Luxury Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Nestled on Navarino Island and caressed by the southern waters of the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams holds the distinction of being Chile's gateway to the Antarctic. With a cosy population of around 2,500, it jests at its claim as the "world's southernmost city," a title also pursued by its larger neighbour, Ushuaia in Argentina, across the channel. The natural beauty surrounding Puerto Williams is nothing short of breathtaking. Mountains, untamed and often capped with snow, tower above the landscape, with the majestic "Dientes de Navarino" mountain range providing a stunning backdrop that competes with the renowned Torres del Paine to the north.

This area, once roamed by the Yaghan hunter-gatherers who braved the severe climate, is now a testament to resilience and change. Established in 1953 as a naval base, the city pays homage to the Anglo-Chilean maritime hero John Williams Wilson. It has evolved from its original role in safeguarding territorial claims and supporting Antarctic expeditions to a serene launchpad for scientific exploration and adventure tourism. Unlike the bustling streets of Ushuaia, Puerto Williams offers visitors a serene retreat. Its quaint atmosphere, with simple buildings and the comforting scent of wood smoke in the air, presents a tranquil haven at the world's edge, inviting those seeking peace amidst the grandeur of the far south.

Departure: 21:00

Sailing days offer the perfect chance to slow down, decompress, and indulge in activities you've longed to enjoy. Whether it's hitting the gym, pampering yourself at the spa, observing whales in their natural habitat, diving into your favourite book, or just basking in the sun to get that perfect tan, these tranquil days at sea provide a harmonious counterpoint to the adventure-filled excursions ashore.

06:00 - 11:00

Tucked away to the west of the Falkland Islands, New Island is a testament to nature's resilience; its scant human inhabitants are vastly outnumbered by a remarkable array of bird species that call its rugged shores home. Amid the untamed expanse of the South Atlantic Ocean, this island emerges as a haven for wildlife, teeming with vibrant communities of rockhopper penguins, furrowed seals, and imposing albatrosses. The Falkland penguins are a marvel, with their comical antics on the sand before gracefully slicing through the sea. The island hosts five distinct penguin species, including the regal king penguins, whose striking orange plumage stands out against their snowy breast feathers.

The coastlines echo with the sounds of sea lions, seals, and elephant seals, their calls mixing with the cries of sleek orcas and agile Peale's dolphins navigating the waves. The cliffs of Settlement Rookery resonate with the ocean's life force, amplified by the cacophony of black-browed albatross, king cormorants, and rockhopper penguins. The landscape offers breathtaking views, dotted with the remnants of shipwrecks and bursts of wildflowers. Visitors are embraced with the hearty tradition of smoko, a local feast of cakes, biscuits, tea, and coffee, ensuring a warm reception.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

This secluded, unspoiled haven is overrun with diverse bird species, vastly outnumbering the sparse human and sheep inhabitants that wander its grassy expanses. Encounter the spirited rockhopper penguins navigating the rocky coastline, and observe the grand imperial cormorants in abundance. Magellanic penguins are also common, adding to the island's charm.

Traverse West Point Island's serene, untouched landscapes, looking for unique flora such as the vibrant Felton's flower, adorning the island's interior with natural splendour. The terrain here is marked by some of the Falklands' most breathtaking vistas, including windswept cliffs and imposing coastal escarpments. Notably, Cliff Mountain presents an awe-inspiring sight as the archipelago's highest cliff dramatically descends into the churn of the sea below.

Venture to the water's edge, where you may catch sight of playful Commerson's dolphins frolicking in the surf while whales traverse the nearby waters. Fur seals, too, find solace on the island's welcoming beaches, contributing to the rich tapestry of life that makes West Point Island a microcosm of natural wonder in the remote reaches of the Falklands.

2 Included Shore Excursions

• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

Tucked away in the northwestern corner of the picturesque Falkland Islands, West Point Island greets its visitors with the harmonious welcome of a vast colony of black-browed albatross. Initially dubbed Albatross Island due to its feathered celebrities, the island's name was later changed to mirror its position. The albatross, known for their striking white plumage contrasting against the stark cliff faces, maybe the island's hallmark, but they're just the beginning of the wildlife. While embodying quintessential British charm, Stanley closely resembles Patagonia's rugged beauty more than any English cityscape. Amid the Falkland Islands' windswept and expansive terrains, it might be a pleasant surprise to stumble upon a quaint pub pouring traditional ales and serving classic fish'n'chips. Iconic sights like the Christ Church Cathedral, crowned by its distinctive whalebone arch, are undeniably rooted in the local soil. Yet, you'll find an eclectic mix of garden gnomes and Union Jacks scattered around, subtly nodding to the British essence of this territory. The debate over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands has been contentious since their colonization in the 18th century, with claims made by France, Britain, Spain, and Argentina at different times. The brief yet intense Falklands War in 1982 underscored Britain's resolve to maintain its presence, cementing the islands' status within the British Commonwealth. Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Minister who orchestrated the war's strategy, is still revered, as evidenced by places like Thatcher Drive. For those keen on uncovering the islands' layered history, the Historic Docklands Museum offers a treasure trove of insights into their complex past. Yet, it's the penguin population that captures the heart of Stanley, with five species, including the elusive rockhopper, choosing to mate and nest here. The lack of barriers between visitors and the thriving wildlife ensures an immersive, genuine, and truly memorable encounter with nature.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Exploring the Highlights of Stanley
• Battlefields – A Mountain Perspective
• Mount William Hike

Sailing days offer the perfect chance to slow down, decompress, and indulge in activities you've longed to enjoy. Whether it's hitting the gym, pampering yourself at the spa, observing whales in their natural habitat, diving into your favourite book, or just basking in the sun to get that perfect tan, these tranquil days at sea provide a harmonious counterpoint to the adventure-filled excursions ashore.

Sailing days offer the perfect chance to slow down, decompress, and indulge in activities you've longed to enjoy. Whether it's hitting the gym, pampering yourself at the spa, observing whales in their natural habitat, diving into your favourite book, or just basking in the sun to get that perfect tan, these tranquil days at sea provide a harmonious counterpoint to the adventure-filled excursions ashore.

Arrival 10:00

South Georgia is a breathtaking spectacle of nature, where dark mountains blanketed in snow, immense glaciers, and abundant wildlife create a stunning wilderness. This remote destination offers an adventure where nature reigns supreme, and human presence is minimal. The island resonates with the symphony of bird calls, the dramatic encounters of elephant seals, and the vibrant gatherings of king penguins that extend as far as the eye can wander.

1 Included Shore Excursion

• Expedition activities with the Expedition Team

As a British Overseas Territory, South Georgia's past is steeped in the history of a once bustling whaling hub. The remnants of old whaling stations still dot the landscape, silent witnesses to a bygone era. Today, the marine giants roam the frigid waters freely, unencumbered by past threats.

South Georgia is etched in the annals of exploration history, notably through Ernest Shackleton's extraordinary saga of Antarctic adventure, shipwreck, and survival. Shackleton's journey to these shores in 1916 marked a pivotal moment of rescue before he heroically saved his stranded crew from Elephant Island. The island pays homage to this legendary expedition with a museum and a memorial standing over Shackleton's grave, commemorating his enduring spirit.

1 Included Shore Excursion

• Expedition activities with the Expedition Team

The island's king penguin colonies, adorned with splashes of yellow and orange, offer a spectacle of life and curiosity, thriving in this secluded sanctuary. They share the landscape with smaller penguin species like the Macaroni penguins and the majestic wandering albatrosses, which soar gracefully above the tumultuous seas, adding to the island's mesmerizing natural allure.

1 Included Shore Excursion

• Expedition activities with the Expedition Team

Sailing days offer the perfect chance to slow down, decompress, and indulge in activities you've longed to enjoy. Whether it's hitting the gym, pampering yourself at the spa, observing whales in their natural habitat, diving into your favourite book, or just basking in the sun to get that perfect tan, these tranquil days at sea provide a harmonious counterpoint to the adventure-filled excursions ashore.

Sailing days offer the perfect chance to slow down, decompress, and indulge in activities you've longed to enjoy. Whether it's hitting the gym, pampering yourself at the spa, observing whales in their natural habitat, diving into your favourite book, or just basking in the sun to get that perfect tan, these tranquil days at sea provide a harmonious counterpoint to the adventure-filled excursions ashore.

Elephant Island is a beacon of adventure, encapsulating the essence of Antarctic exploration with its breathtaking landscapes and storied past. This stark, icy domain has etched its name into the annals of exploration lore, celebrated for the indomitable spirit of its early visitors. The island's name is attributed to the sightings of elephant seals by its first explorers lounging on its rugged terrains. Yet, it wasn't until Ernest Shackleton and his crew sought refuge here in 1916, amid a dire battle with the elements, that Elephant Island fully entered the saga of human endurance and triumph.

Shackleton's ordeal, marooned on this desolate outpost, has become a touchstone of resilience and courage. It showcases the extreme challenges faced by those daring to navigate the Antarctic's merciless beauty. The saga of survival that unfolded on Elephant Island is a narrative of raw human fortitude and hope against the odds.

Visitors today are drawn not just by the island's stark beauty but by the legacy of Shackleton and his crew. The Endurance Glacier, a striking feature you'll encounter, is named in honour of their stranded ship, symbolising perseverance and survival. At Point Wild, where Shackleton and his men braved the harsh Antarctic winter, stands a monument commemorating their remarkable journey of survival. It's a place often animated by the presence of gentoo penguins, adding a lively contrast to the historical solemnity.

2 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

Embarking to Antarctica is akin to stepping into a pristine wilderness that captures the essence of exploration at its most exhilarating. This journey to the earth's southern extremity offers a rare glimpse into a world of stark, mesmerizing landscapes that few ever witness. Your voyage will likely introduce you to the Antarctic Sound at the peninsula's northern reach, a gateway stretching towards the fabled 'End of the World,' Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of South America. Named after the pioneering vessel that navigated this channel in 1902, the Sound presents a dramatic sensory experience with its colossal icebergs, calved from the dwindling Larsen Ice Shelf. 

Here, amidst the ice, you'll encounter the astonishing wildlife of Antarctica. Imagine the thrill of observing Gentoo penguin colonies as they navigate their icy realm and the graceful flight of cape petrels above. This frozen paradise, teeming with life, offers a vivid tableau of survival and beauty. As you embark on this unparalleled adventure, consider honing your photography skills to capture Antarctica's raw, untamed splendour in all its glory.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

The Antarctic Peninsula stretches its icy fingers northward, beckoning the bold and the curious to venture into its wild embrace. This vast extension of ice and snow from the heart of Antarctica reaches tantalisingly close to South America, a mere 620 miles from Tierra del Fuego, serving as a breathtaking introduction to the continent's untouched landscapes and majestic ice formations. A realm that remained unseen by human eyes until the early 19th century, setting foot on this peninsula is like stepping into a world of pure wonder and untouched beauty, where the thrill of the unknown awaits at every turn.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

Dotted with scientific outposts, the Antarctic Peninsula stands on the front lines of exploration and research. It offers a unique glimpse into the efforts to understand this extraordinary ecosystem, its thriving wildlife, and the broader environmental changes impacting our planet. Here, you're invited to marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of cathedral-sized icebergs and the serene beauty of glaciers inching their way into the sea from places like Hope Bay.

The landscape is a dramatic mix of stark white peaks and wildlife's lively hustle and bustle, including thousands of Adelie penguins forming pairs and communities in this singular environment. Embarking on an adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula is an unforgettable journey into the heart of our planet's final frontier, where the spirit of discovery and the beauty of nature collide spectacularly.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

The Antarctic Peninsula, cloaked in ice, offers one of the most reachable points of the Antarctic mainland, just 480 miles from South America across the mythical Drake Passage. Near its northwestern tip, separated by the Bransfield Strait, are the South Shetland Islands, governed by the principles of the Antarctic Treaty, which puts a hold on territorial claims. These islands are a hub of international research, with several nations operating bases amidst the natural inhabitants: hefty elephant seals and bustling colonies of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie Penguins, making for a surprisingly lively environment.

King George Island is the most extensive and welcoming, housing the bulk of these research outposts, some of which are staffed by small, resilient teams throughout the year. Yet, despite the semblance of human activity, the islands are gateways to unparalleled adventure in one of the planet's most secluded spots. The imposing triple peaks of Mount Foster dominate the skyline, and the experience of sailing into Deception Island's awe-inspiring volcanic caldera is sure to quicken your pulse. Here, adventurers can trek across moon-like terrains and soak in the unexpectedly warm waters of Pendulum Cove, heated by geothermal activity.

Navigating through the fabled Drake Passage offers an adventure that few can undertake. Departing from the wild frontiers at the southern extremity of the Americas, there's an indescribable feeling as you watch the towering cliffs, known as the 'End of the World,' vanish behind you. This journey from Cape Horn into the icy embrace of Antarctica is both awe-inspiring and surreal, an actual departure from the familiar world into a realm of icy mysteries.

Crossing the Drake Passage can seem intimidating, but it's a journey filled with companionship—from the majestic albatross gliding overhead to the potential escort of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins. The convergence of warm and cold ocean currents creates a rich marine habitat, drawing an array of spectacular wildlife to accompany you on this unforgettable voyage into Antarctica's heart.

Arrival 22:00  

During the evening we sail back into Puerto Williams marking the end of an epic adventure.

In the morning we check out from the ship and embark on a charter flight to Santiago.