The Kingdom of Kings

Salisbury Plain, Shackleton's Footsteps, and the Icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula

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King penguins, albatrosses, and Antarctic ice

Terra Nova Adventurer

Max. 98 passengers

21 days (20 nights)

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from/to Ushuaia (Argentina)

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from Montevideo (Uruguay) to Ushuaia (Argentina)

Expedition cruise from/to Ushuaia or from Montevideo/to Ushuaia to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula | 21 days | max. 98 passengers

This 21-day expedition combines the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula one of the most comprehensive routes in the South Atlantic. In the Falkland Islands, rockhopper, gentoo, and Magellanic penguins, as well as black-browed albatrosses, breed on steep cliffs. On South Georgia Stand among the king penguin colonies on Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay and visit the historic whaling station in Grytviken. To Elephant Island Remember Shackleton’s survival story.

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The Terra Nova Adventurer carries a maximum of 98 passengers to landing sites that are off-limits to large cruise ships. With 14 Zodiacs and an expedition team of twelve to fourteen naturalists, historians, and scientists, you’ll be ashore every day instead of waiting in a tender. All activities—sea kayaking, snowshoe trekking, and camping on the ice—are included in the tour price.

On days at sea, wandering albatrosses, giant petrels, and storm petrels accompany the ship. On the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll paddle among icebergs, hike on snowshoes to lookouts, and observe Adélie, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguins in vast breeding colonies. Up to four full days are available for landings and Zodiac cruises—the captain and expedition leader adjust the route daily based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings.

We recommend this trip if you want to see the world’s largest penguin colonies and one of the most wildlife-rich regions in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s particularly well-suited for nature photographers, birdwatchers, and travelers who prioritize wildlife experiences over beach weather.

Feel free to combine the expedition with two to three days in Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park, or a stay in Buenos Aires or Montevideo. An extension to Patagonia, including the Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine, is also a great option.

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Select consultation appointment

Good to know

Arrival and Departure: Day 1 begins in the afternoon with boarding in Ushuaia or Montevideo (boarding approx. 3:00–4:00 p.m.); we recommend arriving at least one day before departure. International flights, the domestic flight to Ushuaia, and pre- and post-trip accommodations in Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, or Montevideo are not included in the tour price—we can arrange flights and hotels upon request. On the final morning, you’ll disembark between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.; a transfer to the Ushuaia airport is arranged—please do not book early flights home.

Entry Requirements: German citizens must have a valid passport. A separate entry permit is required for South Georgia—we will handle the application process for you. You can find the current entry requirements for Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia on the website of the German Foreign Office. Regulations may vary for other nationalities—please contact us.

Accepted forms of payment on board: U.S. dollars, euros, and major credit cards (2.5% credit card processing fee).

Note for solo travelers: If you do not request a single cabin, you may be accommodated in a shared cabin on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharge will apply.

HIGHLIGHTS

King Penguin Colonies on South Georgia – On Salisbury Plain and in St. Andrews Bay, you’ll find yourself surrounded by thousands of king penguins, while chicks in their brown down fill the beach.
Drygalski Fjord – A Zodiac ride through the dramatic fjord, flanked by glaciers whose calving ice walls crash directly into the sea.
In Shackleton’s Footsteps – A visit to the Grytviken whaling station on South Georgia and historic Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men waited to be rescued in 1916.
Antarctic Peninsula – Four full days among icebergs, with landings to see Adélie, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, and encounters with Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals.
Falkland Islands—Western Group – Walks near rockhopper penguin and black-browed albatross colonies on West Point and Carcass Island.
Activities at no extra charge – kayaking, snowshoeing, trekking, ice camping, yoga, polar plunge, and a photography workshop are all included in the tour price.
A maximum of 98 guests – By intentionally limiting the number of guests on a ship designed to carry 150 passengers, we ensure more space per guest and faster shore excursions using twelve Zodiacs.
Active scientific program – A fully equipped onboard laboratory and a resident scientific team, with whom you can participate in real Antarctic research.

route

Map of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula

itinerary

From Ushuaia to king penguins, ice, and whales

Day 1 | Embarkation in Ushuaia

In the afternoon, you’ll board the Terra Nova Adventurer in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. You’ll meet the crew and your fellow passengers, settle into your cabin, and attend the safety briefing. The ship will then set course along the picturesque Beagle Channel. As the southern tip of South America fades from view behind you, you’ll enjoy your first evening on board.

Please note that boarding for the trip on October 15, 2027, will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay.

The ship departs Ushuaia, sailing along the Beagle Channel

Day 2 | At Sea to the Falkland Islands

As the ship sails toward the Falkland Islands, the onboard program begins. The expedition team gives presentations on the region’s navigation, history, and wildlife, and prepares you for the upcoming landings. On the open decks, you can watch wandering albatrosses and giant petrels following the ship, and keep an eye out for dolphins and orcas.

Day 3 | Western Falkland Islands

You’ll explore the remote beauty of the western Falkland Islands. Possible landings will take you to West Point Island, with its colonies of rockhopper penguins and black-browed albatrosses on steep cliffs, as well as to Carcass Island, where you’ll stroll through lush gardens, have tea with locals, and watch gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Dolphins are often spotted in the surrounding waters.

A historic brick building on the harbor promenade in Port Stanley

Day 4 | Eastern Falkland Islands · Stanley

Disembark in Stanley, the charming capital of the Falkland Islands. You’ll have time to visit the Falkland Islands Museum, browse the small shops and pubs along the main street—or follow the coastline in search of steamer ducks, Dominican gulls, and gliding albatrosses. In the afternoon, the ship sets sail for South Georgia.

Days 5–6 | At sea en route to South Georgia

During the crossing to South Georgia, the expedition team will give talks on the island’s wildlife, geography, and history—from the early whalers to the Shackleton era. On deck, you can watch seabirds and marine mammals, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the open ocean and sort through your first photos.

King penguins on Salisbury Plain in South Georgia

King penguins in the tussock grass on South Georgia

Days 7–10 | South Georgia

Four days of rugged beauty and breathtaking wildlife. Weather and ice conditions will determine the final itinerary—potential highlights include Salisbury Plain, home to one of the largest king penguin colonies set against a glacial backdrop; St. Andrews Bay, with beaches teeming with elephant seals and the island’s largest king penguin colony; and Cooper Bay, where you’ll cruise by Zodiac past chinstrap and rockhopper penguins along volcanic rock formations.

In Grytviken, you’ll visit the historic whaling station, the South Georgia Museum, and Shackleton’s grave. The trip concludes with a cruise through the dramatic Drygalski Fjord, flanked by glaciers whose ice walls calve directly into the sea.

Days 11–12 | At sea en route to the Antarctic Peninsula

As the ship sails south, you’ll review your photos from the past few days, attend lectures, and prepare for the highlight of the expedition. The expedition team will get you in the right frame of mind for the ice, and the ship’s photographer will offer tips for taking photos in polar conditions.

Gentoo penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula

Day 13 | Elephant Island

Visit historic Elephant Island, where Ernest Shackleton’s men waited to be rescued in 1916 after the loss of the Endurance. As you sail around the rugged coastline or go ashore, lectures and readings will bring to life one of the most extraordinary survival stories in polar history.

Days 14–17 | Antarctic Peninsula

Four full days in Antarctica. From over 500 possible landing sites, the captain and expedition leader make new selections every day—no two voyages are alike. You’ll visit vast breeding colonies of Adélie, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, observe Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals on ice floes, and spot minke and humpback whales feeding.

If you like, you can paddle through tranquil bays at eye level with icebergs or hike on snowshoes to lookouts offering views of glaciers and mountain peaks. Zodiac cruises take you through ice-covered channels, past towering glacier walls.

Gentoo penguins at Brown Bluff in Antarctica

A leopard seal on an ice floe in Antarctica

Day 18 | Farewell Landings

On the way north, enjoy one final landing or Zodiac cruise. Depending on weather and ice conditions, options include Brown Bluff, with its reddish-brown cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony, or Paulet Island, with its historic sites and abundant wildlife. In the evening, bid farewell to Antarctica.

Day 19 | Drake Passage, heading north

Crossing the Drake Passage heading north. On the open decks, you can watch seabirds and whales, while inside, naturalists and historians lead final lectures and workshops. In the evening, the captain hosts a farewell dinner, where you can reflect on the expedition with your fellow travelers.

Zodiac off Point Wild on Elephant Island, Antarctica

A wandering albatross soars over the Drake Passage

Day 20 | Return to Ushuaia

Early in the morning, the Terra Nova Adventurer will return to Ushuaia. After breakfast, you’ll disembark between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. A transfer to the airport has been arranged—do not book a flight home for early in the morning; be sure to allow plenty of time.

The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.

activities

Photo tour (included)

Three photographers at the edge of the ice are photographing ice floes at sunset

South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula are among the most photogenic places on Earth: king penguin colonies stretching across entire beaches, glacier fronts by the sea, elephant seals bathed in golden light, and albatrosses soaring over the open sea.

To ensure you return with stunning photos, an experienced photography mentor will accompany the expedition. During lectures on board and while ashore, they’ll offer practical tips on composition, lighting, and animal behavior. Whether it’s a wide-angle landscape shot on Salisbury Plain or a close-up of a king penguin chick, the expedition team knows the best vantage points at every landing site and will help you make the most of every situation.

Sea kayak (included)

Three sea kayaks are paddling in front of a massive iceberg in Antarctica

From a Zodiac, you can observe the wildlife. From a kayak, you’re right in the middle of it all. The sea kayaking tour takes you in small groups among icebergs, along steep glacier fronts, and through quiet coves where fur seals slide down the rocks and penguins surface right next to the boat.

In South Georgia, you’ll paddle against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and calving glaciers. On the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll glide through calm bays among icebergs. No prior experience is required; training will be provided on board. Space is limited; we recommend registering when you book.

Snowshoe trekking (included)

A snowshoe trekking group ascending against a backdrop of white mountain scenery on the Antarctic Peninsula

Where a regular walk along the ice edge ends, snowshoe trekking begins. In small groups, you’ll hike across pristine slopes to vantage points where you can look out over glacial crevasses, iceberg fields, and deeply indented bays—views you’d otherwise only see from the air.

The tours are adjusted daily based on snow conditions and weather. There are two difficulty levels, so both beginners and experienced hikers can find a pace that suits them. Snowshoes and poles are provided on board; sturdy shoes and waterproof pants are all you need.

Camping on the Ice (all-inclusive, max. 30 guests)

Two people in sleeping bags in a snow hollow on the shore of an ice bay in Antarctica

A night under the open sky on the Antarctic ice is one of the most intense experiences this expedition has to offer. In select bays along the peninsula, you’ll set up a simple bivouac and listen to the silence of the ice, the crunching of calving glaciers, and the distant calls of the penguins.

Camping is weather-dependent and limited to a maximum of 30 guests per trip—spots are assigned on-site. All equipment (bivy sack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag) is provided by the expedition team. Good overall health is required; no prior experience is necessary.

Information

Included services:

19 nights aboard the Terra Nova Adventurer in your chosen cabin category
Full board on board: three meals a day, snacks throughout the day, tea, and coffee
House wine, house beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
All scheduled landings and Zodiac trips (weather permitting)
All activities included at no extra charge: kayaking, snowshoeing, trekking, ice camping (max. 30 guests per trip), yoga, polar plunge, photography workshop
Guided by an expedition team of twelve to fourteen members, including naturalists, historians, and scientists
Daily lectures and educational activities on board
Active scientific program in a fully equipped onboard laboratory
Expedition parka as a gift (it's yours to keep)
Rubber boots for landing (provided on loan for the duration of the trip)
Rental outdoor gear; expedition-grade camping equipment
Port Fees and Landing Permits
Tips for the crew
Basic Wi-Fi on board (upgrades available for a fee)
Pre-trip information, including the Antarctica booklet
Licensed ship's doctor and fully equipped infirmary on board
Transfer to Ushuaia Airport on the day of disembarkation

Not included in the price:

International flights to Buenos Aires or Montevideo, as well as a domestic flight to Ushuaia (we can arrange your flights upon request)
Overnight stays before and after the tour in Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, or Montevideo
Travel and travel cancellation insurance
Required: Travel insurance with medical emergency and evacuation coverage — we’d be happy to help you find the right policy
Personal bar purchases outside of lunch and dinner hours, as well as premium beverages
Wi-Fi Upgrades
Boutique and souvenir shopping
Personal expenses (laundry service, satellite phone)
Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
Optional pre- and post-tour excursions
Evacuation costs in an emergency (to be paid by the passenger)

Important:

We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening conditions or who require daily medical care cannot participate.
Language of the expedition: English. Safety and disembarkation briefings will be conducted in English.
This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
We will cancel the trip up to 30 days before departure and notify you by email if the minimum number of 50 participants has not been reached. Such cancellations are extremely rare.
In addition, travel insurance that includes emergency medical and evacuation coverage is required for participation; boarding will not be permitted without proof of such coverage.
You are required to complete a medical questionnaire before your trip—in certain cases, a doctor’s clearance may be required.
Camping on the ice is limited to a maximum of 30 guests per trip.

Your ship during the voyage

The expedition ship Terra Nova Adventurer in front of snow-capped mountains in Antarctica

Your Ship: The Terra Nova Adventurer

Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Ushuaia?

There are no direct international flights to Ushuaia. Travel involves a domestic flight from Buenos Aires (approx. 3.5 hours). Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM operate this route several times a day. We’ll handle all flight planning and bookings for you, including the layover in Buenos Aires, and coordinate flight times with your itinerary.

Do I need a visa for Argentina, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, or Antarctica?

Citizens of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland do not need a visa for Argentina for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date upon entry. An entry permit is required for South Georgia—we will handle the application process. A valid passport is sufficient for the Falkland Islands and Antarctica. Current entry requirements can be found on the [U.S. Department of State](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/laender/argentinien-node/argentiniensicherheit/201326) website. Different regulations may apply to other nationalities.

When is the best time to visit the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula?

The expedition season runs from November through February. The breeding season begins in November and December: king penguins return to the beaches, albatrosses breed, and fur seals occupy their territories. In January and February, the colonies are at their peak, with chicks hatched, the days at their longest, and ice conditions on the Antarctic Peninsula ideal for landings. We recommend these months to experience all three polar regions in full swing.

What kind of clothing do I need for an expedition cruise in the South Atlantic and Antarctica?

Waterproof outerwear is mandatory—and we mean the full set: a waterproof jacket and waterproof pants. During Zodiac landings, you’ll get wet from spray, rain, or when getting on and off the boat at the beach. Underneath, wear thermal underwear and a fleece, layering them according to the “onion principle.” Also bring waterproof gloves, a warm hat, sunscreen (UV radiation is strong at these latitudes), and binoculars. Rubber boots are provided on board, and you’ll receive an expedition parka as a gift that you can keep.

What is the Drake Passage like, and what are the sea conditions?

The Drake Passage between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula is considered one of the most iconic sea passages in the world. The crossing typically takes two to two and a half days each way. Conditions range from a calm “Drake Lake” to a rough “Drake Shake”—both are possible. A ship’s doctor has medication for seasickness. We recommend bringing travel pills with you as a precaution.

Do I need special insurance for the expedition cruise?

Yes. Travel insurance that includes emergency medical and evacuation coverage is required for participation. You will not be allowed to board without proof of this coverage. In addition, we strongly recommend international health insurance that covers repatriation, as well as trip cancellation insurance. An evacuation in this region can take several days or may be impossible in extreme weather conditions, and it is very expensive—the insurance will cover these costs. You can find information on suitable policies, for example, at [Hanse Merkur Travel Insurance](https://www.hmrv.de). We would be happy to advise you on the right coverage.

What animals can I see in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula?

The region is one of the most wildlife-rich places on Earth. On the Falkland Islands, rockhopper, gentoo, and Magellanic penguins, as well as black-browed albatrosses, breed on steep cliffs. On South Georgia, you’ll find yourself amidst vast king penguin colonies on Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, and observe southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals. On the Antarctic Peninsula, Adélie, Gentoo, and chinstrap penguins breed; Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals rest on the ice, and with a little luck, you may spot humpback whales, minke whales, or orcas.

Which expedition ship will be used, and how big is it?

The Terra Nova Adventurer is an ice-strengthened expedition ship designed to carry up to 98 passengers, with a proven track record from over 600 polar voyages in the Antarctic and Arctic.

Spanning 105.5 meters, the ship features five passenger decks with 63 outside cabins, as well as a restaurant, lounges, a library, a spa with a sauna, and a scientific laboratory. The hull is Ice Class 1B; expedition gear hangs ready to go in the large mudroom; and 14 Zodiacs await on deck for the daily shore excursions.

Do I need to speak English for the expedition cruise?

The official language on board is English. All presentations, safety briefings, and announcements will be conducted in English. There will be no German-speaking tour guide on board. A basic knowledge of English is helpful; you must be able to understand the safety instructions. If you are unsure, please contact us—we will assess whether the trip is suitable for your language skills or suggest alternatives with a German-speaking tour guide.

What physical requirements do I need to meet for this expedition?

You must be able to independently board and disembark from a Zodiac inflatable boat from a moving platform, as well as walk on uneven, slippery, or snow-covered terrain. High-level athleticism is not required, but good overall health and comfort with moderate physical activity are necessary. Completing a medical questionnaire is required prior to the trip; in certain cases, a medical clearance may be requested. A licensed ship’s doctor will be on board throughout the expedition. The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. If in doubt, please contact us; we will give you honest advice.

What is included in the price of the expedition cruise?

The price includes: 20 nights aboard the Terra Nova Adventurer in the selected cabin category, full board with three meals a day, house wine, house beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, all shore excursions and Zodiac trips, the entire activity program at no extra charge (kayaking, snowshoeing, trekking, camping on the ice for a maximum of 30 guests per trip, yoga, Polar Plunge, and a photography workshop), guidance from a 12- to 14-member expedition team, daily lectures, an active science program in the onboard lab, an expedition parka as a gift, rubber boots for rent, port and landing fees, gratuities for the crew, basic Wi-Fi, a licensed ship’s doctor, and transfer to the Ushuaia airport on the day of disembarkation.

Can I extend my trip with a pre- or post-tour program?

Yes, and we highly recommend it. Combine the expedition with two to three days in Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park, or a stay in Buenos Aires. If you have more time, you can plan a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate, Torres del Paine in Chile, or the Iguazú Falls. We put together customized pre- and post-trip itineraries and handle flights, hotels, and transfers. We recommend arriving at least one day before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.

A massive king penguin colony, with adults and brown chicks, on the beach against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains on South Georgia

Kingdom-of-Kings_King Penguin Colony in South Georgia_Terra Nova Expedition

King penguin colony on South Georgia

Kingdom of Kings: King Penguins on Salisbury Plain – Terra Nova Expedition

King Penguin Colony on Salisbury Plain, South Georgia

Kingdom of Kings: King Penguins and Tussock Grass – Terra Nova Expedition

King penguins in the tussock grass

Portrait of a king penguin in the middle of a colony; the bird is looking to the side

Kingdom-of-Kings_King-Penguin-Portrait_Terra-Nova-Expedition

King penguin in the colony

Kingdom-of-Kings_King-Penguin-Colony-Close-Up_Terra-Nova-Expedition

King penguins in a colony

A lone king penguin on a pebble beach, with a breaking wave and a snow-capped mountain in the background

Kingdom of Kings: King Penguin Pebble Beach, Terra Nova Expedition

King penguin on the beach in South Georgia

Two Zodiac inflatable boats carrying passengers in the calm waters off the snow-capped mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula

Kingdom of Kings: Zodiac Landing in Antarctica – Terra Nova Expedition

Zodiac landing on the Antarctic Peninsula

Kingdom of Kings: Gentoo Penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula – Terra Nova Expedition

Gentoo penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula

Kingdom of Kings: Soul Leopard Ice Floe – Terra Nova Expedition

A leopard seal on an ice floe

Kingdom-of-Kings_Black-browed-Albatrosses-Flight-South-Atlantic_Terra-Nova-Expedition

Black-browed albatrosses in flight over the South Atlantic

Kingdom of Kings: Sunset in Antarctica – Terra Nova Expedition

Sunset over the Antarctic Peninsula

Port facility with a "Welcome to the Falkland Islands" sign in Stanley

Kingdom of Kings_Falkland Islands-Port Stanley_Terra Nova Expedition

Port of Stanley in the Falkland Islands

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