South Georgia & Antarctica: A Photographer’s Wildlife Adventure
Falklands • South Georgia • Antarctic Peninsula
23 days | Private Journey | Expedition Cruise
A spectacular wildlife photography adventure combining the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
This is the big one for photographers who want to capture extraordinary wildlife in truly dramatic landscapes. Expect huge penguin colonies, elephant seals, albatrosses and seabirds, alongside icebergs, glaciers and rugged sub-Antarctic scenery.
South Georgia is particularly spectacular, with king and macaroni penguins, elephant seals and albatrosses providing some of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the region. Zodiac excursions and shore landings offer opportunities to get close to the action while respecting the environment.
The journey also takes in the Falkland Islands, where you can look for Magellanic and gentoo penguins, before continuing to the Antarctic Peninsula and its extraordinary landscapes of mountains, glaciers and icebergs.
Best time to visit:
Antarctic expedition cruises operate during the Southern Hemisphere summer, when wildlife is concentrated around breeding colonies and conditions are suitable for exploring by ship and Zodiac.
Itinerary 23 days
Currently available from £22,620pp, excluding international flights, with the exact itinerary, vessel and price varying according to departure and availability.
The journey at a glance
This extraordinary 23-day expedition begins in Buenos Aires, giving you time to experience Argentina’s vibrant capital before heading south to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica.
From here, board your expedition vessel and sail through the Beagle Channel towards the Falkland Islands, where wildlife encounters include rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, dolphins and other seabirds. There’s also time to explore Stanley, the colourful capital of the islands.
The voyage then continues to South Georgia, one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. Several days are devoted to exploring this spectacular island of glaciated mountains, fjords and beaches, with opportunities to encounter enormous colonies of king and gentoo penguins, elephant seals and albatrosses. The combination of incredible wildlife and dramatic scenery makes South Georgia particularly rewarding for photographers.
From South Georgia, the expedition crosses the Scotia Sea and South Orkney Islands before reaching the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Here, icebergs, glaciers, mountains and sea ice provide an ever-changing backdrop for wildlife photography. Depending on conditions, you may encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, seals, seabirds and potentially whales.
The Antarctic Peninsula is where the journey becomes truly spectacular: Zodiac excursions and shore landings bring you into the heart of the polar environment, while sailing through places such as Lemaire Channel and Paradise Harbour offers exceptional opportunities for landscape photography from the ship. Exact landing sites are determined by weather, sea ice and local conditions, making every expedition slightly different.
After exploring Antarctica, the ship heads north through the Drake Passage back towards Ushuaia. Keep your camera ready during the crossing too, as whales, dolphins and abundant marine birds can often be seen. The journey ends with a final night in Buenos Aires before your international flight home — or you can extend your adventure with Iguazú Falls, Argentina’s wine regions or another South American destination.
At a glance
Day 1–3: Buenos Aires & Ushuaia
Days 4–5: Embarkation and sailing towards Antarctica
Days 6–7: Falkland Islands
Days 8–9: At sea towards South Georgia
Days 10–13: South Georgia
Days 14–16: Scotia Sea & South Orkney Islands
Days 17–19: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Days 20–21: Drake Passage
Day 22: Ushuaia & Buenos Aires
Day 23: Depart Buenos Aires
