Falkland Islands Exploration

Day 1: Buenos Aires

You will be met by a cruise representative on arrival at your hotel in Buenos Aires and updated on the schedule for the following day. The evening is free for you to explore.

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

After an early breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia. On arrival you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation.

Although its nickname the "End of the World" - derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago - Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.

Day 3: At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Day 4: West Point Island, Falkland Islands — Captain’s Choice / Saunders Island, Falkland Islands — Captain’s Choice

Home to various nesting species of albatross, West Point Island, on the northwest tip of the Falklands, was once known as Albatross Island. A rugged promontory known as "The Devil’s Nose" offers breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs, tussac grass and black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins. Aside from incredible seabirds, West Point is also home to whales, fur seals, dolphins and sea lions. Neighboring Carcass Island beckons with the possibility of a tea-and-cake welcome at a farmhouse amid the stunning scenes. With a terrain that varies from rocky paths to lush stretches of grass and plenty of wildlife to observe, West Point Island is a destination made for the explorer spirit.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Captain’s Choice landings add to the sense of exploration and an element of surprise. Your Captain takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing and expertly navigates to remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All expedition itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure a safe expedition.

The Falkland Islands are renowned as a wildlife haven that’s perfect for nature lovers. On Saunders Island, watch the water for Gentoo penguins as they surf the waves onto the shore. Along the rocky coasts, sheep and nesting albatross share stretches of tussock grass. You may even come across a small rookery of King penguins as they stand in their regal majesty along the beach. The largest colony of black-browed albatross, the majority of the world’s population of the species, calls this island home. Marvel over the rockhoppers as they do what they do best, jumping from one stone to the next to get to their destination. Watch the Magellanic penguins waddle over rocky shores to go for a dip in the ocean. CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea ice and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Your Captain and expedition team will work together throughout Zodiac safaris to communicate wildlife sightings and bring you as close as safely possible to extraordinary views, creating a spontaneous sense of exploration. Each day is a new adventure as your Captain navigates our yacht into remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All itineraries are subject to change to ensure the safest and best expedition possible.

Day 5: At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Day 6: Islas Vernaci, Argentina

The Islas Vernaci, a group of seven islands part of the province of Chubut, are a wildlife lover’s dream. Filled with sea lions, Magellanic penguins and various species of seabirds, you’ll find a plethora of animals to keep an eye out for as you navigate this Argentine archipelago. Watch the skies looking for skuas, plovers, cormorants and other rare birds from a Zodiac safari around the isles. Trek through magnificent landscapes as you get up close to the islands and their many natural wonders.

Day 7: Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Puerto Madryn invites animal lovers to marvel and revel in its extraordinary wildlife. With sea lions and whale watching opportunities galore, this Argentinian city acts as the gateway to the Patagonia region rife with flora and fauna. Explore the Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the world’s prime whale migration hotspots.

Lying on the northern Patagonia coast, Puerto Madryn holds a reputation as the premier location for marine wildlife viewing. With deep blue bay waters along rocky, white cliffs and shores, the city’s scenery inspires a great deal of awe for its natural beauty. Catching sight of a whale fluke as it breaches the water makes for a breathtaking experience.

The Eco Centro, a clifftop museum dedicated to showcasing Patagonian nature, offers exquisite views of the expansive ocean. Once you finish a tour of the museum it’s easy to linger on the white, sandy cliffs and take in the panoramic scene. As you breathe deep the sea salt and feel the ocean breeze blow through your hair, you will not want to leave.

Downtown Puerto Madryn offers an array of shops and restaurants for more modern conveniences and a taste of Argentina’s city life. Fresh seafood and classic Argentinian cuisine abound among the many eateries in the downtown area. Multi-course meals make it easy to take your taste buds on an adventure as wild as the one you took out in nature.

Day 8 and 9: At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Day 10: Punta del Este, Uruguay

Punta del Este holds some of the finest beaches on the coast that call to you to play, sunbathe, or splash in the azure Atlantic Ocean. Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, “wild beach” and “tame beach,” respectively, perfectly depict the natural diversity along Uruguay’s coast. From rowdy waves to calm waters, it’s up to you to choose what kind of adventure you will have.

With a rich, cosmopolitan look and feel, Punta del Este has been compared to the likes of Cannes and Miami for its lively energy. Skyscrapers line the sandy shores of beaches, inviting travelers to explore the city’s modern treasures.

Among the contemporary architecture lie relics like Casapueblo, a structure that once stood as an art workshop turned museum but now acts as a boutique hotel. It’s the perfect example of how Uruguay incorporates its past into its present.

No one can resist the urge to capture an epic selfie with “La Mano,” the gigantic sculpted hand reaching out of the golden sands at Playa Brava. The sculpted fingers reaching toward blue skies give the impression of a sleeping giant ready and waiting to wake up and live life. Snap a photo at sunset for a positively beautiful shot that cannot compare.

Uruguay’s reputation for the art of cooking meat makes it a top choice for foodie travelers, and Punta del Este is no different. It’s seaside location also makes it a number one pick for fresh seafood meals that will leave explorers hungry for more. A rich mix of flavors in the city’s local fare makes it an adventure for the taste buds as well.

Day 11: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Few cities in South America share the ambiance and lifestyle that make Buenos Aires so endearing. From the Plaza de Mayo to the milongas along San Telmo’s cobbled streets, Buenos Aires is rife with historical and cultural sites for the curious mind.

The cosmopolitan capital of Argentina lies on the western shore of the Río de la Plata estuary. The combination of modern skyscrapers and colonial structures blends the country’s past and present in a way that calls out to the adventurer with a thirst for knowledge.

In the Plaza de Mayo you find a dotting of tropical palm trees amid old streets and buildings. The plaza holds much history as the site of the city’s foundation in 1580, the backdrop for the revolution of independence, and the scene of the latest political rallies.

At the heart of this historical site lies Casa Rosada, the Argentinian equivalent of the White House, but pink. It’s more than a novelty sight. It’s a symbol of the executive branch of government that leads the republic. Casa Rosada is best known as the location where famous first lady Evita Peron addressed the crowds.

A trip to Buenos Aires must include a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, the resting grounds of the powerful, rich, and famous. Stone paths lined with extravagant grave markers and aboveground tombs make it a celebration of the legacies that live on long after one is gone. Dive deep into Argentinian culture by joining an asado, a barbecue. As you indulge in the rich flavors of Argentinian steak and Malbec, you will come to understand and appreciate the culture’s finer points.

• Government Taxes & Fees
• 1 night in Buenos Aires hotel the day before your cruise
• Private charter jet service: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
• Group Transfer Hotel to Buenos Aires Airport on Day 2 
• Group Transfer Ushuaia Airport to Port on Day 2
• Group Transfer Port to Ushuaia Airport on Disembarkation Day
• Shore landings led by expert field guides
• Escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
• Polar plunge
• Parka and vest
• Use of knee boots
• Enrichment lectures and destination briefings
• Cultural immersion
• Dining venues with ever-changing menus
• Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
• Open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
• Stocked in-room minibar
• Specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
• Afternoon and high tea
• Champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
• 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
• L'OCCITANE bath amenities
• Pre-paid gratuities
• Use of walking sticks and binoculars
• Reusable water bottle
• Butler service and expanded room service menu in suites

• Buenos Aires Airport to Hotel transfer on Day 1
• International Airfares
• Airport entrance
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Additional hotel nights
• Travel Protection Plan
• Any items not mentioned as included