Set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime journey south to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands on this Silver Explorer expedition cruise. During your time in the region, you will be given privileged access to a region few are fortunate enough to explore at such close quarters.
Your experience begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, from where you will head east towards the the Falklands, stopping in West Point Island, Saunders Island and Stanley.
Your time in the Falkland’s will consist of learning about the islands’ natural and human history as well as serve as your first introduction to the region’s rich spectrum of wildlife. Thanks to the Falkland’s isolated position and relatively untouched ecosystem, the islands’ wildlife has continued to thrive so expect to come face-to-face with the islands penguins, which include Gentoos, Magellanic and Rockhoppers and over 30 different types of bird, including black-browed albatrosses of which the Falklands boast over two thirds of the world’s population.
After leaving the Falklands you will continue to cross the South Atlantic Ocean, bound for South Georgia Island. Steeped in history and set against a backdrop of towering snow-topped mountains, South Georgia offers you the chance to walk in the footsteps of famous explorers such as Captain James Cook, who claimed the island for Britain in 1775, and Ernest Shackleton, who arrived on South Georgia following the sinking of MS Endurance in the early 1900s.
Following an overnight departure from South Georgia, Silver Explorer will sail towards Antarctica for an immersive five day programme of exploration and discovery. After a morning stop-off on Elephant Island for sightings of elephant seal, you will head past the mountainous glaciers that line the Antarctic Sound before arriving in the Antarctic Peninsula. Here, you will explore protected bays and inlets by Zodiac; disembarking to explore on foot when the opportunity arises.
The fifth day of your time in Antarctica will see you land on the South Shetland Islands, which lie just 500 miles south of Cape Horn. Running parallel to the Antarctic Peninsula and almost completely covered in thick ice, the South Shetland Islands are home to seals, penguins and seabirds and as such present excellent photo-taking opportunities.
Your remaining two days will be spent at sea crossing Drake Passage bound for Ushuaia. This will give you plenty of time to reflect on your Antarctic experience while reliving the highlights of the expedition with your fellow travellers.
