Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Welcome to Buenos Aires, where you’ll have an overnight hotel stay. Perhaps plan to spend some time in the city, known as the ‘Paris of South America’. Resplendent with Belle Epoque buildings, sidewalk cafes and green spaces, there’s the fiery passion of Latin America – a collective love for football, flame-cooked meats (asado) and the tango.

Some of the highlights are La Boca, a colourful, creative mecca with an art walk, and San Telmo, a former aristocratic neighbourhood abandoned during a 19th-century epidemic. Mansions were turned into conventillos (shared housing), boutique hotels, antique shops, and tango clubs, exuding a captivating bohemian vibe.

From Buenos Aires your included transfer flights will take you to Ushuaia, the main island of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. 

Toast the start of your once-in-a-lifetime expedition as you depart South America and cruise through the calm and scenic Beagle Channel, named so for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his five-year discovery journey. Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains from the comfort of your private verandah or from the Observation Deck with its commanding view of the bow.

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Remote and sparsely populated, the Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover’s paradise. The world’s largest population of Gentoo penguins is found here, in addition to King, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins. Watch as they waddle along, interacting with each other.  

You can also find black-browed albatross, plus Cobb’s wren and Falkland’s flightless steamer duck, which are both endemic bird species. Make sure to ask for some wildlife insights from the expert Discovery Team – comprised of up to 20 polar experts this team of geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists is at the heart of your Antarctic Voyage.   

Discovery: Daily experiences during your expedition voyage may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, soar above in the helicopter^ and dive below in the submersible^.   

While in the Falkland Islands, you’ll visit capital Stanley (subject to weather and operational conditions). Since its colonisation in the 18th century, the ownership of the Falkland Islands has been clouded in controversy between France, Britain, Spain and Argentina. This town offers a unique British outpost feel. Visit local shops, see the Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, or share a pint at an English pub.

Tonight could be the night you meet your new friends at Sushi* @ Koko’s for dinner. Enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre and unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar.

Between the 3000-metre mountain range that forms the spine of South Georgia Island, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline.  

Today you’ll land at the deserted whaling village of Stromness (subject to weather and operational conditions) where after a gruelling 36-hour hike through the South Georgia Mountains, Sir Ernest Shackleton was helped by the Norwegian whaling station manager.    

Next, you’ll head to Fortuna Bay (subject to weather and operational conditions) which has panoramic views of jagged summit peaks and remarkable Konig Glacier.

Discovery: Today you may have the chance to explore this fascinating landscape on Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, self-pace hike and submersible^ excursions. Your expert Discovery Team will take you on enlightening excursions that put you close to South Georgia's stunning wildlife and nature.

Pay your respects to the renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton at his final resting place in the settlement of Grytviken. Here, you can also see the remnants of old whaling stations, with some ships left rusting around the bay. 

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To further discover South Georgia book a submersible^ experience. 

At South Georgia’s southern tip, Cooper Bay (subject to weather and operational conditions), watch for giant petrels and brown skuas as they soar above and playful fur seals in underwater kelp forests. Climb a short but steep hill to find a macaroni penguin colony hidden among tussock grasses. 

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). 

Slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors of your verandah suite to see icebergs sculpted by nature and glacial mountains rising thousands of metres from the ocean. True magic awaits as you witness the incredible wildlife spectacle: from the graceful seals to majestic whales and delightful colonies of penguins that dot the landscape. 

Antarctica is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with more than 40 different species. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, which has the largest wingspan of any flying bird, as well as shearwaters, giant petrels and more.

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience. 

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Brown Bluff (subject to weather and operational conditions), where towering canyon walls, dramatic boulders, and ice-capped volcanic wonders create a landscape like no other. Just across the Antarctic Sound lies Kinnes Cove (subject to weather and operational conditions), where the striking red hues of the Madder Cliffs paint a picture of untouched beauty. Keep your eyes peeled—you might just be lucky enough to encounter charming Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat. This is adventure redefined! 

Discovery: Enjoy daily Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto islands to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddleboard past icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding below. Soar above the horizon in the helicopter^ or dive below in the submersible^ for further discovery.

For a truly unique and exclusive experience, book a helicopter excursion^ to visit Snow Hill Island (additional cost, subject to weather and operational conditions). This is home to a significant colony of around 10,000 Emperor penguins, one of only two of its kind in the Peninsula. Departing by helicopter from your Discovery Yacht in the Weddell Sea, you’ll land on Snow Hill Island and walk 1.5 kilometres with your Discovery Team, including our ornithologist, to see the colony. The Emperor penguins are only present at this location at the start of the Antarctica season and there are only a couple of voyages with this experience each season. 

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience. 

Various species of penguins can be found in Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, including Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the very rare Emperor penguins. Guided by the expert Discovery Team, you’ll witness colonies up close; hear their calls and watch as they waddle along and interact with each other.   

Whales are another majestic creature you may encounter, whether a minke, a humpback or an Orca. Watch for them from the comfort of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, in a Zodiac with an expert polar Discovery Team member, or from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard – a breathtaking experience.   

Discovery: Explore by Zodiac, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with possible shore landings (weather and ice permitting). To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book a helicopter^ or a submersible^ experience.

The polar plunge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a rite of passage on an expedition to Antarctica. Once throughout your voyage, the marina will be set up for anyone who’d like to jump into the Antarctic waters. 

As you stand on the edge, ready to jump, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush. When you jump, an invigorating, exciting and surprisingly refreshing sensation will take over. 

If you choose to skip the polar plunge, make sure you find a good viewing location to watch the chilly jumpers emerge. Join them for a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of whiskey. 

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Your voyage ends this morning as you farewell the crew and fellow guests. Disembark after breakfast in Ushuaia, Argentina for your included transfer flight to Buenos Aires where your journey concludes, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience.   

Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 09:30 PM.

^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. Helicopter not available in South Georgia. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Locations listed within South Georgia, Falkland Islands and Antarctica are subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.