Classic South Georgia
from/to Ushuaia
18 days (17 nights)
MS Ushuaia
Your South Atlantic expedition is packed with stops at penguin colonies and research stations, as well as opportunities to observe various species of whales, seals, penguins, and seabirds.
Your cruise adventure begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, located in Argentina. Midsummer will have just passed by the time you arrive. One of the highlights is certainly the large number of sea lion pups on all the beaches you’ll visit.
You will visit the Falkland Islands and explore the picturesque town of Port Stanley with its wonderful museum, souvenir shops, and pubs.
We continue to South Georgia with its spectacular landscape, outstanding wildlife, and history. The mountain ranges offer enchanting scenery. There are sheltered valleys with meltwater streams, plains covered with tussock grass, and wildlife up close. Glaciers cover the mountains, and there are even huge tabular icebergs, which are among the features of the magnificent landscape.
Salisbury Plain, also known as the "Serengeti of the South, " is an incomparable nature reserve. Huge glaciers form a bizarre backdrop for tens of thousands of king penguins.
Visit Grytviken with the ruins of a whaling station, the South Georgia Museum, and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. St. Andrews Bay is the highlight for many visitors to Antarctica—it is home to the largest colony of king penguins in South Georgia.
Enjoy the open bridge on the MS Ushuaia, chat with the officers, and learn more about navigation and wildlife in Antarctica.
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
Good to know
Arrival and departure:We offer various individual travel packages including flights, hotels in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to extend your trip.
Attention solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There are no single cabin surcharges.
Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid for at least 6 months after their return date) to enter Argentina.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the starting point of your expedition
- The Falkland Islands, including West Point Island, Carcass Island, and Bleaker Island
- Stanley, the charming, British-style capital of the Falkland Islands
- Numerous Zodiac landings in remote coves and along pristine coastlines
- Elsehul and Right Whale Bay – First Encounters with Albatrosses, Fur Seals, and King Penguins
- Six days exploring South Georgia, one of the islands with the richest wildlife on Earth
- Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, home to some of the world's largest king penguin colonies
- Gold Harbour, home to king penguins, elephant seals, and a spectacular glacier backdrop*
- Fortuna Bay, the site of Shackleton's legendary crossing of South Georgia*
- Grytviken, with the ruins of the historic whaling station and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton
- Impressive glaciers and steep mountain landscapes in*Drygalski Fjord
- Encounters with king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals, albatrosses, petrels, and—with a little luck—whales
- An intimate expedition atmosphere aboard the MS Ushuaia, with a maximum of 90 guests
* Depending on weather, ice, and sea conditions.
route
itinerary
Classic South Georgia
Day 1: Ushuaia – Embarkation
In the afternoon, you will board the MS Ushuaia in Ushuaia.
After a welcome from the captain, crew, and expedition team, your journey through the Beagle Channel toward the South Atlantic begins. As the last peaks of Tierra del Fuego slowly disappear over the horizon, the MS Ushuaia sets course for the Falkland Islands.
Day 2: At Sea
. The crossing provides an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the region's unique features.
On the open bridge, you'll experience navigation up close and keep an eye out for wandering albatrosses, petrels, dolphins, and whales.
Presentations by the expedition team will prepare you for the wildlife and history of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
Day 3: Western Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
If weather conditions are favorable, the lecturers and naturalists will accompany you on your first excursion. On the west coast, you can visit the following islands:
West Point Island
West Point Islandlies off the northwesternmost point of mainland West Falkland (Malvinas). The attractive settlement is located on the edge of a small harbor on the east side of the island, sheltered by Black Moor Hill and Michael's Mount. The valley between these two peaks stretches across the center of the island to the dramatic Devil's Nose, one of the island's main attractions. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Cliff Mountain, the highest point on the island at 381 meters, and the highest cliffs in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). Here you will encounter a huge colony of rockhopper penguins and black-browed albatrosses, which gather in close proximity.
Carcass Island
Carcass Island is located in the northwest of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). A mature tussock plantation covers much of the lower ground below Jason Hill in the east. The availability of abundant cover and the absence of cats, rats, and mice throughout the island have resulted in a spectacularly large population of small birds, which are among the most charming features of Carcass Island. Gentoo and Magellanic penguins also nest here. Peale's and Commerson's dolphins often come close to the coast to take a look at visitors. In the settlement with its beautiful gardens, you are invited to enjoy tea and biscuits with the locals.
Overnight, you will sail eastward around the northern islands of the archipelago to reach the capital city of Port Stanley the next morning.
Day 4: Port Stanley
The small island capital combines British history with a relaxed atmosphere. Historic buildings, the Falkland Museum, and small shops make for a pleasant stroll.
Even within the town itself, you can spot numerous seabirds before the MS Ushuaia sets course for South Georgia.
Day 5 | Bleaker Island
Bleaker Islandis one of the most scenic islands in the Falklands. Among its white sandy beaches and vast grassy areas live rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins, cormorants, and numerous wading birds. The small number of visitors makes this a particularly peaceful nature experience.
Days 6 & 7: South Georgia Ahead
Even from a great distance, the snow-capped mountains of South Georgia are visible on the horizon. Massive glaciers flow all the way to the sea, waterfalls cascade down the mountain slopes, and albatrosses accompany the ship.
Depending on the weather and sea conditions, the first landing may already take place.
Elsehul – The Realm of the Albatrosses
Elsehul is one of the few places in South Georgia where several species of albatross can be observed exceptionally well from a Zodiac. Black-browed and gray-headed albatrosses nest on the steep slopes, while fur seals inhabit the shores.
Right Whale Bay – First Encounter with the King Penguins
This is often where you'll encounter the first king penguin colony of the trip. Fur seals lie among the penguins on the black volcanic beach, while giant petrels circle above the bay.
Days 8–13: Highlights of the Expedition
The coming days will be spent in one of the most spectacular wildlife regions on our planet. Each day, the expedition team will decide which bays and coastlines to visit based on the weather, wind, and sea conditions.
Salisbury Plain
One of South Georgia's largest king penguin colonies. Tens of thousands of penguins cover the beach, with massive elephant seals resting among them.
St. Andrews Bay
Probably the most famous landing site in South Georgia. Over 100,000 king penguins live here. During the breeding season, the entire plain is transformed into a sea of penguins.
Fortuna Bay
Known for its king penguins and impressive mountain scenery. From here, Sir Ernest Shackleton led the final leg of his legendary rescue mission across the mountains to Stromness.
Stromness
The abandoned whaling station is closely linked to Shackleton's history and offers a fascinating glimpse into South Georgia's past.
Grytviken
This is probably the most historic site on the island. The former whaling station now houses a museum and the settlement’s small church. In the cemetery, you can visit the grave of the legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Cooper Bay
Famous for chinstrap penguins, crested penguins, and frequent sightings of macaroni penguins.
Drygalski Fjord
Steep cliffs and massive glaciers characterize this deeply incised fjord in the south of South Georgia—one of the scenic highlights of the trip.
Days 14–16: At Sea
During the return voyage across the South Atlantic, there will be time to reflect on the experiences of the past few days. The expedition team will round out the trip with additional presentations and answer questions about the wildlife and history of the polar regions.
Day 17: Beagle Channel
Once again, the spectacular landscape of Tierra del Fuego unfolds before your eyes. A farewell evening with the captain, crew, and expedition team marks the end of an expedition that was entirely dedicated to the wildlife of South Georgia.
Day 18: Back in Ushuaia
After breakfast, your trip ends in Ushuaia.
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.
Dates & Prices
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
October 17, 2027 – November 3, 2027
from €11,600 per person
18 days/17 nights
MS Ushuaia (Maximum occupancy: 90)
Ushuaia Ushuaia
Selected date
October 17, 2027 – November 3, 2027 (18 days/17 nights)
MS Ushuaia | Classic South Georgia
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Summary
activities
Information
Included Services for 2027:
- Travel aboard the MS Ushuaia in the cabin of your choice, as specified in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the trip on board
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the trip with the Zodiac
- Provision of an expedition parka and rubber boots for the duration of the trip
- Lecture program by renowned naturalists and led by an experienced expedition team
- All other service charges and port fees throughout the program
- One-time, free Starlink Wi-Fi access in all cabin categories (Data package sizes vary depending on the cabin category booked)
- Extensive material before departure
- Detailed report after the expedition
Not included:
- Flights (scheduled or charter flights)
- Program before and after the cruise
- Transfers to/from the ship
- Passport and visa fees
- state arrival and departure taxes
- Meals ashore
- Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Excess baggage fees and all personal items such as bar and beverage charges and telecommunications fees
- Tips (guidelines will be provided)
- Onboard language: English, Spanish
- English-speaking expedition team
- Means of payment on board: Cash (EUR, USD). Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. The minimum amount for credit card payments is USD 100.
- Filling out a medical certificate is mandatory.
- A doctor is on board
- Open bridge
- The route and final itinerary during the voyage will be decided on site by the expedition leader and captain based on ice and weather conditions, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
- Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Your ship during the voyage
MS Ushuaia on a journey Eric Giuliani
MS Ushuaia on an Antarctic voyage
Antarctica-South Polar Circle-MS Ushuaia-Iceberg2
Bizarre icebergs
Antarctica-classic-South Georgia-MS Ushuaia-landscape-Weisheng Lin
Antarctic landscape
Antarctica-Classic-South Georgia-MS Ushuaia-Rockhopper Penguin
rockhopper penguin
Antarctica-Classic-South Georgia-MS Ushuaia-Grytviken-Monika Schillat
Church of Grytviken
Antarctica-Classic-South Georgia-MS Ushuaia-Gentoo penguins
gentoo penguins
Antarctica-classic-South Georgia-MS Ushuaia-king penguin-chicks-Filip Kulisev
King penguin and chicks
Falkland Islands_South Georgia_South Georgia Fur Seal Colony_Poseidon Expeditions
Fur seal colony on the coast of South Georgia
Antarctica-Classic-South Georgia-MS Ushuaia-Seals
Seal in the snow
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Whale
humpback whale
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Land Excursion-Eric Giuliani
land excursion
Antarctica-Classic Antarctica-Ushuaia-Zodiac excursion-Eric Giuliani
Zodiac trip
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