Exploring The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica
Antarctica and South Georgia Sail & Fly Cruise
Please note that there is a 2026 Departure aboard the Magellan Explorer that is not yet open to bookings. Please contact our office if you would like to be added to the 2026 wait list and be advised once we begin accepting reservations.
Overview
This voyage encompasses the best of the Antarctic Peninsula and the enchanting wildlife haven of South Georgia. Discover the historic Falklands~Malvinas and stand in awe before the world's largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia. In Antarctica, experience the serenity and grandeur of the most remote place on Earth, where penguins nest, whales feed, and captivating seals frolic in ice-speckled seas.
Arrive: Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart: Punta Arenas, Chile
Highlights
- Enjoy cruising in Antarctica and South Georgia Island aboard a comfortable expedition vessel
- Revel in outstanding scenery and a wealth of wildlife, from millions of penguins to seabirds, seals, and whales
- Zodiac-cruise through glassy waters, marveling at the iridescent blues of icebergs
- Witness bustling penguin colonies with chicks hatching and running around while predatory skuas pick off vulnerable prey
Itinerary
Please note: There is a 2026 Departure aboard the Magellan Explorer that is not yet open to bookings. Please contact our office if you would like to be added to the 2026 wait list and be advised once we begin accepting reservations.
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met and transferred with your fellow expeditioners to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, we ask you to make your way to your hotel. Check-in is from 3.00 pm. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia. An afternoon catamaran cruise on the Beagle Channel is available. Transfer to the pier at 3:45 pm for embarkation. Once onboard, you'll have time to settle into your cabin before important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, gather on the deck to commence the adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
As you commence your trip across the South Atlantic Ocean toward the Falklands~Malvinas, make the most of your time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. The expedition team prepares you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines, biosecurity procedures, and start the lecture program to help you learn more about the region's history, wildlife, and environment. Your wildlife experiences begin as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. They rise and fall skillfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton's Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
As we sail northward, our expert guides offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship's lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region's birdlife.
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew's Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. Each visit is unique. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Approach South America and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you head to Ushuaia.
Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends at the pier upon disembarkation.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy. You will be travelling to a very remote destination. You must be able to complete on board safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures without the assistance of others. Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet, especially when walking on slippery decks or up and down steep gangways. Shore excursions often require hiking over uneven terrain without the benefit of a developed trail. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. While several Zodiac landings are dry, many will require that you step in the water to get ashore. Zodiac and shore excursions are weather permitting.
Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet, especially when walking on slippery decks or up and down steep gangways. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. While a couple of Zodiac landings are dry, most will require that you step into calf-high water on rocky or sandy beaches to get ashore. your walks onshore will be over sandy or coarse gravel beaches or snow and often require hiking over uneven terrain without the benefit of a developed trail.
The Antarctic summer begins in November and ends in March—no tourist ships visit in the winter. December through February are the best times to visit as they bring long daylight hours and milder temperatures. You'll experience a variety of weather conditions including rain, snow, sleet, and sunny skies no matter when you visit. Temperatures can change quickly and range from the high 30s to below freezing, sometimes with a significant wind chill. We recommend packing warm layers, hats, gloves, waterproof boots, and a good pair of sunglasses.
All meals will be taken on board. All ships we offer have the capacity to seat everyone at a single, open seating in the main dining room. In some cases outdoor buffet breakfast and lunch options are also available. Please let us know of any special dietary needs; the ship will accommodate as best as possible.
Having the right clothing and gear is vital to the enjoyment of your trip to Antarctica, layered breathable clothing is best with a fully waterproof jacket and waterproof over-pants (required). Note that ponchos are NOT recommended as wind makes them less useful. A polar jacket is included on most voyages; waterproof boots are available to borrow on all cruises.
Visit wildernesstravel.newheadings.com to begin shopping. Be sure to check out our Get Ready Packages, which features 3 Polar Packages that provide excellent value for the gear necessary to keep you warm and dry. Polar gear is available to rent or buy and it may be possible that rental gear can be delivered to your hotel in South America prior to your cruise.
Wilderness Travel donates all profits from your purchases to the cultural and conservation groups we support worldwide. See the projects we support on our Making a Difference webpage.
Antarctica is an extremely remote and isolated region of the world. In the case of serious illness or injury, medical attention and swift evacuation are not always available. Once you sail from Ushuaia, you are far away from towns and medical facilities. In the case of serious illness or injury, the cruise ship will make every effort to reach medical facilities as soon as possible, but be aware that it may take several days to get you to a hospital. If you have health or medical issues of concern, please discuss them with your physician before considering this trip.
Due to the remoteness, emergency evacuation insurance is required for all voyages to Antarctica.
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.