A fascinating expedition exploring the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula, home to an abundance of wildlife.
Enjoy a hotel stay in the Chilean capital of Santiago or lively Buenos Aires (selected departures), before flying to Ushuaia to join your ship. Cruise to the remote Falklands archipelago, calling at New Island, home to a colony of southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatross and imperial shags, before continuing to picturesque Grave Cove, named after the whalers' graves. You'll then spend two days in South Georgia, with possible landings including Gold Harbour, Fortuna Bay and Salisbury Plain.
An unforgettable three days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula awaits. Zodiac excursions allow you to get up close to dramatic glaciers and colonies of penguins basking on the shores. Accompanied by naturalist guides, this voyage promises to be a unique experience.
CP715 Operated by Ponant Luxury and Expedition
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The Great Austral Loop Itinerary
Day 1 - Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Check in to your hotel and spend the day at leisure.
Day 2 - Buenos Aires - Ushuaia
Take a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and embark your ship.
Day 3 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea
Day 4 - New Island - Grave Cove (Falklands)
New Island is located in the far west of the Falklands archipelago. The island is a nature reserve and home to a variety of bird species as well as sea lions and fur seals. A pathway showcases the moorlands and takes you into the heart of a southern rockhopper penguin colony. Later, head to Grave Cove on the northern edge of the rugged Falkland Islands. It is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins.
Days 5-6 - At sea
Enjoy the facilities on board during days at sea.
Days 7-9 - Gold Harbour - Fortuna Bay - Salisbury Plain (South Georgia)
Head to South Georgia, home to an abundance of wildlife, including Gentoo penguins and fur seals. You might get to see the glaciers of Gold Harbour, and visit Fortuna Bay, named after the ship Fortuna used in a whaling expedition. It may also be possible to land at Sailsbury Plain, home to thousands of king penguins, elephant seals and fur seals.
Days 10-11 - At sea
Spend two days at sea.
Days 12-14 - Antarctic Peninsula (Antarctica)
Spend an unforgettable three days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. You'll be surrounded by spectacular glaciers and exceptional wildlife, including penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels. Based on ice conditions, the Captain and Expedition Leader will suggest Zodiac outings and landings.
Days 15-16 - Drake Passage
Cruise the famous Drake Passage between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands.
Day 17 - Ushuaia (Argentina) - Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Disembark your ship in Ushuaia and take a short flight to Buenos Aires
The final route will be confirmed by the ship’s Captain with priority being given to passenger safety. Pack ice may force the Captain to change course at the last minute. His decision will be based on advice from expert pilots who are present on board in South Georgia and Antarctica. Zodiac landings will be dependent on the weather conditions, the ice, the wind and the sea state.