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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 19 Days (Resolute)

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 19 Days (Resolute)

From USD $15,095

Description

Our most popular expedition cruise, exploring the wildlife populated coasts of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. South Georgia the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ is one of the Antarctic’s hidden jewels. An adventure offering wildlife photography, zodiac cruising, up to eight species of penguin, while following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, leader of the Endurance Expedition.

These Antarctic expeditions utilize a flight to Stanley in the Falkland Islands to save almost a day and half at sea – which maximizes the time you can spend exploring incredible Antarctica, and the sub-Antarctic Falkland and South Georgia Islands. We’ll encounter a spectacular proliferation of unique wildlife and birdlife on our journey – there are penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds, albatrosses, and the beaches are covered in fur seals and elephant seals. Beyond these islands lie Antarctica, where we will experience icebergs of all shapes and sizes and encounters with whales, including humpback, minke and orca.

Trip Name
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica 19 Days (Resolute)
Days
19
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Punta Arenas, Chile
Our journey commences this morning in Punta Arenas, where we board our flight to Stanley in the Falkland Islands. After a short 90-minute journey we are met on arrival and transferred to the pier. Stanley is home to 2,000 residents and is reminiscent of a charming, rural town in coastal Britain, full of brightly colored houses, flower-filled gardens, a quaint cathedral and several pubs. There is time to explore the town before embarkation.
Day 2 - Day 2 Falkland Islands
Having cruised down the eastern coastline of the Falkland Islands overnight, we are at the far south-eastern end of the archipelago. Near the barren and windswept Sea Lion Island, we launch the Zodiacs for our first shore excursion. If we enjoy good weather conditions we may be able to visit neighboring Bleaker Island, another settlement on this remote eastern coast of the Falklands. In the evening, we navigate into the Scotia Sea towards South Georgia.
Day 3 - Day 3-4 Southern Ocean
The seabirds join us as we leave the Falklands. Stand out on the decks watching the giant albatross and petrels as they duck and weave on the winds of the South Atlantic. Our onboard photographic guide will be able to give you tips about image composition, the subtle polar light, and the basics of good camera craft.
Day 4 - Day 5-8 South Georgia
South Georgia has often been called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. We explore the island from our Zodiacs. Large numbers of fur seals and the much larger elephant seal will line the dark sand beaches. Living in the tussock grass, king penguins and their chicks may number up to 100,000 birds in some locations. The island is also home to large numbers of nesting albatross, filling the skies above as they come and go from their nests. South Georgia is a thrilling location for history buffs: we will plan to visit the rusting relics of the early whaling industry, including several old stations, and the gravesite of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Day 5 - Day 9-11 Scotia Sea
Weather and ice will dictate our crossing of the Scotia Sea from South Georgia to Antarctica, leading us perhaps to the South Orkney Islands or Elephant Island. As with all of our itinerary planning, our expedition leader and captain will make a decision based on the conditions at the time. As we edge ever closer to the frozen continent, large icebergs announce our arrival in Antarctic waters.
Day 6 - Day 12-16 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Possible landing sites in the South Shetland Island group could include King George Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour or Hannah Point. Weather conditions permitting we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. Finally, after so much anticipation, we enter the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in the vicinity of Mikkelson Harbour or Cierva Cove. Snow covered mountains soar from the dark waters. Along the shoreline in the bays and harbors of the Peninsula lives an incredible abundance of wildlife. Large rookeries are home to chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins. Seals live on the ice floes, including the powerful leopard seal that we hope to encounter. Gulls, skuas and cormorants are also found nesting and feeding at many sites along the Antarctic Peninsula. We explore by Zodiac boat and ashore, where a range of wonderful activities await: join the photographic guide and take close up photos of the penguins or the impossibly blue ice; enjoy a hike to the top of a snowy mountain saddle with one of our adventure guides; or perhaps visit a science base or an old historic hut. The sea kayakers may range up to several miles from the ship, for a truly memorable experience. Each day, you will have a range of great choices.
Day 7 - Day 17-18 Drake Passage and Cape Horn
After several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula, it’s time to return to South America. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It’s a fitting place to reflect on a wonderful expedition to some of the most remote corners of the planet.
Day 8 - Day 19 Ushuaia, Argentina
In the early morning, we arrive into Ushuaia, Argentina. Guests will be transported to their hotels or to the airport for return flights home.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Polar exploration can be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and ice conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a ‘guide only’ and may change. The ship’s Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and ice conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Decades of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have a large number of outstanding landing sites and zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal or when heavy ice may hinder our a planned route. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-10-201907-11-2019USD $15,095Triple Private
20-10-201907-11-2019USD $19,795Twin Private
20-10-201907-11-2019USD $20,895Superior
20-10-201907-11-2019USD $21,395Superior Plus
20-10-201907-11-2019USD $22,995Shackleton Suite
20-10-201907-11-2019USD $25,195One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Fantastic glaciated scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
    • Outstanding wildlife observation on shore, Zodiac cruising and from the ship
    • Visits to historic sites and science stations
    • Learn about the environment, wildlife, history and ecology from polar experts

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