The Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica itinerary is the fastest way to get to the rarely visited Falkland Islands and South Georgia before stepping foot on the 7th Continent. Stroll the quaint English village of Stanley in the Falklands, wander the islands’ sandy dunes, and birdwatch at rugged seabird cliffs. In South Georgia, discover the beaches where king penguins breed – one of the highest densities of animal life on earth – and learn about the rich historical legacy of the places you visit. Both islands are known as meccas for wildlife with epic displays of animals congregating by the thousands. Then, explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula and enter a world of ice, snow and natural wonders. Pursue your personal passions with a choice of rewarding activities and our extensive educational program.


Highlights


• Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Antarctica.

• The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac.

• Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.

Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet boasts many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.

As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. On board your team will be there both to ensure your comfort and safety as well as help make your wildlife dreams come true.

Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily excursions. Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit the cathedral and museum. In terms of wildlife, the archipelago is home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and possibly the elusive Cobb’s wren. Your expert education team will be sure to enrich your understanding of the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.

Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps nourish the abundance of krill that attracts whales, seals, and birdlife to this part of the world. Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent the area.

This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and seals. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts. One significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station. Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, its incredible densities of wildlife make it truly memorable. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures. One day you may see colonies with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next, you may visit another beach blanketed with hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will instill in you during your time here.

Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations, workshops, and social activities led by your Expedition Team. If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is beyond words, since few places are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin waddles by to inspect your footwear. Your Expedition Team will take care of you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins are found here, along with Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals. During Zodiac cruises, keep an eye out for Antarctic whales such as minkes, as you may get a chance for an intimate experience with these majestic animals. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy. As exciting as the Zodiac excursions and landings are, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an extra-special Antarctic experience by partaking in an optional paddling excursion (at an extra cost) or cast reason aside and jump into Antarctic waters for the Polar Plunge!

After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, completing your Antarctic adventure. Enjoy your final moments celebrating with your fellow shipmates. The busy, populated world awaits your return, so savor the silence of the sea as long as you can.

After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Owners Suite

$67,000 AUD pp
Deck 7 443 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Studio Single

$47,800 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 3 177 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

$41,600 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom

$43,900 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 4 203-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

$45,500 AUD pp
Deck 4 200-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Studio Veranda Stateroom

$39,300 AUD pp
Deck 6 173 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Grand Veranda Stateroom

$47,800 AUD pp
Deck 6 195-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Junior Suite

$63,200 AUD pp
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Royal Veranda Stateroom

$55,500 AUD pp
Deck 4 Deck 6 189-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Studio Veranda Single

$58,600 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 7 238 sq. ft. 1 One twin single

Explorer Suite

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Studio Double

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Studio Veranda Stateroom

$43,900 AUD pp
Deck 6 173 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

$46,200 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom

$48,600 AUD pp
Deck 4 203-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

$50,100 AUD pp
Deck 4 200-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Grand Veranda Stateroom

$52,400 AUD pp
Deck 6 195-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Royal Veranda Stateroom

$61,600 AUD pp
Deck 4 Deck 6 189-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Studio Veranda Single

$64,700 AUD pp
Limited Availability
Deck 7 238 sq. ft. 1 One twin single

Junior Suite

$69,300 AUD pp
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Explorer Suite

$71,700 AUD pp
Deck 7 269 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Owners Suite

$74,000 AUD pp
Deck 7 443 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Studio Single

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Studio Double

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Studio Double

$44,795 AUD pp
Deck 3 175-186 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Studio Veranda Stateroom

$47,295 AUD pp
Deck 6 173 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

$49,995 AUD pp
Deck 4 168-195 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths

Deluxe Veranda Middle Stateroom

$52,595 AUD pp
Deck 4 203-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus some with fold out sofa bed

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom

$54,195 AUD pp
Deck 4 200-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Grand Veranda Stateroom

$57,295 AUD pp
Deck 6 195-205 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Royal Veranda Stateroom

$58,895 AUD pp
Deck 4 Deck 6 189-272 sq. ft. 1-2 One double bed made up of two twin berths plus fold out sofa bed

Junior Suite

$65,695 AUD pp
Deck 6 296-299 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Explorer Suite

$68,295 AUD pp
Deck 7 269 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Owners Suite

$73,495 AUD pp
Deck 7 443 sq. ft. 1-2 Two rooms. One double bed made up of two twin berths fold out sofa bed

Studio Single

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Studio Veranda Single

Sold Out
 
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.

Vessel Type: Polar Expedition

Length: 342 ft (104.4 m)

Passenger Capacity: 138

Built: 2021

Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.  

Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.  

Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines. 

Two Story Library

Light-filled interior library—at the bow of the ship— allows guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes from their choice of two levels.

Leading Edge Sustainability

With the latest sustainability technology in polar expedition, the ship features fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.

ULSTEIN X-Bow

In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters.

High Observation Outdoor Decks

Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.

Quiet and Comfortable

Spacious and luxurious cabins ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabins—and almost all cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing.

Stunning Interior Design

Each interior element was carefully hand-picked by designers for you to enjoy, from the dramatic two-story forward lounge, the floor-to-ceiling glass refuge in the library, to the grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout the ship.

Main Dining Room

Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art. Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness.

Private Dining Room

Tasteful and intimate. This stylish, private dining room on deck 5 provides a relaxed dining experience—with views of the polar landscape—for up to 36 guests.

The Latitude Bar

A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends.

Library

Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people

Dry Sauna

After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7.

Fitness Center

Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7.

Jacuzzis

Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views.

Observation Lounge

This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.

Cabin layout for Ocean Explorer

Optional Tours & Excursions Available. Please Contact Us for More Details.

Sea Kayaking

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Paddling Excursion

Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the surface of the water.

Special Offers

Up to 30% OFF! Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and Conditions apply, special offer is subject to availability, please contact us for more details.

Inclusions


• Voyage in selected cabin category
• Rubber boots for use throughout the voyage
• Expedition Parka to keep
• Experience Expedition leader and team
• All shore landings and zodiac cruises as specified in the itinerary
• All meals while on board the ship
• Soft Drinks, Juice, Tea and Coffee while on board the ship
• Beer and Wine with dinner
• Lectures and presentations on board held by Expedition team and guest speakers as scheduled
• Photographic journal of the expedtion
• Luggage handling on board the ship
• Emergency Evacuation insurance up to a maximum of USD$500,000.00 per person
• All port charges/taxes

Exclusions


• International and Domestic airfares unless specified
• Passport and Visa costs if applicable
• Meals ashore unless specified
• Travel insurance including cancellation insurance
• Mandatory waterproof pants - required for zodiac cruises and landings
• Any items of a personal nature including medical costs incurred on board
• Phone and Internet charges incurred on board
• Gratuities
• Transfers other than those specified in inclusions
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless stated in the itinerary
• Optional excursions (Eg kayaking where available)
Ocean Explorer
Antarctica & South Georgia ExpeditionExpedition
20 Days from
$39,300 AUD pp

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

Get Our Latest Brochure

Featuring the latest small ship cruises to a number of destinations, our Small Ship Cruising brochure is carefully curated to include small ship cruises from expeditions to luxury cruises to the world's most fascinating destinations including Alaska, Croatia, the Galapagos and the Antarctic and Arctic.

Our Associates Include

Adventure Canada
Heritage Expeditions New Zealand
UnCruise Adventures
Hurtugruten
Ponant
Pandaw