Compare Quest for the Antarctic Circle by G Adventures vs Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula by Oceanwide Expeditions

Day 1 Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the world's most southerly city.

There will be a welcome desk in the lobby of the start hotel that will provide more specific information on the G Expedition and your upcoming adventure. Please note that the first night in Ushuaia is on twin share basis. If you're travelling solo or have an odd number of travellers in your group and have not purchased a private cabin, you will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Day 2 Ushuaia/Drake Passage

Enjoy a free morning in Ushuaia. Do any last minute shopping, explore the town, or visit the surrounding countryside. Embarkation on the G Expedition begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Enjoy the evening sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Opt to visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park today before boarding the ship.

Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, the Expedition Leader will give an expedition overview outlining what the specific plans are for the trip.

Day 3 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.

The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Day 4 Drake Passage/South Shetland Islands

The adventure begins with an 1000 km (600 mi) crossing of the passage named in honour of 16th-century English sea captain and privateer, Sir Francis Drake. The ship is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean. Enjoy daily lectures from the expedition team and keep an eye out for icebergs, whales, and albatross following in the G Expedition's wake.

The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. As the Expedition crosses the passage there will be time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship’s crew and expedition staff. Begin lectures and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Day 5 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.

This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Day 6 South Shetland Islands/Antarctic Peninsula

Encounter some of the region's unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. Attempt two shore landings per day (weather permitting) and encounter gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals; and orca, humpback, and minke whales in the cold Antarctic waters.

This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days the Expedition will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions. The peninsula also has a remarkable human history; during the voyage, learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world.

Day 7 Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle

With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.

Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations

Day 8 Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic Circle

With a close eye on weather conditions, continue southward along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Passing colossal icebergs and countless colonies of penguins, push on with the goal in mind - crossing the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travelers have ventured this far south, but with our fully equipped ice-strengthened vessel and favourable sea conditions, the Expedition can access many remote locations other ships just can't reach.

Expedition travel can be full of surprises! While it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations

Day 9 Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.

Day 10 Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.

Day 11 Antarctic Circle/Drake Passage

Turn north for the first time to continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

Continue our exploration of the peninsula and the then into the South Shetland while moving North again. Keeping a close eye out for wildlife there might be opportunities to do some whale watching or even go for a polar plunge in the Southern waters.

Day 12 Drake Passage

Leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by the expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions and Whales!

Day 13 Drake Passage/Ushuaia

Begin your journey to your home port of Ushuaia. Review the highlights of your Antarctic experience with our lecturers and staff, and keep your eyes open on the observation deck for some last-minute whale sightings.

Day 14 Ushuaia

Disembark the G Expedition after breakfast.

Upon completion of disembarkation in Ushuaia, passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored. For those on morning flights, the transfer will bring them directly to Ushuaia airport (USH). The rest of the passengers will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. These passengers should then return to retrieve their luggage and board a transfer to Ushuaia airport at 12:30pm or 4:30pm, depending on their flight times. Please note that the transfer times are subject to change according to flight schedules.

Day 1: In the afternoon we embark our vessel m/v Ortelius in Puerto Madryn

In the afternoon, we embark in Puerto Madryn and sail towards the Falkland Islands. Golfo Nuevo is world renowned for their visiting Southern Right whales and we have a good chance to see them as we head towards Open Ocean.

Highlights

Southern Right Whale

Day 2 - 3: At sea, en-route to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

At Sea, the ship is followed by several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels.

Highlights

Shearwater

Storm Petrel

Day 4: Arrival at the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). we plan a landing on the rarely visited Steeple Jason Island

We spend this day in the Western parts of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). On Saunders Island, we can see the majestic Black-browed albatross and their sometimes-clumsy landings near their nesting site along with breeding Imperial shags and Rock hopper penguins. King penguins, Magellanic penguins, and Gentoo penguins are also present here. In the afternoon, if the weather conditions are good, we plan a landing on the rarely visited Steeple Jason Island on which the largest Black-browed albatross colony in the world is located (app. 113.000). A true expedition landing. As an alternative, we would take a walk along the Coast of Carcass Island. Here we may encounter breeding Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, but also numerous waders and passerine birds are present.

Highlights

Magellanic Penguin

Rockhopper Penguin

Black-browed Albatross

Day 5: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Here we can see quite a number of stranded clippers from a century ago

In Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, we can experience Falkland culture, which has some South American characteristics as well as Victorian charm. In Stanley and the surrounding area we can see quite an important number of stranded clippers from a century ago. All passengers are free to wander around on their own. We recommend a visit to the local church and museum (admission fees not included).

Highlights

Flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands history

Stanley

Day 6 - 7: At sea on our way to South Georgia we will cross the Antarctic Convergence

On our way to South Georgia we will cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature may drop significantly in the time span of only a few hours. Near the Convergence we will see a multitude of southern seabirds near the ship; several species of Albatrosses, Shearwaters, Petrels, Prions and Skuas.

Highlights

Shearwater

Prion

Day 8 - 11: South Georgia! We might visit the bay of Elsehul, with its very active fur seal breeding beach

In the afternoon of day 8 we arrive at our first landing site in South Georgia. We may visit the bay of Elsehul, with its very active fur seal breeding beach, and then set course to possible landings at Right Whale Bay, Salisbury Plain, Godthul, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay and Drygalski Fjord to give you a good opportunity to see a wide spectrum of landscapes and wildlife, like the Elephant seals, Fur seals, and King Penguins. One of the highlights might be our visit to Prion Island, where we will witness the breeding efforts of the huge Wandering Albatross and enjoy watching their almost fledging chicks test their wings.

Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour do not only house the three largest King penguin colonies in South Georgia but are also three of the largest breeding beaches for Southern Elephant seals in the world. Only at this time of the year they peak in their breeding cycle. Watch the incredible spectacle of large 4 ton bull’s keep a constant vigil and occasionally fight over territories of dozens of females who have just given birth or are just about to deliver. The beaches are packed with Elephant seals!

At Fortuna Bay, we might try to follow in the footsteps of the great British Explorer Ernest Shackleton and hike over to Stromness Bay. There and at Grytviken we’ll see an abandoned whaling village, where King Penguins now walk in the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. At Grytviken we’ll also offer a visit to the Whaling History Museum as well as to Shackleton´s grave nearby. We will depart from South Georgia in the afternoon of day 11.

Highlights

South Georgia, home to the Penguins and Albatrosses

South Georgia, home to the Penguins...

King Penguin

Prion Island

Day 12: At sea where we might have a chance to see some high-Antarctic species like the McCormick Skua and Snow Petrel

Where the ship is again followed by a multitude of seabirds. At some point we might encounter sea-ice, and it is at the ice-edge where we might have a chance to see some high-Antarctic species like the McCormick Skua and Snow Petrel.

Highlights

Bird Watching

Day 13: South Orkney Islands, where we plan a visit to Orcadas station

We are planning on a visit to Orcadas station, an Argentinean base located in the South Orkney Islands. The friendly base personnel will show us their facilities and we can enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding glaciers.

Highlights

Orcadas Station

South Orkney Islands Landscapes

Flora & Fauna South Orkney Islands

Day 14: At sea towards Antarctica

At sea towards Antarctica

Highlights

Bird Watching

Day 15 - 17: Antarctic Peninsula! We plan to visit Brown Bluff where we may set foot on the Continent

If the ice permits we will sail into the Weddell Sea through the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound. Huge tabular icebergs will announce our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. We plan to visit Brown Bluff where we may set foot on the Continent. In good sailing conditions we may decide to extend our time in the Weddell Sea.

We may visit Cierva Cove were we find ourselves in a world of icebergs well suited for an exploratory Zodiac cruise in search of fantastic photo opportunities. Crabeater seals and Leopard seals are often seen here and a small rookery of Chinstraps are found on a small island in the bay. The landscape is typical Antarctica with huge glaciated mountains all around. Mikkelson Harbour on the southern side of Trinity Island was discovered by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. Gentoo penguins nest on the island and Weddell seals often haul out on shore. We also find remains of the early 20th Century Whaling period and an Argentinean refuge hut.

In Deception Island our ship braves into the entrance of the crater through the spectacular Neptune’s Bellow into the ring of Deception Island. Deception itself is a sub-ducted crater, which opens into the sea, creating a natural harbour for the ship. Here we find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, thousands of Cape Petrels and many Kelp Gulls, Brown and South Polar Skuas and Antarctic Terns. Wilson’s Storm Petrels and Black-bellied Storm Petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. We leave from here and sail through the Shetland Islands attempting to land at Half Moon Island with a large Chinstrap penguin rookery and the usually non-occupied Argentinean Camara station. From here we head to the open sea with direction Ushuaia.

Highlights

Set foot on the Antarctic Continent

Neptune's Bellows

Brown Bluff

Day 18 - 19: At sea en-route to Ushuaia

On our way north we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.

Highlights

Bird Watching

Drake Passage

Day 20: The end of our voyage. We disembark m/v Ortelius in the morning in Ushuaia

We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast

Highlights

Ushuaia