Malvinas, Geórgia do Sul e Antártica: aventura com a fauna antártica

Your expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, gateway to Tierra del Fuego, before sailing through the Beagle Channel and crossing the Drake Passage toward the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Exploration continues amid the wildlife-rich landscapes of Elephant Island and the Gerlache Strait, with opportunities to set foot on the Antarctic continent. From there, you voyage northeast across the Scotia Sea to the remarkable wilderness of South Georgia, famed for its vast king penguin colonies and historic Grytviken. Sailing onward through the Southern Ocean, you reach the Falkland Islands, including Stanley and its surrounding outer islands teeming with seabirds and penguins. The journey concludes with a northbound crossing of the South Atlantic Ocean, ending in vibrant Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Dia 1 (9 de março): Chegada a Ushuaia, Argentina (noite no hotel)

Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our Antarctic expedition! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this vibrant port city and adventure hub.

For an introduction to local history and wildlife, the interesting Museo del Fin del Mundo is worth a visit. If you have time to spare, a variety of nature activities can be arranged to suit all interests and fitness levels, from hiking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to wildlife viewing in the Beagle Channel. For dinner, Ushuaia offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Patagonian lamb and delectable Fuegian seafood.

Dia 2 (10 de março): bem-vindo a bordo!

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia. Explore the delightful waterfront and savor views of the snowcapped Martial Range, the southernmost peaks of the Andes. Take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, the many cafés, parrillas and gelato shops on Avenida San Martín will be sure to satisfy any appetite.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.

Dias 3 e 4 (11 e 12 de março): Passagem de Drake

After passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we turn south to begin our crossing of the Drake Passage. The majestic wandering albatross and other graceful subantarctic seabirds are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks and balconies. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. We hope to arrive in the South Shetland Islands on the evening of our second day at sea.

Dias 5 a 8 (13 a 16 de março): Ilhas Shetland do Sul e Península Antártica

Within the next days, we explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.

The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first sight of land. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter of 1916. We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. Here we have a chance to land on the continent of Antarctica.

Throughout this area, we find large colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. This a great time for close encounters with inquisitive penguin chicks, who are now gaining independence as they fledge. This is also the peak of the whale-watching season. Having gorged themselves on krill all summer, humpback and minke whales become more playful and obliging to Zodiacs and kayakers. Crabeater and Weddell seals are joined by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals. The skies are full of newly fledged seabirds.

Antarctica is a true wilderness with unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which will dictate our route and exploration opportunities. With more than 14 hours of daylight per day, we seize every chance to experience excellent wildlife viewing and amazing scenery via Zodiac cruises and shore excursions.

Dias 9 e 10 (17 e 18 de março): Mar de Scotia

We now proceed northeast through the wildlife-rich waters of the Scotia Sea. We keep a lookout for abundant humpback and fin whales along the way. Briefings, bio-security procedures and presentations by our lecture staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia

Dias 11 a 14 (19 a 22 de março): Ilha Geórgia do Sul

The next five days will be devoted to the exploration of the unique and spectacular wilderness of South Georgia, home to some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. This isolated subantarctic island is said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, shags, skuas, gulls and terns. Among these is one of the largest flying birds in the world—the wandering albatross. Here you have a rare opportunity to witness part of their remarkable life cycle. While most seabird chicks are already fledging, wandering albatross chicks are only now hatching in grassy nests overlooking the wild Southern Ocean.

On South Georgia’s legendary beaches, king penguins are gathered in huge colonies that stretch from sandy shorelines to the foothills of glaciated mountains. Also at this time, hundreds of thousands of macaroni penguin chicks are getting ready to head out to sea. Rare birds such as the endemic South Georgia pipit and yellow-billed pintail round out the list of 78 bird species found across the territory. The successfully completed rat eradication program has made this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.

South Georgia is also home to staggering numbers of elephant seals and fur seals. At this time, thousands of fat elephant seal pups are lounging around on shore while mobs of rambunctious fur seal pups take to the water. Once hunted nearly to extinction, large whales have returned to the bountiful seas surrounding South Georgia. With the whalers long gone, the historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum. Here you will also find the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, heroic polar explorer and leader of the Endurance expedition.

In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. There are many opportunities for guided treks through this raw and untamed wilderness, including the legendary Shackleton Walk. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of South Georgia offer the chance to paddle with hordes of seals and penguins in some of the world’s most scenic waterways.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our precise route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather in this wild and remote corner of the world. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions and circumstances at hand. You can be sure that we will take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this challenging environment.

Dias 15 e 16 (23 e 24 de março): Oceano Austral

We sail west toward the Falkland Islands. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Pelagic seabirds are our constant companions as we keep a vigilant watch for dolphins and whales in these productive waters.

Dias 17 e 18 (25 e 26 de março): Ilhas Malvinas

On these days we intend to come alongside the wharf at Stanley, the historic capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, various war memorials, quality gift shops and charming pubs. Christ Church Cathedral features an impressive whalebone arch and dramatic views of shipwrecks in the harbor.

We also plan to offer an excursion to Gypsy Cove, a national nature reserve where white sand beaches are frequented by numerous bird species, including the endemic Falklands flightless steamer duck. Here you can also see Magellanic penguins, whose chicks have fledged and are making a tentative start to their lives at sea. At this time, you may even find groups of sea lions hauled out on shore.

We continue our exploration of the Falklands in the isolated outlying islands. These bleakly beautiful isles are havens for wildlife. Large colonies of seabirds, perched on windy bluffs overlooking azure seas, are easily accessible by hiking over lush meadows. At this time, black-browed albatross soar down from above while feisty rockhopper penguins leap up surf-battered cliffs from below to feed their large chicks amongst the tussocks.

On nearby beaches, gentoo penguin chicks are starting to fledge while adult king penguins and chicks of all ages are getting ready to brave the austral winter. Just offshore, you may see Peale’s dolphins and even killer whales patrolling the coasts. A wide range of land birds, including the endemic Cobb’s wren and inquisitive striated caracara, contribute to an abundance of wildlife that will leave nature lovers breathless.

Dias 19 a 22 (27 a 30 de março): Oceano Atlântico Sul

The ocean breezes grow warmer as we sail north through the South Atlantic Ocean. As we enter deeper waters, we keep a keen lookout for killer whales, blue whales, sei whales, and southern right whales gliding through the waves. These final days at sea promise to be especially lively and memorable! Enjoy fascinating lectures from our expedition experts, test your knowledge in a fun polar-themed quiz, and share stories and laughter with the new friends you’ve made along the way. It’s also time for our traditional festivities — the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow — a perfect celebration of everything we’ve discovered together.

Dia 23 (31 de março): Desembarque em Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Right after the disembarkation, we provide a group transfer to Ezeiza (EZE) - International Airport or central location in Buenos Aires. As you look back on your wonderful experience, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!

Note: we recommend to schedule your return flight from Buenos Aires (EZE) with a departure time that is not earlier than 7pm.

O que está incluído

• 1 pre-voyage night at the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Hotel, where you can relax in a warm jacuzzi with stunning views.
• Welcome to Ushuaia! We’ll meet you at the airport and provide a group transfer to the hotel on the day before embarkation.
• Traslado em grupo até o navio para o embarque no Dia 2.
• Acomodação aconchegante a bordo do elegante Sea Spirit, sua casa longe de casa.
• Todas as taxas da IAATO, impostos governamentais e taxas portuárias estão incluídos, para você viajar sem preocupação.
• Refeições gourmet deliciosas preparadas pelo nosso chef durante toda a viagem.
• Estação de chá e café 24 horas, com biscoitos para uma rápida reposição de energia.
• Desembarques e excursões programados (se o tempo permitir) para explorar paisagens de tirar o fôlego.
• Liderança especializada do nosso experiente líder de expedição e de uma equipe de expedição de primeira.
• Uma elegante parka da marca Poseidon Expeditions para levar para casa como lembrança.
• Botas de borracha confortáveis para os desembarques durante o cruzeiro.
• Coquetéis de boas-vindas e de despedida para celebrar a viagem com os outros viajantes.
• Traslado em grupo ao aeroporto ou a um ponto central logo após o desembarque.
• Material completo pré-embarque para preparar você para a sua aventura.
• Um diário de viagem digital com fotos e um vídeo memorável do fotógrafo da expedição.
• Wi-Fi a bordo para você ficar conectado durante a viagem.

Itinerary, landings, and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

O que não está incluído

• Passagem aérea até o porto de embarque.
• Taxas de visto (se aplicável)
• Despesas pessoais, como lavanderia e ligações telefônicas.
• Seguro obrigatório de evacuação de emergência com cobertura mínima de US$ 200.000 por pessoa.
• Gorjetas para a equipe.
• Atividades opcionais, como caiaque e acampamento, têm disponibilidade limitada e precisam ser reservadas separadamente, com custo adicional.

É necessário um sinal não reembolsável de 20% do valor da cabine correspondente para confirmar a reserva do cruzeiro de expedição. O pagamento final (80%) vence 90 dias antes da partida. Os pagamentos podem ser feitos por transferência bancária (forma de pagamento preferida) ou cartão de crédito. Todos os pagamentos devem ser feitos na moeda combinada indicada na fatura.