Falklands and South Georgia: Magellan Explorer

Falklands and South Georgia

This special small ship expedition takes you to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Experience a great diversity of environments and landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing and a luxurious expedition experience. In the early season we have the opportunity to see intense wildlife activity. The Magellan Explorer provides a stylish base for your adventures, with spacious cabins and boutique hospitality

A rich wilderness experience
Remote island outposts of the Falklands with impressive birdlife
In-depth visit to South Georgia
Many penguin species in vast numbers
Encounter nesting albatross
Countless fur seals and elephant seals
Expert guides and a state-of-the-art luxury vessel with just 100 passengers

Stewart's Take

Unique opportunity for an early season, in-depth and luxurious South Georgia expedition

Overview

This special small ship expedition takes you to the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Experience a great diversity of environments and landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing and a luxurious expedition experience. In the early season we have the opportunity to see intense wildlife activity. The Magellan Explorer provides a stylish base for your adventures, with spacious cabins and boutique hospitality.

Day 1 / Port Stanley, embarkation Pick up at the airport in Port Stanley, town visit, and embarkation. Day 2 / Saunders Island, Carcass Island During a morning visit to Saunders Island we enjoy the long white-sand beach. A wilderness experience, the main attractions there 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 3 / New Island, Weddell Island We visit New Island, a classic West Falklands experience, with albatross & penguin colonies. Depending on local conditions, in the afternoon we could visit Weddell Island. Day 4 / Bleaker Island Morning landing at Bleaker Island. This is a natural reserve with a famous bird area featuring a large variety of birds. In the afternoon we head to South Georgia. Day 5-6 / At Sea As we sail toward South Georgia, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. 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. In the afternoon, we land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness to see king penguins. Here we learn more about Shackleton and his expedition. 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. This is a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals and hanging glaciers. There are also sooty albatross here. In the afternoon, we visit Cooper Bay to see macaroni penguins during a Zodiac cruise. Day 10 / St Andrews Bay, Ocean Harbour St Andrews Bay is the destination of our morning excursion. We see the largest king penguin colony, and elephant seal bulls. In the afternoon, we plan a Zodiac cruise and landing at Ocean Harbour. The highlights here are a shipwreck and remains of the whaling industry. 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 As we make our way back to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) our program of lectures and presentations continues. Day 15 / Port Stanley, disembarkation Upon arrival at Port Stanley we disembark and transfer to the airport for the ongoing flight.

Luxury expedition Vessel: Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications to start service in 2019. Magellan Explorer has capacity for 96 passengers in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower. The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition.
Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
All guided shore excursions.
Lectures and entertainment on board.
IAATO passenger fee.

Excluded

Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary corresponding to each voyage.
Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
Personal travel insurance.
Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
Gratuities.
Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

Payments Reservations require a non-refundable deposit of US$2500 per person at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. The $895 extra fee for kayaking is due in full at time of reservation. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card alternatively bank transfer. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment by bank transfer (balance payments may be made by credit card subject to a 2% surcharge). All prices shown are per person on a shared basis and based on USD. Payments may be made in other currencies on request and subject to exchange rate variations. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Since all payments are non- refundable, for cancellation received more than 120 days prior to departure = loss of deposit. After final payment there will be no refund whatsoever. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to protect you if you need to cancel. In the case of cancellation of the kayaking option 120 days or more prior to departure, we will refund 50% of the participation fee. After this time, there will be no refund. Insurance Emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for this expedition and must be obtained prior to departure. We strongly recommend that your insurance cover also has adequate trip cancellation insurance should you need to cancel your participation for any unforseen reasons. Sharing and Single Occupancy If you are travelling alone and wish to share, we can match you with someone of the same gender at the share rate. If a sole use cabin is desired, dedicated Single cabins are available - alternatively sole occupancy of a limited number of twin cabin costs 1.85 times the twin share rate. Children Children are admitted from the age of 12 years if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. There is no child discount available. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Antarctica21 and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.