclusions
What Is Usually Included
- Shipboard accommodation and meals
- Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan of expedition boots on many ships
What Is Usually Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical costs
- Optional adventure activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Important
- Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
- Activities depend on weather and ice
- Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Ready to combine South Georgia with Antarctica?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.