[Antarctic Wiki] Travel region: The Grand Tour

Greetings, polar pioneers,

In the third part of our presentation of travel regions in Antarctica, we take you on the "Grand Tour" today, which leads to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney, and the Weddell Sea.

Strictly speaking, the three island groups of South Georgia, South Orkney, and the Falklands are not part of Antarctica.

Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are located approximately 500 kilometers east of Argentina in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean – and therefore not in Antarctica at all. However, due to their unique location, significance, and wildlife, they are visited by some Antarctic tours. They gained notoriety in 1982 when Great Britain, under Margaret Thatcher, won the Falklands War against Argentina.

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.

Breathtaking scenery, a hospitable culture steeped in tradition, and above all, rich wildlife combine to create a unique overall picture.

Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands and almost more British than the mother country. The inhabitants are traditional and hospitable. Approximately 1,300 people live here, which is three quarters of the total population.

Stanley itself is easy to explore on foot. There are several shops at the harbor, as well as pubs, souvenir shops, a church, and an interesting museum about the Falklands War of 1982. On your walk, you can enjoy colorful roofs and well-kept gardens.

Further shore excursions are possible on New Island, home to elephant seals and numerous seals, gentoo penguins, and the impressive black-browed albatrosses.

Magellanic and gentoo penguins are often seen on Carcass Island. On Steeple Jason Island, you will visit the world's largest black-browed albatross colony.

On Saunders Island, black-browed albatrosses breed alongside rockhopper, Magellanic, gentoo, and—in a small colony—king penguins.

The Grand Tour – a once-in-a-lifetime experience | © Oceanwide Expeditions

Sample itinerary: Grand expedition tour including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula

The expedition cruise lasts 19, 21, or 23 days and begins inPuerto Madryn to Ushuaia or from/to Ushuaia. You will travel to Antarctica in a wide arc. You will see many different species of penguins and pass three of the world's largest breeding grounds for southern elephant seals. The route also takes you past abandoned whaling stations and Argentine research stations.From the easternWeddell Sea, you will reach theAntarctic Peninsula. The journey continues across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia.

Sample trip: The ultimate nature expedition

This 21-day Antarctic expedition also departs from/returns to Ushuaia via the route described above –Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands to the Antarctic Peninsula. Book the additional photo tour (free of charge) or sea kayaking trips (at extra cost) during the trip.

South Georgia

The archipelago lies halfway between the southeast coast of Argentina and the Antarctic continent, approximately 1,400 kilometers east of the Falkland Islands. The island is 170 by 30 kilometers in size, mountainous and rugged. The snow-capped peaks reach a height of almost 3,000 meters. Over 160 glaciers flow into the sea. The beaches are populated by giant elephant seals.

The settlement of Grytviken was the center of the whaling industry in the South Atlantic. Here you can visit the interesting South Georgia Museum and the 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 albatrosses, 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!

> Read our detailed blog post about South Georgia

Sample itinerary: Classic South Georgia

On this Antarctic expedition, you will land as often as possible at penguin colonies and research stations, as well as observe various species of whales, seals, penguins, and seabirds. And, of course, you will follow in the footsteps of explorers and former whalers.

Southern Orkney Islands

Geographically speaking, the South Orkney Islands lie just within 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 Galapagos 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.

If weather conditions permit, you can visit the Argentine research station "Orcadas" here. The friendly station staff will show you how people live and work here.

The Weddell Sea

The Weddell Sea is known for its impressive pack ice floes and table mountains, glaciated islands, the enormous Ronne Ice Shelf, large colonies of sophisticated emperor penguins, and the Brown Bluff volcano.

On some expedition trips, you can explore this unique region from above on panoramic flights in the onboard helicopter over huge, blue pack icebergs.

The Endurance, the ship of the famous polar explorer Shackleton, was trapped in ice in the Weddell Sea in 1915 and crushed. After 15 months in the pack ice, Shackleton and his men reached Elephant Island and eventually returned safely.

Sample itinerary: Weddell Sea – In search of the emperor penguin (including helicopter)

Embark on this unique expedition cruise in search of Adélie, gentoo, and emperor penguins, which you can get up close and personal with. The helicopter flights offer a special highlight of this trip, providing breathtaking views of the bizarre ice deserts. And with a little luck, you may even land in places that are otherwise inaccessible.

Sample itinerary: Weddell Sea

The journey takes you from Ushuaia and the South Shetland Islands to the Weddell Sea. Take Zodiac excursions to remote bays. Land at research stations and penguin colonies. The route takes you via Deception Island, through theGerlach Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, also known as "Kodak Gap." On the way back, you will cross the wild Drake Passage.

Would you like to take the grand tour? We will advise you on the right offer for you.

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With polar regards,

Yours, Stephanie Gräf