Falklands & South Georgia
Luxury Falklands and South Georgia Vacations
Set 300 miles east of Patagonia, the Falkland Islands are home to an impressive array of wildlife, most notably the world’s largest colony of black-browed albatrosses and three species of penguins not found in Antarctica. Despite its proximity to South America, scientists believe the islands were once attached to the African continent, leading to theories that the archipelago’s flora and fauna arrived through dispersal. Southeast of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia forms a crescent-shaped landscape abundant in glaciers and sheer, rugged peaks believed to once be part of the greater Andean range of South America. Boasting one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on Earth, it’s estimated 30 million breeding birds call the island home—from 7 million penguins to 250,000 albatrosses—and half of the world’s population of southern elephant seals.
Featured Falkland & South Georgia Itinerary
Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise
Falkland & South Georgia Islands Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to travel to the Falkland & South Georgia Islands?
Summer in this region, as in Antarctica, runs from November through March, with January being the warmest month. However, there is no ‘best’ time to visit these areas, but rather depends on when you can travel and what your expectations are. Each month offers its unique experience and you are guaranteed to witness wildlife in whichever summer month you choose to visit.
November – This is the early season of the Antarctic summer. Penguins are plentiful and just ready for mating season. The penguins are building their nests and searching for their partners to start a family. Since the continent is just coming out of winter, icebergs are bigger and ice and snow are abundant. This is a great time for photographers wanting to capture those scenic icebergs.
December – This is the peak season for touring Antarctica, the Falklands and South Georgia. Temperatures are starting to get warmer and days are longer. Wildlife increases as penguin chicks begin to hatch, hungry humpback whales start arriving and seals are in their prime mating season. We recommend planning early for this month as it books quickly.
January – This is another peak of the summer season in Antarctica and its surroundings, and the warmest month. You will get face-to-face with newborn wildlife, as you witness penguin chicks being fed b their parents. Enjoy 20 hours of sunlight during this month, giving you more time to explore the seventh continent. With melted icebergs, new areas to explore on the zodiac become more accessible and journeys to the Polar Circle become feasible.
February – This is the best time for whale sightings during your zodiac journeys, with species including humpback, sperm, minke southern right and orca. Fur seals are also abundant at this time of the year. Say goodbye to the penguin chicks as they start fledging and learning to swim. We recommend this month for cruising beyond the Polar Circle as you are unlikely to encounter any issues with ice. It is also a beautiful time of the year for photographers to capture incredible landscape photography with the change in light.
March – ‘Tis the end of summer season. The penguin chicks are mature and ready for independence. Wildlife continues to be active, so whales and seal sightings remain abundant. Enjoy less ship sightings as less people travel to Antarctica and its surroundings during this month.
How do the Falkand & South Georgia Islands differ from Antarctica?
Both sub-Antarctic islands are known as meccas for wildlife with epic displays of colonies, home to unique wildlife and birdlife. There are penguin rookeries with more than 100,000 nesting birds, beaches are covered in fur seals, elephant seals are seen by an abundance, and albatross species are nesting and rearing their young. The islands also offer a rich historical legacy of the places you visit. For those that enjoy wildlife and expect to see a proliferation of penguins, the sub-Antarctic complements the Antarctic beautifully. After exploring the dramatic scenery of sandy dunes and rugged seabird cliffs, push south to the seventh frozen continent itself, Antarctica, a world of ice, snow and natural wonders.
Is there an air-cruise program to South Georgia?
South Georgia is a 2 day sail from its nearest neighbor, the Falkland islands, making it a rather remote destination that is challenging to get to. With no airstrip, the island is only accessible by smaller expedition ships (around 100 passengers). Most itineraries that include a visit to South Georgia, set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina or begin by flying to The Falklands and sailing from there. Alternatively, you may do an air-cruise program into Antarctica and then sail up to South Georgia Island, followed by disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina. This program, known as the Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise, offers the flight on one leg which minimizes time sailing and avoiding the potential turbulent seas of the Drake Passage.
16 days / 15 nights
Discover the icy wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, followed by tracing the path of Shackleton's expedition to South Georgia. Get immersed amongst thousands of king penguins and learn about the rich historical legacy of the places you will visit.