Arriving in Buenos Aires, you begin your journey before flying to Puerto Madryn to board your expedition ship and sail toward the South Atlantic. Crossing rich wildlife waters, you reach the Falkland Islands, where remote shores and islands are filled with vast colonies of albatross, penguins, and other seabirds, along with marine life such as dolphins and whales. Continuing south across the Antarctic Convergence, you enter colder waters before arriving in South Georgia, a remote and dramatic island known for its dense wildlife populations and striking landscapes. After exploring this remarkable region, you sail back across the Southern Ocean toward South America, eventually passing through the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia, where the journey ends before returning to Buenos Aires .

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel package.

Day 2: Fly to Puerto Madryn and Embark
Following breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Puerto Madryn, in the Patagonian province of Chubut on Argentina’s stunning Atlantic coast. Upon arrival in Puerto Madryn, your checked bags will be transferred directly to your ship cabin, leaving you free to explore this lively Patagonian port town. As you stroll the shoreline, you may spot sea lions basking on the beach or catch sight of southern right whales offshore. Visit the local cafés and artisan markets for a taste of the region’s Welsh Argentine heritage. In the afternoon, we’ll gather for the group transfer to the port to board the ship. After check-in, you’ll be shown to your comfortable cabin— your home for the next 18 nights. Once you’ve settled in, your warm and friendly Expedition Team will introduce themselves and the ship, sharing important details about the voyage ahead. Expect an air of excitement as we set off toward the wildlife-rich sub-Antarctic islands of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

Day 3 & 4: At Sea: Getting to Know Your Ship and Fellow Travelers
From Puerto Madryn we set our course for Islas Malvinas, also known as the Falkland Islands, where we aim to dedicate at least three days to exploration. En route, we will transit rich waters that support an array of wildlife, and in these latitudes—between 42 and 51 degrees north—you may spot avian and marine species you might not see further south. Be sure to spend time on the outer decks taking in the open water, and keep your binoculars handy for any wildlife sightings. Your Expedition Team will host expert presentations about the Patagonian coastlines and the isolated wildlife hotspots of the Falklands and South Georgia. Time at sea also provides opportunities to slow down and relax, and spend time getting to know your fellow ship mates who have traveled from diverse countries around the globe—and who share your passion for wildlife and adventure. It’s not uncommon for guests to make lifelong friends. As we near the Falkland Islands (also known as Islas Malvinas) sometime in the evening of our second day at sea, you may notice an increase in seabirds, particularly albatrosses. We’ll set course for the farthest—and rarely visited—northwest islands in the archipelago. Some of these islands are annual nesting sites for tens of thousands of birds, including the black-browed albatross. While many eyes may be trained toward the horizon and above in search of birds, stay alert to signs of movement above and beneath the surface of the water. Peale’s, Commerson’s, and dusky dolphins can be seen here, along with the occasional baleen and long-finned pilot whale.

Day 5 to 7: The Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas)
With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Our destinations will depend entirely on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations that offer the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is the small, slender Steeple Jason, one of the most northwesterly islands in the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. It’s truly a sight to behold. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely see albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many other bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, create a striking contrast with the sharp ridgeline in the background. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station—overshadowed by vast wilderness. Steeple Jason offers a rare chance to feel truly remote amid a vast ecosystem alive with countless animals. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, this small island boasts coves with white sandy beaches sheltered from the open ocean, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, joined by Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins—each with its own distinct nesting style. Other common sightings include songbirds and the formidable striated caracara. Dolphins, including those in shallow waters, are frequently seen in the area, adding to the island’s remarkable wildlife encounters. Other wilderness destinations may include bird-rich West Point and Saunders Islands in the western Falklands. Saunders Island will amaze you with its long white-sand beaches, the northern shore stretching for kilometers and facing the open sea. It’s almost surreal— particularly if you’ve encountered penguins in ice-and snow-laden Antarctica on previous voyages—to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water along sandy stretches. There’s also a smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, sharing the gently sloped, grassy island with grazing sheep tended by the warm-hearted Saunders family. Look for Commerson’s dolphins, often spotted in the shallow waters near Saunders’ sandy beaches. West Point Island is another Falkland gem, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. From the rocky beach, a gentle walk (with slight elevation) leads through a picturesque meadow to a cliff where black-browed albatross nest. West Point Island is home to 2,000 breeding pairs. We’ll visit a small section of the colony for intimate views of albatross in their nests and soaring above the waters. The walk passes through grassy fields dotted with wildflowers, blending the domestic with the wild. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat for sweeping views, while others can travel by 4X4 to the colony and overlooks. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is also an exciting destination. Like Saunders and New islands, Carcass boasts stunning white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and the tussock grasses are especially impressive. Look overhead for peregrine falcons soaring high above. No visit to the Falklands is complete without a stop in its largest community—Stanley. Highlights include the museum (admission covered) and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Pop into a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or a pint while chatting with locals about life on this windswept sub-Antarctic island. Stanley has a distinct boundary—where residential streets end and open wilderness and sheep meadows begin to stretch into the horizon. We’ll set sail in early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to cover the 700+ nautical miles to our next destination: South Georgia.

Day 8 & 9: At Sea: Traversing the Antarctic Convergence
While at sea, we may become aware of our transit over the Antarctic Convergence, or Polar Front. This biological boundary marks where the South Atlantic meets the Southern Ocean, and we’ll notice the change as we cross it. Below the Convergence, the water is much colder; where it meets the warmer Atlantic, cloudy or foggy conditions often form. This mixing of currents creates an ideal foraging ground for a variety of birds and marine mammals. We’ll likely be accompanied by albatross, petrels, and shearwaters, and may spot whales—some species more often than others. Far from shore, we might see Antarctic fur seals. Seeing prions (part of the petrel family) and shags in greater numbers indicates we’re approaching South Georgia.

Day 10 to 15: South Georgia: Galapagos of the South Seas
With extended time in the Falklands, we’ll seek opportunities to visit seldom explored sites renowned for birdlife and beauty. Destinations will depend on weather and marine forecasts, as the outer Falklands are exposed to oceanic swells. We’ll choose locations offering the best—and safest—conditions for exploration. One such site is Steeple Jason, a small, slender island among the northwesterly reaches of the Falklands. Difficult to access, it has been featured in numerous wildlife documentaries for its prolific black-browed albatross colony—the largest in the world, with an estimated 100,000 to 180,000 breeding pairs. Their closely packed nests stretch for hundreds of meters along the shoreline, just beyond dense tussock grasses. Looking west to sea, you’ll likely spot albatross riding the wind. The walk to the colony crosses uneven terrain and impressive tussock grass, which provides critical habitat for many bird species. These vivid green grasses, rooted in rocky soil, contrast sharply with the rugged ridgeline beyond. Largely untouched by humans, Steeple Jason is home to a small shepherd’s outpost and a research field station, dwarfed by vast wilderness— an ideal place to feel truly remote. Our explorations may also take us to New Island, just over thirty nautical miles south of Steeple Jason. A paradise for birders, it features sheltered coves with white sandy beaches and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Falklands. Around 25,000 to 30,000 black-browed albatross nest here, alongside Magellanic, gentoo, and southern rockhopper penguins. Songbirds and striated caracara are common, and dolphins— including those in shallow waters—are frequently seen. Other wilderness destinations may include West Point Island and Saunders Island in the western Falklands. Saunders Island impresses with long white-sand beaches, its northern shore stretching for kilometers along the open sea. It’s almost surreal to watch gentoo, Magellanic, and southern rockhopper penguins making their way to the water across sandy stretches. A smaller colony of black-browed albatross nests on a nearby cliff, while grazing sheep, tended by the Saunders family, roam the grassy slopes. Look for Commerson’s dolphins in the shallows. West Point Island is another highlight, with vibrant green vegetation and blooming spring flowers. A gentle walk leads to a cliffside colony of about 2,000 breeding pairs of blackbrowed albatross. Energetic hikers may tackle Mt. Ararat, while others can travel by 4×4. Peale’s dolphins, Falkland steamer ducks, and striated caracara are often seen here. Carcass is another excellent destination. Like Saunders Island and New Island, it features white-sand beaches meeting the cold, blue waters of the South Atlantic. Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest here, and peregrine falcons are often seen overhead. No visit to the Falklands is complete without time in Stanley, its largest community. Highlights include the museum and the striking arch monument built from the jaws of blue whales. Visit a local restaurant or traditional British pub for Falkland fish and chips, or enjoy a pint while chatting with locals. We’ll set sail in the early afternoon for the 700+ nautical mile journey to South Georgia.

Day 16 to 19: At Sea: Starting the Journey Home
To say that South Georgia is remote would be an understatement, and as such, we’ll need to invest the necessary time to travel the more than 1,000 nautical miles on our return to South America. We’ll begin our westward journey through the Southern Ocean, crossing back over the Antarctic Convergence and passing near Burwood Bank—a shallow underwater plateau surrounded by deeper waters. All three of these dynamic regions can provide opportunities for bird-watching and marine mammal sightings, and we’ll feel the gradual shift from the chillier ecological Antarctic to the somewhat warmer environments of Tierra del Fuego. If the skies are clear and visibility is good, we might catch our first views of the South American mountains on the horizon well before nightfall. As with other regions we’ve visited, the shelves near the continent can be rich with birdlife and occasionally marine mammals—but the journey isn’t over quite yet. After dinner, we will sail west through the famous Beagle Channel on our approach to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Day 20: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires, which is part of your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.

Inclusions – RATES INCLUDE:

• An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
• Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
• All shore landings as per the daily program
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
• Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
• Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship

Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes:

Package valued at $1,045 USD is included in the expedition

• One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
• Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Puerto Madryn and returning flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires International airport (Ezeiza/EZE).
• Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
• Group transfer from Puerto Madryn airport to the ship, and group transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport upon your return. (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)

Exclusions – RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Charter Flight & Hotel Package* (when applicable – please review trip-specific details below)
• International airfare
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
• Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
• Phone charges may vary by location
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

To confirm reservations, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the net, discounted rate (minimum US$1000 per person) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. The deposit must be paid by major credit card, wire transfer, check or money order. For any bookings within 120 days of departure full payment is required. Deposit amounts may vary for special promotions and are subject to the promotion terms and conditions. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.

All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. QEI reserves the right to cancel any booking that is not paid within 120 days of departure or deny boarding on any unpaid balances.