Classic South Georgia 18-Day | MV Ushuaia

In the afternoon we will board the USHUAIA. A welcome drink and then an introduction to the crew and expedition staff will follow, and we will have time to get to know our new shipmates. The ship will then set sail towards the Western Falkland Islands (Malvinas), known for their rugged beauty and wealth of seabirds and waterfowls.

The open bridge policy on the USHUAIA allows us to join the officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for marine life, and enjoy the views of the open ocean. These waters are also home to an interesting group of seabirds, which often ride the currents created in the wake of the ship, such as albatrosses and petrels. Join the expedition staff and naturalists on deck whilst we are at sea as we search for seabirds and other local wildlife, such as orcas and dolphins. An interesting selection of lectures will help us to prepare for our first excursions to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

With favourable conditions, our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you on your first excursion where we hope to explore the following islands:

West Point Island
West Point Island lies off the most north-westerly point of mainland West Falkland (Malvinas). The attractive settlement sits on the edge of a small harbour on the eastern side of the Island, in the lee of Black Bog Hill and Michael's Mount. The valley between these two peaks rolls over the centre of the island to the dramatic Devil's Nose, one of the Island's main attractions. From here visitors are treated to splendid views of Cliff Mountain, the Island's highest point at 1,250 ft (381 m), and the highest cliffs in the Falklands (Malvinas). This is where we will encounter a vast colony of Southern Rockhopper Penguins and Black-browed Albatrosses, nesting together in close vicinity.

Carcass Island
Carcass Island lies to the north-west of the Falklands archipelago (Malvinas). A mature tussac plantation covers much of the lower ground below Jason Hill to the east. The availability of abundant cover and the absence of cats, rats and mice throughout the island have made for a spectacularly large population of small birds, which is one of Carcass Island's most delightful features. Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins do also nest here. Peale´s and Commerson's dolphins come frequently close to the shoreline to get a glimpse of the visitors as well. At the settlement with its beautiful gardens, we are invited to enjoy tea and cookies with the locals (optional activity at an additional cost).
Overnight we will sail around the northern islands of the archipelago in easterly direction to reach the capital, Stanley, in the following morning.

In the morning hours we will have time to explore the quaint little town of Stanley and its wonderful Museum, souvenir shops and pubs. The town was established in the early 1840's. Isolation and the weather conditions made life hard, but progress was gradual and punctuated by the extremely eventful times of involvement in two world wars.

For those who are more interested in the outstanding wildlife the Islands have to offer, you do not even have to leave town to enjoy it. Southern Giant Petrels often fly close to the shoreline. The endemic Falkland Steamer Ducks abound on the shorelines while Kelp Gulls can often be seen flying together with Dolphin Gulls. The less obvious but frequent visitors to Stanley area are Black-crowned Night Herons, Variable Hawksand Peregrine Falcons. Turkey Vultures are regularly seen on top of any prominent building. Many pairs of Upland Geese frequent the park, and it might be nice to take a stroll around the gardens of town to see some of the singing birds as well.

In the afternoon it is time to set sail, heading for South Georgia.

Located at the southeastern end of the Falkland Islands archipelago, Bleaker Island is one of the least-visited gems of the Falklands. Its rugged coastline and vast tussock-covered plains are home to rockhopper penguin and cormorant colonies nesting among the cliff rocks, while Magellanic penguins burrow into the soft ground in warrens scattered across the island. Settled and farmed since the late nineteenth century, the island is today maintained by its owners Nick and Paula Rendell, keeping alive a pastoral tradition in one of the most unspoiled landscapes of the South Atlantic.

An extensive lecture program will be offered during the days at sea. Expert naturalists share their knowledge of the wildlife and unique ecosystems we will encounter throughout our voyage. South Georgia is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and inspiring places on earth with more wildlife than virtually anywhere else on the planet.

South Georgia will come in sight! The island offers amazing scenery ranging from high mountains and mighty glaciers to deep fjords and low-lying grassland. If the weather is favourable, we would aim to visit one of the following sites in the late afternoon:

Elsehul
Situated at the northwestern extremity of South Georgia on the eastern side of the knife-edged summit ridges of Parydian Peninsula, Elsehul is a beautiful little harbour. It is the only visitor site on the island, where colonies of Black-browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses can be viewed from zodiacs within the protection of sheltered inshore waters.

Right Whale Bay
Right Whale Bay is a bay 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide, entered between Craigie Point and Nameless Point along the north coast of the island. The name dates back to at least 1922, when South Georgia was still a centre for commercial whaling. Today we hope to encounter a small colony of King Penguins, along with giant petrels, gulls and breeding fur seals on the black ashen beach.

Our exact itinerary will depend on local land and sea conditions, but the following destinations are among those that we would like to explore:

Salisbury Plain
Sometimes called the “Serengeti of the South”, Salisbury Plain is a wildlife site without parallel. Several large glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop for the more than 44,000 breeding pairs of king penguins and their chicks that nest in the tussac grass of this remarkable ecosystem. The wide beach makes for excellent walking as we visit the colony, where we are literally surrounded and delightfully outnumbered by throngs of curious, gentle penguins. Elephant seals also abound, as well as Southern Giant Petrels and the occasional wandering Gentoo Penguin. Prepare for an awe-inspiring experience.

The Willis Islands form a dramatic western outpost, rising 1,800 feet from the Southern Ocean. These rugged, tussock-covered peaks are a spectacular sanctuary for wildlife, home to colonies of albatrosses and thriving populations of macaroni penguins. This remote ecosystem offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of the world’s richest and most biodiverse seabird habitats.

Grytviken lies within King Edward Cove, a sheltered harbour tucked between Hope Point and Hobart Rock on the western shore of Cumberland East Bay. The rusting ruins of the Grytviken whaling station are situated on a level plain at the head of the cove, backed by steep hills and mountains. Now the site of the South Georgia Museum, the station remains a focal point of interest for many visitors, as does Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave in the nearby whaler's cemetery and his memorial cross on Hope Point. The scenery in this area is exceptionally beautiful even by South Georgia standards: the glaciers and snow-covered peaks of the Allardyce Range – Mt. Sugartop, Mt. Paget, Mt. Roots, Nordenskjöld Peak, Mt. Kling and Mt. Brooker – form a magnificent backdrop to the cove, and the views from King Edward Point in particular, must be among the finest on earth.

The return from subantarctic waters brings us back into the South Atlantic along the same historic route that has connected the Falkland Islands with the far Southern Ocean for centuries.

During our final day and a half of navigation toward the Beagle Channel, we will continue expanding our knowledge through engaging presentations by our Expedition Team while reflecting on and reliving the unforgettable experiences shared throughout these remarkable southern islands. We will also remain on the lookout for seabirds and other wildlife that may accompany us on our journey back.

As our voyage gradually draws to a close, we will begin preparing to bring this truly unique and unforgettable experience to a fitting conclusion. On our final evening aboard, we will enjoy a special farewell dinner in the presence of the Captain, following our traditional closing ceremony, where together with fellow expeditioners we will celebrate the memories, friendships, and shared experiences forged throughout this extraordinary adventure.

We arrive at the port of Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark the USHUAIA after breakfast.