You will head across open sea bound for the Falklands/Malvinas, some 300 miles east of Argentina and 994 miles from Antarctica. The islands, comprised of two large islands and 700 smaller ones, are home to about 3,060 people. During this journey enjoy a lecture series with a focus on the dramatic history and diverse wildlife of the Falkland Islands.

This unique sub-Antarctic environment is home to more than 70 animal and bird species. The Black-browed albatross, brown-rumped karakara, Elephant seal, Sea lion and five different species of penguin, including the King penguin. There are also about 347 wild plant species in the area. The landscape is majestic, with cliffs and needle-like stones covered in green grass. Visit New Island and West Point Island with their fascinating landscape and wildlife. Then continue to Stanley, the islands' capital. Here you can choose to take an optional excursion or explore the town on your own.

En route to beautiful South Georgia- ringed by ice-covered mountains and cool emerald green bays -- you will enjoy a fascinating lecture series. Discover how South Georgia's rich historical tapestry of exploration, whaling, and conflict lend a powerful backdrop to its rugged scenery and bustling wildlife.

Visit Grytviken whaling station, its museum, graveyard and whalers' church built in 1913. The next day, weather permitting, you will visit the old Norwegian whaling station at Strømsnes and Fortuna Bay. Then sail south and conclude your visit to South Georgia by sailing into the beautiful Drygalski Fjord with its majestic cliffs. Search for albatross, Cape petrel, Southern Giant petrel, Antarctic Whale bird, King penguin, Fur seal and Elephant seal. A most unique sighting would be that of reindeer, with just two herds remaining.

As you sail toward the South Orkney Islands in the Scotia Sea, learn more about the wonders of the "Deep South" with a lecture series on local history, environment, and wildlife.

The "White Continent," more than half the size of North America, is an endless wilderness. Weather, wind, and ice conditions will determine the program and schedule, but highlights of your voyage through Antarctica should include the following:

• Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera in the South Shetland Islands that's home to Whaler's Bay, an abandoned whaling station and former U.K. base.
• Cuverville Island, with the largest known colony of Gentoos in Antarctica.
• Neko Harbour, a favorite Minke whale feeding ground.
• Paradise Harbour, named for its beauty and home to Gentoos and Chinstraps as well as Argentine and Chilean bases.
• Lemaire Channel, considered one of the most beautiful passages in Antarctica-with Humpback and Killer whales, Elephant seals and all types of penguins are common sights.
• Petermann Island, favored by the southernmost Gentoo colony as well as Blue-eyed shags (Imperial cormorants) and Adelie penguins.
• Port Lockroy—where you can visit a museum run by the Antarctic Heritage Trust and mail postcards stamped and canceled with rare Antarctic stamps and frank.
• Wilhelmina Bay, scenic resting place of Norwegian whaling ship Guvernoren, which ran aground and burned here in 1915.
• The 30-mile-long Antarctic Sound—dubbed "Iceberg Alley," it's a startling assortment of floating ice, including mile-long tabular icebergs.
• Brown Bluff, a 2,450-foot-high cliff at the tip of the peninsula that draws Adelie and Gentoo penguins, Kelp gulls and Weddell seals.

After exploring this indescribably wonderful, endless continent, your Antarctica voyage ends as you head for Ushuaia, Argentina.

Bow pointed north, you cross the 500-mile-plus Drake Passage back to Ushuaia. During the 40 hours or so of sailing time, enjoy more lectures series recapping your experiences in Antarctica, the Falklands/Malvinas, South Georgia, and the South Orkneys.

Morning disembarkation at Ushuaia after breakfast. Transfer for your flight to Buenos Aires where you have the rest of the day at leisure.


Click here for a suggested reading list prior to your adventure.

Voyage price includes 1 night hotel pre and post cruise as well as a charter flight Ushuaia - Buenos Aires.

19-day Schackleton’s Antarctica: Nov 1, 2010

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