This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.

This Antarctic Peninsula is known as the “Classic Antarctic” route. Meet the great stars of the Antarctic, the penguins, found in the thousands in a variety of curious species. Investigate one of the most pristine regions left on Earth with the chance to have live encounters with spouting whales.

The 'Classic Antarctic' route. This cruise delivers you to wondrous landscapes found in one of the harshest environments on Earth… and yet teeming with an amazing variety of wildlife found in the air, swimming under the clean clear waters, and across the land.

South Georgia has rightly been called ‘the greatest wildlife show on earth’ and after our in depth exploration of this remote island in the South Atlantic, we are certain you will agree. This seldom-visited corner of the planet is a place we know intimately and look forward to visiting every season. Even our experienced expedition staff, some with more than 100 journeys into the polar regions, cherish every visit to South Georgia.

Traditionally, our visits to South Georgia last only three or four days and are part of a much longer itinerary that includes Antarctica. However, after many years of careful preparation and planning, we now offer the unique opportunity to spend eight full days of exploration. This is more than double the time traditionally spent exploring South Georgia.

This particular departure is timed to coincide with the arrival of spring, a time of intense wildlife activity. November is a critical time in the wildlife migration and breeding cycle for many species. Scenes of male elephant seals battling for control of the beaches (and the female harems), the intimate and beautiful courtship rituals of the albatross and antics of the young penguin chicks, will have you believing you are 'on the set' of your very own wildlife documentary. For lovers of remote, small-ship expedition cruising, this voyage ticks all the boxes.

This voyage encompasses two additional days of exploration in Antarctica without adding to the total length of the voyage. We achieve this by flying back from King George Island (Antarctica) to South America at the end of the voyage, saving two days on the return sea crossing. Those two days 'saved' are spent exploring in Antarctica. This equals more time on shore, more time in the Zodiacs and more time spent in the company of our expert guides.

In early December, Antarctica’s snow and ice will be in pristine condition, the penguin rookeries are busy with parents guarding precious eggs and in some locations, we witness nature at it’s very best – observing young penguin chicks emerging into the icy Antarctic world for the first time. Towering snow-covered mountains surround us and the sea ice is starting to break up, opening even more potential landing locations.

Our full range of activities will be offered on this voyage – walks on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, zodiac cruising amongst icebergs, visits to historic sites and possibly even a working science station. For the more adventurous, sea kayaking is a wonderful way to discover Antarctica – and if weather conditions permit – why not spend the night, camping on shore? This trip provides the best opportunity to maximize your time down ‘on the ice!’