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THE MOST COMPLETE SOUTHERN OCEAN VOYAGE

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Circle

Combine the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula, then continue south in the hope of crossing the Antarctic Circle.

22–24 days Typical durationDecember–February Travel seasonUshuaia Start and finish

Trip Overview

Duration
22–24 days
Season
December–February
Voyage style
Grand ship-based expedition

This rare grand voyage brings together the Southern Ocean’s core wildlife regions and higher southern latitudes.

Every landing and any crossing of the Circle depend on conditions.

Why This Route

01

Wildlife on an Extraordinary Scale

Explore some of the Southern Ocean’s richest penguin, seal and seabird habitats, always subject to natural conditions.

02

Condition-Led Exploration

The captain and expedition team choose sites according to weather, swell, permits, wildlife activity and safety.

03

A True Southern Ocean Voyage

Use sea days for wildlife watching, lectures and the growing sense of distance between remote island groups.

04

Aim for 66°33′ South

Continue beyond the classic Peninsula route towards denser pack ice.

Route Map

Ushuaia → Falkland Islands → South Georgia → Antarctic Peninsula → Antarctic Circle → 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.

South AmericaAntarcticaAntarctic Circle 66°33′SUshuaiaFalkland IslandsSouth GeorgiaAntarctic PeninsulaAntarctic CircleUshuaiaUshuaiaFalkland IslandsSouth GeorgiaAntarctic PeninsulaAntarctic Circle

DAY BY DAY

Day by Day

A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.

Day 1

Embark in Ushuaia

Board the expedition ship in Ushuaia, meet the team and complete the mandatory safety drill. As the vessel follows the Beagle Channel towards open water, settle into your cabin, explore the observation decks and watch the mountains and forests of Tierra del Fuego recede.

Embark in Ushuaia
Day 2

At Sea

Sail towards the Falkland Islands while the expedition team introduces the voyage’s wildlife, history and responsible landing procedures. Join lectures and photography sessions, and spend time on deck watching for albatrosses, petrels, dolphins and other marine life carried across the South Atlantic.

At Sea
Days 3–4

Falkland Islands

Explore the Falklands through landings chosen for the day’s wind, swell and wildlife activity. White-sand beaches, tussock-covered shores and small island communities may be combined with walks near penguin or albatross colonies. Naturalists explain how the islands’ open landscapes support a remarkable concentration of seabirds.

Falkland Islands
Days 5–6

Towards South Georgia

Cross the South Atlantic towards South Georgia, using the sea days for wildlife watching and deeper introductions to the island’s ecology and history. Albatrosses and petrels may follow the ship, while expedition briefings prepare guests for busy beaches, strict wildlife distances and rapidly changing weather.

Towards South Georgia
Days 7–10

South Georgia

Experience South Georgia’s immense wildlife and mountain scenery through flexible landings and Zodiac cruises. King-penguin colonies may fill entire valleys, while elephant and fur seals gather along the beaches. Conditions may allow visits to Grytviken or other historic locations, always balanced with weather, swell and wildlife-protection requirements. Guided walks and patient observation provide time to absorb the scale, sound and movement of these remarkable shores.

South Georgia
Days 11–12

Scotia Sea

Continue south across the Scotia Sea as temperatures fall and the first icebergs appear. Naturalists scan for whales and seabirds from the bridge and outer decks, while talks connect the sub-Antarctic ecosystems already visited with the colder marine environment of the Antarctic Peninsula ahead.

Scotia Sea
Days 13–16

Antarctic Peninsula

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula through weather-led penguin-colony landings, snow walks and Zodiac cruises beneath glacier fronts. Move through iceberg-filled channels and quiet bays, watching for seals on floes and whales surfacing nearby. Each day’s sites are selected for the best combination of safety, wildlife activity and scenery.

Antarctic Peninsula
Days 17–20

Antarctic Circle Region

Follow increasingly remote channels towards latitude 66°33′ South, where broader pack ice and immense icebergs create a striking change of scale. If sea ice, weather and timing permit, cross the Antarctic Circle and continue exploring by ship or Zodiac. Reaching the line remains an objective rather than a guarantee.

Antarctic Circle Region
Days 21–23

Return Across the Drake

Turn north and cross the Drake Passage towards South America. Expedition recaps, lectures and time to review photographs bring together the voyage’s three distinct wildlife regions, while albatrosses, petrels and possible whales provide continued reasons to watch from the outer decks.

Return Across the Drake
Day 24

Disembark in Ushuaia

Re-enter the Beagle Channel and arrive in Ushuaia after an exceptional journey across the Southern Ocean. Disembark after breakfast and say farewell to the expedition team and fellow travellers. Keep a comfortable buffer before onward flights because the final arrival can still respond to sea conditions.

Disembark in Ushuaia

EXPEDITION SHIPS

Ships Commonly Found on This Route

Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.

PLANNING NOTES

Plan This Journey

Departure
Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrival
Ushuaia, Argentina

Who This Journey Suits

  • Travellers seeking one complete Antarctic voyage
  • Guests comfortable with three weeks at sea

What You May See

  • Falkland penguins
  • King penguins
  • Elephant seals
  • Antarctic whales
  • Falkland beaches
  • South Georgia
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Circle pack ice

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 for the grand three-island and Circle voyage?

Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.

Plan This Journeyinfo@polartraveltribe.com