Once in a lifetime Antarctica
Explore the home of some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth!
Our Antarctica birding tour takes you to a magical destination that is on most wildlife and bird enthusiasts’ bucket-list; the sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands/Malvinas and South Georgia. Imagine beaches covered in fur seals, hundreds of thousands of penguins, and elephant seals; it’s one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever experience. Except for the wonderful birding that awaits us, we will explore the interesting history, dating back to the the late 1800s and early 1900s and the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’.
Let’s go birding in Antarctica!
| Tour starts and ends in Ushuaia | Accommodation: Hotel & Cabin on board |
| Duration: | 21 days |
| Next departure date: | 9 November 2025 |
Top birds
King Penguin, Emperor Penguin, Adelie Penguin, Gentoo Penguin, Southern Rockhopper Penguin, Wandering Albatross, Light-mantled Albatross, Double-banded Plover, Snowy Sheatbill, South Georgia Diving Petrel, Black-bellied Petrel, Grey-backed Storm Petrel, Southern and Northern Giant Petrel, Fairy Prion, Antarctic Prion, Kegeulen Petrel, Great-winged Petrel and Falkland Streamer Duck.
Highlights
Exploring the port of Stanley; Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia; Zodiac cruising amongst colossal icebergs; Potential encounters with Orca, Humpback and Minke whales; A visit to Grytviken, a former whaling station;
and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Antarctica birding Day to day itinerary
Day 1:
Ushuaia
Upon arrival you will have plenty of time to unwind or head out and discover the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.
Day 2:
Ushuaia
Enjoy some exploring in Ushuaia with the wonderful museums and Argentinean leather markets or relax at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier, where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel, M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and take some time to explore the ship, which will serve as your comfortable home during the incredible adventure ahead. Once we set sail, the journey begins with a full schedule of informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After enjoying the first of many exquisite dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the breathtaking scenery and the stunning evening light as we cruise through the Beagle Channel
Day 3:
South Atlantic ocean
After navigating the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we set a course northeast toward the Falkland Islands. Along the way, we’ll be on the lookout for dolphins and whales. The ship’s stabilizing fins ensure a smooth journey, even in rough seas. Meanwhile, presentations by our experts will prepare you for our upcoming arrival in the Falkland Islands.
Day 4-5:
Falkland Islands
The remote and sparsely populated Falkland Islands are a paradise for bird enthusiasts. We plan to spend two days exploring the outer islands, where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands also offer excellent opportunities to observe marine mammals, with the surrounding waters home to species like Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. Our exact route and exploration plans will depend on weather conditions in these isolated, windswept islands.
We also aim to visit Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within easy walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral featuring an impressive whalebone arch, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.
Day 6-7:
Southern Ocean
From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our experts prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Day 8-12:
South Georgia Island
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are largely dictated by the weather conditions we encounter. With an experienced captain and expedition leader at the helm, the itinerary remains flexible, continually adjusting as nature presents new conditions and opportunities. Rest assured, we will make the most of every safe chance to go ashore and experience this incredible place.
South Georgia is a breathtaking wilderness and an unrivaled haven for sub Antarctic wildlife. The islands are said to host over 100 million seabirds, including various species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches like Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, more than 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals compete for space among countless penguins, including the majestic king penguins and energetic macaroni penguins. Thanks to a successful rat eradication program, this wilderness is even more pristine, teeming with birdlife.
The rich waters surrounding South Georgia are also home to a growing number of whales. At Grytviken, the historic whaling station now hosts the excellent South Georgia Museum, managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. Grytviken is also the final resting place of the legendary polar explorer, Ernest Shackleton.
Our days in South Georgia will be packed with unforgettable excursions, exquisite meals, presentations from our experts, and an abundance of stunning scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and leave you emotionally overwhelmed.
Day 13-14:
Southern Ocean
We continue our journey west toward the Antarctic Peninsula. The waters here are home to an abundance of pelagic seabirds, including the majestic albatross, which can easily be spotted from the ship’s panoramic open decks or from the windows and balconies of exterior staterooms. As we sail, we may also encounter enormous tabular icebergs drifting north from the Weddell Sea.
Day 15-18:
South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are framed by towering snow-covered mountain peaks and vast glaciers. Icebergs of all shapes and sizes complete this picture of unrivaled beauty. The krill-rich waters are home to a variety of whale and seal species, while penguins fill the area, foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies on land. This region is also home to several Antarctic research stations representing various nationalities.
The South Shetland Islands, the northernmost islands in Antarctica, are likely to be our first sight of land. This wild and beautiful island chain is rich in wildlife and steeped in history. Notable among its many landing sites is Elephant Island, where members of Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.
Farther south, the stunning Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula offers sheltered bays, abundant wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
The wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and constantly shifting ice conditions, which shape our route and exploration opportunities. This is true expedition cruising, where we seize every chance to experience incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling excursions by Zodiac.
Day 19-20:
Drake Passage
It’s now time to head north across the Drake Passage toward South America, but the adventure isn’t over yet. We remain vigilant, keeping an eye out for marine mammals and seabirds in these untamed waters. This is also a time for celebration, with the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. As we enter the calm waters of the Beagle Channel, we’ll enjoy a final night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
Day 21:
Ushuaia disembarkation
After breakfast, we bid farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where our journey began. We offer a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to explore further. As you reflect on your unforgettable experience in Antarctica, you may already find yourself looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!