Skip to main content

Falklands & South Georgia | Magellan Explorer

17 Days
From AUD 15,145

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise 

Trip Code: ACAXMFSG

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Magellan Explorer

DestinationDestination

South Georgia, Falkland Islands

DestinationDeparture Date

23/09/2024, 09/10/2024

MealsMeals

All meals whilst onboard the ship

TransportTransport

Transfer from the Explorers Club in Punta Arenas to the ship on day 1

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board a ship



Enquire Now

OVERVIEW

Combine the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and South Georgia with this 17-day expedition starting from Punta Arenas, Chile. In the Falklands and enjoy watching rockhopper and gentoo penguins in their native habitat. From your zodiac spot Black-browed albatrosses and petrels soaring high in the sky. Hike into the local settlements and meet the people who have called this island home for generations. 

From there, set sail for South Georgia, which are permanently covered in thick layers of ice and snow. On this island, wildlife is king. Visit one of the world’s largest king penguin colonies and watch elephant seals relaxing near the shore. As we sail from bay to bay, watch out for whales and beautiful seabirds flying overhead.
 

ITINERARY

Embarkation in Punta Arenas

From 9:00am, make your way to Explorers House in Punta Arenas and enjoy the facilities. At 16:00pm, a group transfer will take you to the port for embarkation. As we set sail along the Strait of Magellan, our Expedition Team will introduce the history of this fabled sea route.

Sailing to the Falklands

Enjoy the ship’s hospitality as we make our way to the Falklands (Malvinas). Our engaging series of lectures and presentations begin.

Saunders & Carcass Islands

We enjoy the long white-sand beach during a morning visit to Saunders Island. A wilderness experience, the main attractions are rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatross, and sub-Antarctic Gentoo penguins. In the afternoon, we visit Carcass Island. There is an option for an easy hike to the settlement, bird watching, and a typical Falklands tea experience.

Port Stanley

Join our expedition team on guided walking tours of Port Stanley or Gipsy Cove. Or explore on your own and absorb the atmosphere, grabbing lunch at the local pub, visiting the maritime museum, the church, hunting for souvenirs, or walking down Ross Road, paying tribute at the war memorials at the waterfront.

Sailing to South Georgia

As we sail towards South Georgia, attend presentations on the history and fauna of the archipelago. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales.

Elsehul Bay, South Georgia

Depending on sea conditions over the previous days, arrival is planned for the afternoon. Provided we receive approval from the South Georgia government, we plan to do an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.

Grytviken, Fortuna Bay

Our first landing is at Grytviken. We clear Customs and then visit the historical site with the museum and Ernest Shackleton’s grave. We land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness in the afternoon to see king penguins. Here we learn more about Shackleton and his expedition, and there is also an optional 2-3 hour “Shackleton walk.”

Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay

In the morning, we plan a landing at Gold Harbour, a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals, and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatrosses here. In the afternoon and on a Zodiac cruise, we visit Cooper Bay to see macaroni penguins.

St Andrews Bay, Ocean Harbour

St Andrews Bay is the destination of our morning excursion. The highlights here are a shipwreck and the remains of the whaling industry. We see the largest king penguin colony and elephant seal bulls. We plan a Zodiac cruise in the afternoon and landing at Ocean Harbour.

Prion Island, Salisbury Plain

In the morning, we plan to visit Prion Island to see the nesting wandering albatross. In the afternoon, we head to Salisbury Plain for more king penguins and stunning landscapes.

At sea towards the Falkland Islands

Our education program continues as we make our way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Bleaker Island

Evening landing at Bleaker Island, a natural reserve with a famous bird area featuring a large variety of birds.

At sea

Sailing back towards Punta Arenas while enjoying the last of the wildlife and scenery as your journey comes to an end.

Disembarkation in Punta Arenas

Upon arrival at Punta Arenas, we disembark and take a group transfer to the town center, where the expedition will end. Explorers House remains available to you for the day.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer

Brand new vessel, the Magellan Explorer, is an elegant base from which to explore the polar regions, combining boutique hospitality with top class expedition facilities. It is the ideal platform for air-cruise operations and several international polar expedition experts were part of the design process. Working with engineers, naval architects and designers, the expedition experience of guests was always in mind. Built in Chile, the Magellan Explorer has a capacity of 73 passengers providing an intimate small ship cruising experience. 

The ship has a fleet of 10 zodiacs to ensure all guests can disembark the ship and enjoy time on the icy landscapes or drift through glacial waters in search of unique wildlife. The ship contains a glass observation lounge and presentation room that boasts state-of-the-art visual and audio equipment for presentations conduct by the expert expedition crew. The Magellan explorer is truly one of the most modern and advanced vessels to operate in Antarctica. 

Ice Class: Length: 90.7 m (298 ft.)
Breadth: 16.2 m (53 ft.)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
100

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

Learn More
inside tour type 1 and 0

Pricing per person & date

Falklands & South Georgia | Magellan Explorer from AUD 15,145
Departing Ending Duration
23 Sep 2024 09 Oct 2024 17
09 Oct 2024 25 Oct 2024 17

Important Information

  • Inclusions 
    • Access to Explorers House on day 1 in Punta Arenas and use of facilities with transfer to the ship for embarkation. 
    • Accommodation as indicated in the program on the indicated ship of choice. 
    • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
    • Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
    • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
    • Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition.
    • All guided shore excursions.
    • Lectures and entertainment on board.
    • Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
    • Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
    • IAATO passenger fee.

     

    Exclusions

    • Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage.
    • Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
    • Personal insurance.
    • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
    • Gratuities.
    • Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
    • Optional Activities 

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request. Please contact us for more details. 

  • Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.

    Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins) 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions. 

  • Departure Date,  Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.