South Georgia & the Falkland Islands

Pair a rich adventure experience in the Falklands (Malvinas) with an in-depth visit to South Georgia.

Itinerary at a Glance (2024-25 Season)

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 high above. Hike into the local settlements and meet the people who have made this island home for generations.

From there, set sail for South Georgia and its mountains, 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 on the shores. As we sail from bay to bay, watch out for whales and beautiful seabirds flying overhead.

  • Day 1: Punta Arenas, Embarkation From 9:00 hrs., make your way to Explorers House in Punta Arenas and enjoy the facilities. At 16:00 hrs., a group transfer will take you to the port for embarkation. As we sail along the Strait of Magellan, our Expedition Team will introduce the history of this fabled sea route.
  • Day 2: At Sea Enjoy the ship’s hospitality as we make our way to the Falklands (Malvinas). Our engaging series of lectures and presentations begin.
  • Day 3: Saunders Island, Carcass Island 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.
  • Day 4: 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.
  • Day 5 - 6: At Sea 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.
  • Day 7: Elsehul Bay 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.
  • Day 8: 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.”
  • Day 9: 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.
  • Day 10: 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.
  • Day 11: 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.
  • Day 12 - 14: At Sea Our education program continues as we make our way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
  • Day 15: Bleaker Island Evening landing at Bleaker Island, a natural reserve with a famous bird area featuring a large variety of birds.
  • Day 16: At Sea
  • Day 17: Punta Arenas, Disembarkation 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.

Sea Voyage Inclusions

Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.

Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.

Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.

Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.

Loan of waterproof boots for landings, landing fees, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.

All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.

Photo Album: Falklands & South Georgia

Golden hour in the Falklands

Explore golden hour in the Falkland Islands with our expert guides.

Elephant seals in the Falklands

Enjoy views of the wildlife like these Elephant seals in the Falkland Islands.

Library on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Enjoy the beautiful living spaces like Magellan Explorer´s library while at sea en route to South Georgia.

Magellan Explorer sailing in Tierra del Fuego, Chile. Photography by Tom Arban.

Magellan Explorer sailing in the Southern Ocean.

Northern giant petrel found in South Georgia. Photography by Ruslan Eliseev.

Spot the Northern Giant Petrel found in South Georgia.

A colony of King Penguins in South Georgia. Photography by Ruslan Eliseev.

On a trip to South Georgia, you will see many king penguins going about their daily lives.

Magellan Explorer

The Falkland Islands and South Georgia expedition is only available on Magellan Explorer.

Magellan Explorer

Featuring a modern design and innovative technologies, this expedition vessel was custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises.

For complete Sea Voyage pricing details review our brochure.

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Magellan Explorer in Antarctica. Photography by Sandra Walser for Antarctica21.

Explore the Last Continent on board Magellan Explorer, our small ship custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises.

For the 2025-26 season, we’re offering 36 new air-cruises on our small boutique ships!

Veranda Cabin on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Enjoy views of the unforgettable landscapes from your bed.

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Sail on Magellan Explorer

Find out what it’s like to sail on the modern and sleek Magellan Explorer, custom-built for Antarctic adventure and wilderness expeditions.

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Testimonial

‘’Many thanks for a great trip. All aspects of our holiday have been excellent. Service and care from the crew have been first class. We look forward to seeing you all again.’’

Dave & Ann S.

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia Sea Voyage, October 2022

Testimonial

‘’Thank you for allowing me to join you on the best adventure of my life. Every moment was magic. Truly thank you! You are an inspiration’’

L.C.

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia Sea Voyage, October 2022

Testimonial

‘’Fabulous ship, fantastic crew! Absolutely brilliant trip- all weather, lots of wildlife. What more could you possibly ask for?’’

Alison K.

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia Sea Voyage, October 2022

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