Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula - M/V Ushuaia

You will board the MV Ushuaia in the afternoon. After settling into your cabins, you will be introduced to the crew and expedition staff with a welcome drink on board. There will be plenty of time to get to know your fellow shipmates, as we set sail towards the western Falkland Islands known for their rugged beauty and wealth of seabirds and waterfowl.

The open bridge policy on board allows you to join the officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for marine life and enjoy the views of the open ocean. These waters are also home to an interesting group of seabirds, which often ride the currents created in the wake of the ship, such as albatrosses and petrels. Join the expedition staff and naturalists on deck whilst we are at sea, as we search for seabirds and other local wildlife, such as orcas and dolphins. An interesting selection of lectures will help us to prepare for our first excursions in the Falkland Islands.

With favorable conditions, the ship's lecturers and naturalists will accompany you on your first excursion.

On the western coast you might visit the following islands:

West Point Island

West Point Island lies off the most north-westerly point of mainland West Falkland (Malvinas). The attractive settlement sits on the edge of a small harbor on the eastern side of the Island, in the lee of Black Bog Hill and Michael's Mount. The valley between these two peaks rolls over the center of the island to the dramatic Devil's Nose, one of the Island's main attractions. From here visitors are treated to splendid views of Cliff Mountain, the Island's highest point at 1,250 ft (381 m), and the highest cliffs in the Falklands (Malvinas). This is where we will encounter a vast colony of Rockhopper Penguins and Black-browed Albatrosses, nesting together in close vicinity.

Carcass Island

Carcass Island lies to the north-west of the Falklands archipelago (Malvinas). A mature tussac plantation covers much of the lower ground below Jason Hill to the east. The availability of abundant cover and the absence of cats, rats and mice throughout the island have made for a spectacularly large population of small birds, which is one of Carcass Island's most delightful features. Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins do also nest here. Peale's and Commerson's dolphins come frequently close to the shoreline to get a glimpse of the visitors as well. At the settlement with its beautiful gardens, we are invited to enjoy tea and cookies with the locals.

Overnight, the ship will sail around the northern islands of the archipelago in an easterly direction to reach the capital, Stanley, the following morning.

In the morning hours we will have time to explore the quaint little town of Stanley and its wonderful museum, souvenir shops and pubs. For those who are more interested in the outstanding wildlife, you do not even have to leave town to enjoy it - Southern Giant Petrels often fly close to the shoreline. The endemic Falkland Steamer Ducks abound on the shorelines while Kelp Gulls can often be seen flying together with Dolphin Gulls. The less obvious but frequent visitors to Stanley area are Black-crowned Night Herons, Red-backed Hawks and Peregrine Falcons. In the early afternoon, we set sail for South Georgia.

An extensive lecture program will be offered during the days at sea.

Expert naturalists share their knowledge of the wildlife and unique ecosystems we will encounter throughout our voyage. South Georgia is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and inspiring places on earth, with more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet.

After more time at sea, at last, South Georgia comes into sight ! Though extremely isolated, it has amazing scenery ranging from high mountains and mighty glaciers; to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. If the weather is favorable, we would aim to visit one of the following sites in the late afternoon:

Elsehul

Situated at the northwestern extremity of South Georgia on the eastern side of the knife-edged summit ridges of Parydian Peninsula, Elsehul is a beautiful little harbor. It is the only visitor site on the island, where colonies of Black-browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses can be viewed from zodiacs within the protection of sheltered inshore waters.

Right Whale Bay

Right Whale Bay is a bay 1.5 miles wide, entered between Craigie Point and Nameless Point along the north coast of South Georgia. The name dates back to at least 1922, when South Georgia was still a center for commercial whaling. Today we hope to encounter a small colony of King Penguins, along with Giant Petrels, gulls and breeding fur seals on the black ashen beach.

Our exact itinerary will depend on local land and sea conditions but the following destinations are among those that we would like to explore:- Salisbury Plain, Prion Island, Grytviken, Godthul, St Andrews Bay, Cooper Bay and Drygalski Fjord.

You will have five full days to enjoy the delights of this isolated island, rich in history and with an abundance of wildlife.

Salisbury Plain is a wildlife site without parallel. Several large glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop for the tens of thousands of King Penguins that nest in the tussac grass of this remarkable ecosystem. The wide beach makes for excellent walking as we visit the colony, where we are literally surrounded and delightfully outnumbered by throngs of curious, gentle penguins. Elephant and fur seals also abound, as well as Southern Giant Petrels and the occasional wandering Gentoo Penguin.

During your time in South Georgia, we hope to spend time in all of the following sites, if weather conditions allow :-

The Willis Islands form a dramatic western outpost, rising 1,800 feet from the Southern Ocean. These rugged, tussock-covered peaks are a spectacular sanctuary for wildlife, home to colonies of albatrosses and thriving populations of macaroni penguins. This remote ecosystem offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world's richest and most biodiverse seabird habitats.

Grytviken lies within King Edward Cove, a sheltered harbour tucked between Hope Point and Hobart Rock on the western shore of Cumberland East Bay. The rusting ruins of the Grytviken whaling station are situated on a level plain at the head of the cove, backed by steep hills and mountains. Now the site of the South Georgia Museum, the station remains a focal point of interest for many visitors, as does Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave in the nearby whaler's cemetery and his memorial cross on Hope Point. The scenery in this area is exceptionally beautiful even by South Georgia standards: the glaciers and snow-covered peaks of the Allardyce Range - Mt. Sugartop, Mt. Paget, Mt. Roots, Nordenskjöld Peak, Mt. Kling and Mt. Brooker - form a magnificent backdrop to the cove, and the views from King Edward Point in particular, must be among the finest on earth.

Godthul, situated 5.58 miles (9 km) east of Cumberland East Bay on the eastern shores of Barff Peninsula, Godthul is a 1.86 miles (3 km) long inlet that lies between Cape George and Long Point. Gentoo Penguins are abundant on the tussac plateau and Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses echo off the natural cliff amphitheatre that encircles the harbour. A floating factory ship serviced by two whale catchers was stationed here each

summer between 1908 and 1929. A small shore depot supporting the whaling operations was established close by the stream in the southeast corner of the harbour, and the rusting barrels, wooden shed and boats are fascinating relics of the whaling era, as is the impressive collection of whale and elephant seal bones scattered along the beach.

St Andrews Bay - the surf beaten coastline at St. Andrews Bay runs north-south in a 1.86 mile (3 km) long uninterrupted sweep of fine dark sand, covered in penguins and seals and bounded in the interior by the Cook, Buxton and Heaney Glaciers. The bay hosts the biggest colony of King Penguins on South Georgia. Now in springtime, the beach is also carpeted with elephant seals. Such a large assemblage of wildlife attracts

an entourage of persistent and voracious scavengers. Sheathbills dart in and around the penguin colony. Pintado Petrels nest in a small number on the cliffs north of St. Andrews Bay. Leopard seals patrol the rocks at this end of the beach too, hunting for penguins along the edge of kelp beds. A few White-chinned Petrels and Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses nest on the tussac slopes. Brown Skuas and Antarctic Terns breed on the outwash plain and scree slopes at the north end of the beach, defending their nest sites with their characteristic noise and vigour.

Cooper Bay is found at the southeast extremity of South Georgia. There is a wealth of wildlife at this site, in a spectacular setting. Fascinating volcanic rocks tower over small fjords, giving a stunning invitation for a thrilling zodiac cruise to observe wildlife from the waterfront. Watch out for Chinstrap and Macaroni Penguins.

Drygalski Fjord is also located in the far southeast of the island. The glaciers found in this dramatic fjord have retreated significantly in recent decades, but they remain one of the most striking features of this coastline, particularly the Risting and Jenkins Glaciers. With a little luck, we might see the glaciers calve and witness the birth of a new iceberg from on board the ship.

We spend the next two days crossing the Scotia Sea towards the Antarctic Peninsula, offering opportunities to be out on deck, catch up on some reading, or simply reflect on the magical experiences of the last few days on South Georgia.

Further lectures and other activities will be offered throughout these days at sea and our expedition team will prepare you for our experience in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

We hope to have a chance to visit the enigmatic Elephant Island. Those who are aware of Sir Ernest Shackleton's story, will need no introduction to this historic windswept island. In 1916 Shackleton was forced to leave 22 of his men stranded on these shores, while he and five others embarked on an unbelievable last-ditch rescue attempt. What followed, is one of the greatest rescue stories of all time. Every passenger will return with a greater knowledge of this gripping tale of adventure, in a truly remarkable part of the world.

Our expedition team will prepare you for our experience in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Later today, we hope to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula in the area of the scenic Antarctic Sound. Here we will try to land at one of the following landing sites:

Argentine Antarctic Station Esperanza

We will try to sail the passage to the east side of the Antarctic Peninsula, which traverses the Antarctic Sound and runs northwest-to-southeast. Hope Bay and the Argentine Station Esperanza are located on the western side of the Sound.

Brown Bluff

Brown Bluff, a promontory on the Tabarin Peninsula, is located south of Hope Bay. Both of them might be possible landing sites. The Weddell Sea represents the center of the Peninsula's Adélie Penguin population.

Our expedition team will prepare you for our experience in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

We hope to visit some of the following sites :-

Gerlache Strait

This region of broad straits, mountainous islands, protected bays, and narrow channels offer moments of solitude. A profusion of tall peaks humans have never climbed and vast glaciers flowing inexorably seaward are the physical features here.

Hydrurga Rocks

We might visit Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islets, which lie east of Two Hummock Island in the Palmer Archipelago, at the northern entrance of the Gerlache Strait. Chinstrap Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags and Kelp Gulls are confirmed breeders here.

Cuverville Island

We may also go to Cuverville Island, which lies in the scenic Errera Channel, in the center of the Gerlache Strait. A well-defined raised beach forms a nesting site for many Gentoo Penguins here. On our way north we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands.

Deception Island

We plan to sail through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island - the largest of three recent volcanic centers in the South Shetlands- which is truly amazing. Once inside, the rising slope of the black, cinder-covered volcanic rim can be walked uphill to a rather spectacular vantage point.

Half Moon Island

This crescent-shaped island, in the entrance of Moon Bay between Greenwich and Livingston Islands, is home to Chinstrap Penguins in breathtaking surroundings.

There will be plenty of time to enjoy the delights of the peninsula, no two itineraries are the same and your final landing sites will be decided by the weather and ice conditions but your expert crew will ensure that every opportunity is maximised.

We will attempt to land at as many sites as possible. We might visit Hydrurga Rocks, a small group of islets, which lie east of Two Hummock Island in the Palmer Archipelago, at the northern entrance of the Gerlache Strait. Chinstrap Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags and Kelp Gulls are confirmed breeders here. The Gerlache Straight is a region of broad straits, mountainous islands, protected bays, and narrow channels. Here you will find an abundance of tall peaks, un-climbed by humans, with vast glaciers flowing towards the sea. Weather and ice conditions will determine our final itinerary and all trips vary depending on the ice, which means that all voyages are unique and no two are the same.

DAY 20 : We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our our naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales.

DAY 21 : We will also enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on your fascinating adventure

DAY 22 : We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast for onward travel.