Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula

Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred with your fellowexpeditioners to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, we ask you to make your way to yourhotel. Check-in is from 3.00 pm. This afternoon, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby at LasHayas Ushuaia Resort, Luis Fernando Martial 1650, between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, to collect your luggage tags, andconfirm if you wish to join our Beagle Channel and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise (sea lion island) tomorrow. Our team willconfirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information on whereto dine or purchase last minute items.Expeditioners arriving after 7.00 pm will find a welcome pack waiting for them at check-in. We ask you to visit ourhospitality desk tomorrow between 8.00 am – 10.00 am.The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.Assigned accommodation: Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort or Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel

This morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearlylabelled with your name and cabin number. By 11.00 am take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or atcheck-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabinahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia.Those wishing to join our afternoon catamaran cruise, meet back at the hotel lobby at 12.15 pm ready to transfer tothe port at 12.30 pm. Here we board our catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic LesEclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago we’ll slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperialcormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses andcauquenes are often sighted. Our cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, inaddition to hearing tales of the people and communities of the region.Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby at 3.00 pm, or 3.30 pm from the meeting pointat the parking lot near the pier (details will be given by our ground staff at the hotel), to be transferred to the pier forembarkation.Once onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pullsaway from port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia andTierra del Fuego.This evening get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner tocelebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.

As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motionsof the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurityprocedures and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife andenvironment.Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majesticalbatrosses and giant petrels following our vessel. On sea days, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vesselincluding the gym, sauna and jacuzzis or relax in one of the observation lounges.Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, theexcitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for our first iceberg. Theocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by thesurreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with youfor a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motionsof the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurityprocedures and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife andenvironment.Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majesticalbatrosses and giant petrels following our vessel. On sea days, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vesselincluding the gym, sauna and jacuzzis or relax in one of the observation lounges.Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, theexcitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for our first iceberg. Theocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by thesurreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with youfor a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

En route to the Peninsula, if time and weather permits, we may attempt to follow the coastline of Elephant Island, ahalf-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetland Islands.It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deepbreath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, andwe have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience nearly 24 hours of daylightand the days can be as busy as you wish.Rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch forwhales, seals and porpoising penguins. Our trusty Zodiacs will also shuttle us ashore, where we may visit penguinrookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into the sea. Take a quiet moment to experience thewonder of this incredible white continent.

En route to the Peninsula, if time and weather permits, we may attempt to follow the coastline of Elephant Island, ahalf-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetland Islands.It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deepbreath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, andwe have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience nearly 24 hours of daylightand the days can be as busy as you wish.Rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch forwhales, seals and porpoising penguins. Our trusty Zodiacs will also shuttle us ashore, where we may visit penguinrookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into the sea. Take a quiet moment to experience thewonder of this incredible white continent.

En route to the Peninsula, if time and weather permits, we may attempt to follow the coastline of Elephant Island, ahalf-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetland Islands.It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deepbreath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, andwe have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience nearly 24 hours of daylightand the days can be as busy as you wish.Rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch forwhales, seals and porpoising penguins. Our trusty Zodiacs will also shuttle us ashore, where we may visit penguinrookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into the sea. Take a quiet moment to experience thewonder of this incredible white continent.

En route to the Peninsula, if time and weather permits, we may attempt to follow the coastline of Elephant Island, ahalf-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetland Islands.It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deepbreath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, andwe have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience nearly 24 hours of daylightand the days can be as busy as you wish.Rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch forwhales, seals and porpoising penguins. Our trusty Zodiacs will also shuttle us ashore, where we may visit penguinrookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines tovantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straitsseparating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into the sea. Take a quiet moment to experience thewonder of this incredible white continent.

Sea and weather conditions will determine our departure time from South Georgia today.

As you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 176 km (110 mi)long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft) snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations ofwildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches. On approach, jaggedmountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship.Remember to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises around craggy coves and along the rocky coastline in search ofnesting penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South Georgia’s kelp forests as well- these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’ssurface.Zodiacs will also shuttle you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on theplanet, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep yourdistance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnantsof South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyageof survival is synonymous with this island.

As you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 176 km (110 mi)long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft) snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations ofwildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches. On approach, jaggedmountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship.Remember to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises around craggy coves and along the rocky coastline in search ofnesting penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South Georgia’s kelp forests as well- these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’ssurface.Zodiacs will also shuttle you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on theplanet, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep yourdistance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnantsof South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyageof survival is synonymous with this island.

As you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 176 km (110 mi)long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft) snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations ofwildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches. On approach, jaggedmountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship.Remember to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises around craggy coves and along the rocky coastline in search ofnesting penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South Georgia’s kelp forests as well- these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’ssurface.Zodiacs will also shuttle you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on theplanet, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep yourdistance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnantsof South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyageof survival is synonymous with this island.

As you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 176 km (110 mi)long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft) snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations ofwildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches. On approach, jaggedmountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship.Remember to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises around craggy coves and along the rocky coastline in search ofnesting penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South Georgia’s kelp forests as well- these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’ssurface.Zodiacs will also shuttle you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on theplanet, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep yourdistance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnantsof South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyageof survival is synonymous with this island.

Sea and weather conditions will determine our departure time from South Georgia today.

The Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off thecoast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal-clearwater. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife,including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islandsmake this a prime location for spotting marine life.There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, each offering a unique perspective on thismagnificent archipelago. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will usetheir expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds,weather and wildlife opportunities.We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Even though we are north of the AntarcticConvergence it can be quite chilly here, so you will want to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves oralong sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins and penguins. Zodiacs will also shuttle you from the shipto land, where you may visit albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even have a traditional English ‘teaand scones’ at a local cottage.Conditions permitting, we plan to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands~Malvinas. This charming townhas a distinctly British character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box!Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic DockyardMuseum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of coursekeen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!

The Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off thecoast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal-clearwater. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife,including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islandsmake this a prime location for spotting marine life.There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, each offering a unique perspective on thismagnificent archipelago. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will usetheir expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds,weather and wildlife opportunities.We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Even though we are north of the AntarcticConvergence it can be quite chilly here, so you will want to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves oralong sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins and penguins. Zodiacs will also shuttle you from the shipto land, where you may visit albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even have a traditional English ‘teaand scones’ at a local cottage.Conditions permitting, we plan to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands~Malvinas. This charming townhas a distinctly British character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box!Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic DockyardMuseum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of coursekeen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!

The Falklands~Malvinas comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off thecoast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal-clearwater. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife,including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islandsmake this a prime location for spotting marine life.There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands~Malvinas, each offering a unique perspective on thismagnificent archipelago. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will usetheir expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds,weather and wildlife opportunities.We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Even though we are north of the AntarcticConvergence it can be quite chilly here, so you will want to layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves oralong sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins and penguins. Zodiacs will also shuttle you from the shipto land, where you may visit albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even have a traditional English ‘teaand scones’ at a local cottage.Conditions permitting, we plan to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands~Malvinas. This charming townhas a distinctly British character, with terraced town houses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box!Colourful buildings house cosy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic DockyardMuseum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of coursekeen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!

During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where wewill be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continueour onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.Upon disembarkation, for those continuing their travels in the region, transportation to the hotel will be arrangedexclusively for guests who have booked their accommodations through Aurora or for those staying in downtownareas near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights prior to 12:30 pm will be directly transferred to UshuaiaAirport, those with flights after 12:30 pm will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airporttransfer, and the transfer procedures and details will be communicated onboard before disembarkation.Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pmon the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.