HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy
birding together with fellow birders and visit remote places with rare
bird-species
- Explore
the last of the true wilderness of our planet on foot and absorb the
beauty of the Polar Regions
- Explore
the rugged coastline
- Zodiac
cruising in the Polar Regions
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | QUAD | TRIPLE | TWIN PORTHOLE | TWIN WINDOW | TWIN DELUXE | SUPERIOR |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) QUAD | (Mid-range) TWIN WINDOW | (High-end) SUPERIOR |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Sandy Argentine Beaches
You
embark from Puerto Madryn in the afternoon, your prow aimed for the
Falkland Islands. Golfo Nuevo is renowned for its visiting southern
right whales, so you have a good chance of spotting one as you sail
toward the open ocean.
Day
2-3: Sea Life, Sea Birds
Though
you’re now at sea, there’s rarely a lonesome moment
here: Several species of bird follow the vessel southeast, such as
albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels.
Day
4-8: Finding the Falklands
The
Falkland (Malvinas) Islands offer an abundance of wildlife, easily
approachable – with caution. These islands are largely
unknown gems, primarily remembered for the war between the UK and
Argentina in 1982. Not only do various species of bird live here, but
chances are great you’ll see both Peale’s dolphins
and Commerson’s dolphins in the surrounding waters. During
this part of the voyage, you may visit the following sites: Steeple
Jason – Home to the world’s largest black-browed
albatross colony (roughly 113,000), Steeple Jason is a wild and rarely
visited island buffeted by the wind and waves. Weather and swell
conditions dictate the journey here. Carcass Island – Despite
its name, this island is pleasantly rodent-free and hence bounteous
with birdlife. Anything from breeding Magellanic and gentoo penguins to
numerous waders and passerine birds (including Cobb’s wren
and the tussock-bird) live here. Saunders Island – Here you
can see the black-browed albatross and its sometimes-clumsy landings,
along with breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. King
penguins, Magellanic penguins, and gentoo penguins are also found here.
West Point Island – Thick with black-browed albatrosses and
rockhopper penguins. Grave Cove – Nesting gentoo penguins and
excellent hiking opportunities abound here. Volunteer Point –
A large white-sand beach, somewhat exposed but with a large king
penguin rookery and other plentiful birdlife. Sparrow Cove/ Kidney Cove
– The hike up Mt. Low (204 meters, 669 feet) affords great
views of Kidney Cove and Port Stanley. Port Stanley – The
capital and seat of Falkland culture, Port Stanley has some South
American traits mixed in with a little Victorian charm: colorful
houses, well-tended gardens, and English-style pubs. You can see
several century-old clipper ships in the surrounding area, silent
witnesses to the hardships of 19th century sailors. The small but
interesting museum is also worth a visit, covering the early days of
the settlement up to the Falkland War. Approximately 2,100 people live
in the capital, where you’re free to wander at will
– admission fees to local attractions are not included. Sandy
Bay – Nearby Big Pond offers excellent wildlife
opportunities, featuring the dark-faced Ground-tyrant and Magellanic
snipe. There’s also an easy walk to see gentoo penguins,
Magellanic penguins, rockhopper penguins, and king cormorants. Sea Lion
Island – Very exposed, so you need some luck to make a
landing here. But if a stop is possible, it’s well worth the
trip: This island is home to the largest breeding colony of southern
elephant seals in the archipelago, with approximately 2,000 individuals
on the northern beaches this time of year. A decent hike leads you to a
southern sea lion haul-out. Coffin’s Harbor – This
location is a reasonable walk from the landing site at the New Island
South Wildlife Reserve, providing views of nesting black-browed
albatrosses and rockhopper penguins. A more strenuous hike to Landsend
Bluff may also show you some South American fur seals. The site of the
only land-based whaling station on the Falkland Islands is south of the
landing beach. New Island North Nature Reserve – Landing here
requires a special permit. If received, you can make a farewell visit
to the black-browed albatrosses (among other bird species) and South
American fur seals that make the Falklands their home.
Day
9: Once More to the Sea
You’re
westward bound, seabirds trailing you all the way to South America.
Day
10: Southernmost City
In
the morning, you arrive and disembark in Ushuaia. It is commonly held
to be the world’s southernmost city, located on the Tierra
del Fuego archipelago – nicknamed the “End of the
World.” Even so, the memories you’ve made on this
expedition will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage
aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All
meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee
and tea.
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program
of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
expedition staff.
- Free
use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Pre-scheduled
group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly
after disembarkation).
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- Comprehensive
pre-departure material.