Antarctic voyages with the Falkland Islands and South Georgia

Diverse wildlife and in the footsteps of explorers and adventurers

Falkland Islands – South Georgia – South Orkney Islands: Strictly speaking, these three island groups are not part of Antarctica, although South Georgia at least lies within the Antarctic Convergence.

The Falkland Islands are located approximately 500 km east of Argentina in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean – and therefore not in Antarctica. However, due to their unique location, significance, and wildlife, they are visited by some Antarctic tours. The archipelago consists of approximately 800 islands and is a paradise for photographers and animal lovers. The landscape is hilly and rugged, and the wildlife is diverse: large colonies of black-browed albatrosses, five species of penguins, elephant seals, and many other animals can be found here.

The South Georgia archipelago lies halfway between the southeast coast of Argentina and the Antarctic continent, approximately 1,400 km east of the Falkland Islands. The island is 170 km by 30 km in size, mountainous and rugged. The snow-capped peaks reach a height of almost 3,000 m. Over 160 glaciers flow into the sea. The beaches are populated by giant elephant seals.
Grytviken was the center of the whaling industry in the South Atlantic. Here you can visit the interesting museum and grave of the famous polar explorer and discoverer Ernest Shackleton, who reached South Georgia in a lifeboat after a dramatic expedition. The entire fauna of the southern regions is represented here: king penguins, gentoo penguins, wandering and sooty albatrosses, giant petrels, elephant seals, fur seals, and other seal species. One of the highlights of the trip awaits you at Salisbury Plain: this glacial plain surrounded by high mountains is home to more than 250,000 king penguins.

Geographically speaking, the South Orkney Islands lie just beyond the Antarctic Convergence – and thus in Antarctica. They are still 1,000 nautical miles away from the Antarctic Peninsula. More than 1,200 species are said to live here. That's more than on the Galápagos Islands! This archipelago became famous thanks to polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his dramatic rescue mission. Landings in this inhospitable region are difficult and cannot be guaranteed. Weather conditions permitting, you can visit the Argentine research station "Orcadas." The friendly station staff will show you how people live and work here.