Falklands & South Georgia

Day 1: Flight to Stanley, Falkland Islands & Embarkation
Our expedition will start in the early morning in the airport of Santiago de Chile where we will take a transfer flight to the Falkland Islands. Welcome to Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands and the starting point of our cruise. Embarktion in the Falklands helps us to minimize our days at sea, which means more time for landings and photography! In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard our expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. All guests should arrive into Santiago at least 1 day earlier (hotel nights in Santiago are not included). 

Day 2-3: At Sea 
As we sail east towards South Georgia, we will be able to witness incredible wildlife. We will also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Don’t lose your time aboard! Attend the most interesting briefings and lectures from our expert staff and prepare yourself for the arrival in South Georgia. This cruise was designed for amateur photographers of all skill levels, so use this chance to make new friends, exchange your photo experience and attend our photography master classes. Discussing ISO and exposure is always better in our cozy bar, restaurant, or lounge.

Days 4-12: Exploring South Georgia 
South Georgia is the best place on Earth for wildlife and landscape photographers. We will take you to great locations for the best light. The archipelago is the home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, which makes South Georgia the best spot to photograph these wonderful creatures. Our plan is to visit the most picturesque sights such as Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay, Drygalski Fjord and other great places. For example, the beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, where over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins.

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.

However, our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions 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 and take the best wildlife photos.

Day 13-14: At Sea
It is time to head back toward the Falkland Islands. However, our adventures are not over yet. We will pass the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way (get your cameras ready!) There is also time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slide show. We will share our impressions, review all the great photos we’ve taken and enjoy a friendly atmosphere of like-minded fellow travellers.

Day 15: Disembarkation in Stanley & Flight to Santiago
Our adventure finishes in Port Stanley. We disembark after breakfast and provide transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight to Santiago. We recommend you to explore the wonderful capital of Chile and spend more time here. Now when the first emotions have subsided you will have time to look back to your unforgettable Subantarctic experience and maybe to make plans for your next polar adventure?

Important: 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.