Spirit of Shackleton Aboard Expedition

The morning is free, so take the chance to explore one of Montevideo’s colorful neighborhoods. Montevideo is teeming with people and full of cultural activity, as the bustling metropolis is the capital of Uruguay. Enjoy a walk and admire neoclassical and art deco buildings in its historical downtown area. Visit a tango bar or a beachfront disco at Punta Carretas or Positos neighborhoods for a taste of its vibrant nightlife. In the afternoon, transfer as a group and embark the ship at the port of Montevideo. The evening is spent onboard the ship sailing southwards towards the Falkland Islands.

With course set southeast, become acquainted with the ship. Enjoy the lecture and educational sessions about the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region. Spend time on deck to spot wildlife including albatross and possibly whales and dolphins. Relax in the library, grab a drink in the Polar Bear Pub, or make some new friends in the Discovery Lounge. Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history. The Expedition has one of the highest ratios of expedition team members to guests – with one expert for every ten guests there is always someone on hand to answer questions and provide greater insight and appreciation of the world at its extremes. The expedition team is comprised of professional and highly skilled historians, marine biologists, and naturalists who offer keen insight and a unique personal perspective to each and every adventure.

The Falkland Islands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity and extraordinary scenery of the southern islands. Penguins are abundant here, and the Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world. In Stanley, meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colorful houses provide contrast to the long, dark winters.

On the Falkland Islands, witness the biological diversity and spectacular scenery of the southern islands on a stop at the Falkland Islands. With any luck, catch a glimpse of penguins like the Magellanic, Rockhopper and Gentoo species. Keep a look out for some of the island’s other wildlife like sea lions, king cormorants, black-browed albatross, skuas, night herons, giant petrels, striated caracaras and sheep.

Stop at Port Stanley for an opportunity to meet the hardy local inhabitants whose colorful houses provide contrast to the long dark winters. The town is the capital of the Falkland Islands, most locals head to Stanley to do their shopping, visit the post office, or go golfing. The bomb disposal unit from the Falklands War in 1982 is also in the town as well as several war museums.

With course set for South Georgia, days at sea are filled with historical and biological lectures to prepare for landings. Look out for the many whales that inhabit these waters. Spend plenty of time on deck to identify the abundant sea birds of the South Ocean.

Home to many interesting sites, including the grave of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia has several former whaling stations and boasts plenty of wildlife. Visit a huge colony of king penguins, a major highlight of this part of the journey. South Georgia is also the home of over half of the world’s enormous southern elephant seals, the largest of all seals. Keep an eye out for newly birthed southern elephant pups. Weather permitting, enjoy 3-4 days free to explore this island.

South Georgia Island is home to many marvels including Shackleton’s grave, former whaling stations, incredible scenery and prolific wildlife. Weather permitting, spend full days exploring this island. A huge colony of king penguins is the highlight of this part of the journey. On nearby islands look out for the wandering albatross in their nesting grounds. South Georgia is also the best place in the world to observe the southern elephant seal, the largest breed of seal. The island is home to over half of the world’s population of these animals. October is a great time to see newly birthed pups alongside their mothers.

Plotting a southwesterly course across the Scotia Sea, sail for two days the legendary Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands. The waters are rich with nutrients and the long summer days provide the ingredient that is missing most of the year. The result is a complex food chain topped by several species of whales, seals, and seabirds.

Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in the South Shetland Islands, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. 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. The ship will attempt to reach the Antarctic Peninsula for a landing, weather and ice-permitting.

Explore the South Shetland Islands with the expedition team offering tips on how to engage in this stunning landscape. Look out for Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Hop into one of the Expedition’s 14 Zodiacs and take the quick, safe trip from the ship to the shore to encounter the awe-inspiring wilderness of Antarctica. Thanks to the performance of these boats in remote conditions, quick trips to shore are easily accomplished. Get up close to towering icebergs, glaciers and amazing wildlife. Depending on weather conditions these excursions will hopefully happen daily.

Turning north, embark upon the 400-mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. At some point, cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-Antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-Antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling create an ocean very high in marine productivity.

Wandering, black-browed and light-mantled sooty albatross, prion’s and cap petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join the Expedition on the journey towards the South American continent. Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on everything from local wildlife to geology to history.

Have a final breakfast on the expedition ship before saying our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning.