National Geographic South Georgia & The Falklands

Arrive in Uruguay’s vibrant capital city and discover its elegant mix of architectural styles ranging from Spanish colonial to art deco. Or opt to join a bird-watching excursion in nearby wetlands. Later, travel outside the city to a family-owned estancia, or ranch. Here, take vintage vehicles to Río de la Plata, or River of Silver, to enjoy a traditional asado barbecue lunch accompanied by gaucho music and dancing.

As the ship sails south along the Argentinian coast, hear talks from onboard naturalists and visit the open Bridge to learn about navigation. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck or one of the outdoor infinity hot tubs.

Dock in the port city of Bahía Blanca. Travel into the hills and discover the flora and fauna of the Argentinean pampas on a guided hike. As you make your way back to the coast, visit one of the world’s largest colonies of burrowing parrots. Scan the cliffs to see thousands of the colorful birds that make their nests here. Once back on board, spend time on deck with the naturalists or relax and enjoy the ship’s many amenities.

Granted UNESCO World Heritage status as a marine sanctuary in 1999, Península Valdés is the world’s most important breeding ground for endangered southern right whales. Your arrival coincides with the height of whale season, optimizing your chances for spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Set out by local boat to seek out whale calves and their often-curious mothers, which can grow up to 50 feet long. Set foot on secluded beaches frequented by southern elephant seals, nesting Magellanic penguins and frolicking sea lions. Scan the shores for orcas, which are known to beach themselves here to hunt for prey. During walks and hikes, keep an eye out for terrestrial wildlife such as the guanaco, armadillo and the ostrich-like rhea.

Included in Patagonia Austral Marine National Park and the UNESCO-listed Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve, Bahía Bustamante is a hidden gem along the southern coast of Argentina. Steppes of inland Patagonia meet the sea, providing a rugged backdrop to the white-sand beaches and clear waters. Take a Zodiac cruise or kayak along the coast to observe an abundance of wildlife, such as blue-eyed and rock cormorants, Magellanic penguins, sea lions and more. Learn about the rugged ranchers who settled in the region–remote and still largely wild–in the 1950s and built sustainable wool production on the grasslands and harvested seaweed from the sea.

Travel in small boats into the Reserva Natural Ría Deseado, a submerged estuary that is home to the black-and-white Commerson’s dolphin—one of the smallest cetaceans in the world—and the only rockhopper penguin colony in Patagonia. Seek out these rare marine species and discover the reserve’s unique geology. Later, at a local museum in Puerto Deseado, learn about the famous explorers who passed this way and peruse a collection of well-preserved artifacts retrieved from the shipwrecked H.M.S. Swift, a British sloop-of-war that sank in 1770. Spend the afternoon sailing Argentina’s southern coast.

Discover the remote South Atlantic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, where some 200 islands each offer a distinct variation on rugged coastal beauty. White-sand beaches, soaring cliffs, windswept moors, and swaying tussock grass set a stunning natural backdrop to encounters with thriving wildlife—from thousands of gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins to black-browed albatross, elephant and fur seals, and sea lions hauled out on rocks. Enjoy a variety of excursions with the naturalists and take in sweeping views at every turn.

As the ship journeys across these southern waters, deepen your understanding of this far-flung region. Learn about the history of Antarctic exploration and join the naturalists on deck to identify seabirds soaring overhead.

Spend five incredible days exploring the spectacular coastlines and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. With a flexible schedule, anticipate opportunities to walk, hike, kayak, or explore by Zodiac most days. Take in unforgettable wildlife spectacles: the antics of elephant seals, leopard seals and fur seals; cliffs inhabited by hundreds of nesting albatross; and shores peppered with tens of thousands of king penguins. Stops may include visits to the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken, which played a part in the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition and is now the explorer’s final resting place, as well as Stromness Bay, where Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached help after a year and a half stranded in Antarctica.

After time at sea, return to the Falkland archipelago and its natural wonders. Stroll around the lively Victorian town of Port Stanley—the largest and most populated city in the Falklands—and mingle with islanders at a local pub in this remote outpost.

While sailing back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross the bow and follow in the ship’s wake. Soak up final vistas of these southern waters, share photos with fellow travelers and toast an epic voyage at the farewell dinner.

Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take a charter flight to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home.