Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica - Antarctic Wildlife Adventure
17 Days - Sea Spirit
Discover Antarctica by travelling in style and comfort on board the ice-strengthened, small all-suite expedition ship: Sea Spirit. Come travel the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and South Georgia with us where in this 17 day cruise you will uncover the magnificent Antarctic waters, see glaciers galore and discover an astounding array of wildlife.
Home » 17 Day Sea Spirit: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica – Antarctic Wildlife Adventure ex Santiago
Itinerary Highlights
- Spend an evening in a hotel in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town, before embarkation
- Wander the charming streets of the historic port town of Stanley on the Falkland Islands
- Attend on board lectures and presentations by the experts
- Visits to abandoned whaling stations and the grave of a famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton are among historic highlights of this expedition.
- Key moment of the voyage is undoubtedly landing on the Antarctic continent itself.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Stanley, Falkland Islands
- Day 2: Falkland Islands
- Day 3-4: Southern Ocean
- Day 5-8: South Georgia Island
- Day 9-10: Southern Ocean
- Day 11-14: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 15-16: Drake Passage
- Day 17: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Poseidon Expeditions, the operator of Sea Spirit, will donate £100 to the South Georgia Heritage Trust every time a new passenger books a cruise featuring South Georgia, which will help fund SGHT’s ongoing conservation work on the island: Video - SG Campaign
Day 1: Stanley, Falkland Islands
Welcome to Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor. We provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come.
Day 2: Falkland Islands
The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more of the isolated outer islands on the south of the archipelago which are particularly important for their colonies of cormorants and different breeding birds that have been recorded there, including Magellanic, southern rockhopper, macaroni and gentoo penguin. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various whale and dolphin species. Our route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands.
Day 3-4: Southern Ocean
From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia, passing the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our expert staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Day 5-8: South Georgia Island
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditins we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place.
South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivalled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.
The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Day 9-10: Southern Ocean
After our amazing time in South Georgia we proceed southwest toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies.
Day 11-14: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition. We exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery, and excursions via Zodiac.
The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office.
The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.
Farther south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the vast Gerlache Strait area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery.
Day 15-16: Drake Passage
From Antarctica we head north through the Drake Passage toward South America. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for our End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.
Day 17: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where we started. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!
Cabin Details
Triple Suite
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Main Deck Suite
Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Classic Suite
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.
Superior Suite
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Premium Suite
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Owners Suite
Super-spacious (63 square metres/ 678 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.
Single Suite
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Sea Spirit Deckplan
Specifications
- Length: 90.6 meters (297 ft.)
- Beam: 15.3 meters (50 ft.)
- Speed: 15 knots
- Passengers: 114
- Crew: 72
Whats included?
- Santiago - Stanley flight on the day of embarkation;
- Group transfer from the airport to the ship for embarkation on Day 1;
- Shipboard accommodation;
- IAATO fees and governmental taxes;
- All meals on board throughout the voyage;
- Wi-Fi on board;
- Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily;
- All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team;
- Branded parka;
- Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
- Welcome and Farewell cocktails;
- All port fees;
- Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation;
- Pre-departure materials;
- Digital Voyage Log.
What’s not included?
- Airfare;
- 1 pre-voyage hotel night on Day 0 in Santiago de Chile;
- Visa and passport fees (if applicable);
- Luggage and trip cancellation insurance;
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;
- Personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls;
- Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings;
- Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person;
- Staff gratuities;
- Kayaking;
- The cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations required either by a national government or Poseidon Expeditions before, during or after the cruise;
- Pre- or post-cruise travel expenses.
Notes
Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
*Kayaking: US$895 per person
Complimentary rental package included for specific dates:
- Waterproof pants
- Waterproof mittens
- Waterproof backpack
- Hiking sticks