Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Antarctica, Falkland Islands & South Georgia Adventure Cruising
Day 1 Depart through the Beagle Channel
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Tierra del Fuego, also known as "The End of the World," is an archipelago off the southern tip of South America. At its southern end sits Ushuaia, Argentina—considered the southernmost city on the planet. From this small resort town, you will sail into the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel, named for the HMS Beagle, the ship that carried explorer and naturalist Charles Darwin to the Galapagos. Grab a drink from the bar and watch the scenery glide by as you kick off this momentous adventure.
Accommodation: m/v Ortelius
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Day 2 Birdwatch from the Deck en route to the Falklands
As you cruise from Ushuaia toward the Falkland Islands, the open sea is punctuated by birdlife. You may spot several species of albatross, including the magnificent wandering albatross, gliding effortlessly in the ship's wake, riding the strong westerly winds. They're joined by storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels, each adapted to thrive in the turbulent Southern Ocean. This stretch of the voyage is set against a backdrop of rolling waves and endless sky. It sets the tone for the wild beauty that awaits in the Falkland Islands.
Accommodation: m/v Ortelius
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Discover the Wildlife of the Falkland Islands
Zodiac excursion or shore landing
The Falkland Islands are largely unknown gems offering an abundance of wildlife. Not only do various species of bird live here, but chances are great you'll see both Peale's dolphins and Commerson's dolphins in the surrounding waters. Possible excursions for today include: Carcass Island Despite its name, this island is pleasantly rodent-free. It is bounteous with birdlife as well as many endemic species. Anything from breeding Magellanic penguins and gentoos to numerous waders and passerine birds (including Cobb's wrens and tussock-birds) live here. Saunders Island Here you can see the black-browed albatross and its sometimes-clumsy landings, along with breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. King penguins, Magellanic penguins, and gentoos are also found on Saunders Island.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Travel through History in Stanley, East Falkland
Shore landing
The capital of the Falklands and center of its culture, Stanley is a great place to enjoy some Victorian-era charm: colorful houses, well-tended gardens, and English-style pubs abound here. You can also see several century-old clipper ships nearby, silent witnesses to the hardships of 19th century sailors. The local museum is worth a visit and offers free admission, covering the early days of settlement up to the Falklands War. Approximately 2,500 people currently live in Stanley. The Falkland archipelago's sovereignty is in dispute between the UK and Argentina to this day. Currently the islands are under UK rule after a ten-week conflict in 1982.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Explore the Hidden Gems of the South Falklands
Zodiac excursion or shore landing
The seldom visited southern islands are a rare treat, and conditions permitting, you'll get a thorough tour of their rugged beauty. This area is a haven for wildlife of many types, especially birdlife. George Island and Barren Island in particular support more than 40 bird species, along with roughly 650 pairs of southern giant petrels. You also have a good chance of spotting elephant seals and southern sea lion colonies on these remote shores.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Cross the Antarctic Convergence
Departing the Falklands, cruise to South Georgia, also a UK territory. During this navigation you will cross the Antarctic Convergence, where the cold dense polar waters sink and flow northward, creating an upwelling of warmer water. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Arrive at South Georgia & Trace Shackleton’s Steps
Zodiac excursion or shore landing
Known as the "Serengeti of the Southern Ocean," South Georgia is a wildlife paradise—home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, elephant seals, and albatross. Add dramatic glaciers, towering peaks, and rich Shackleton history, and it's one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Please keep in mind that weather conditions in this area can be challenging, largely dictating the program here. The descriptions of the following days may be changed due to local conditions during your visit. Fortuna Bay A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. Here you may also have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton's route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton's Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Visit with King Penguins & Antarctic Fur Seals
Zodiac excursion or shore landing
Your captain will choose the best sites to experience the plentiful wildlife of this incredible island on Zodiac and shore excursions. Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they're also three of the world's largest breeding beaches for Antarctic fur seals. Literally millions of these animals breed on South Georgia during December and January, but only during the mid-season do they peak in their breeding cycle. You may also see some young adult elephant seals as well as this season's "weaners" young elephant seals that have been left to fend for themselves. Watch your step and stay calm when walking the beaches during this time.
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Pair History & Wildlife on Your Final Day in South Georgia
Zodiac excursion or shore landing
Make one last excursion on your fourth day in the wilds of South Georgia Island, where there is no such thing as too many penguins. Grytviken In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place—because they basically do. Here you might be able to see the fascinating South Georgia Museum as well as visit Shackleton's grave. Depending on the conditions, you will start sailing toward the South Orkney Islands in the afternoon.
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Enjoy the Sights & Sounds of a Day at Sea
As you cruise from South Georgia to the remote South Orkney Islands, the Southern Ocean grows colder and wilder. Sea ice may begin to appear on the horizon—silent, drifting slabs that mark your steady approach to Antarctica. Along the ice edge, you may spot south polar skuas and graceful snow petrels may join the albatrosses, shearwaters, and storm petrels already trailing the ship. The air turns crisp, the skies vast and pale, and each passing hour brings you deeper into the polar world.
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Explore the Southern Orkney Islands
Zodiac excursion or shore landing
Arriving at this relatively unknown archipelago, also in dispute between Argentina and Britain, your captain will determine the best place for a visit based on local conditions. You might visit Orcadas Base, an Argentine research station on Laurie Island in the South Orkney archipelago. The personnel will happily show you their facility, where you can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding glaciers. If a visit isn't possible, perhaps you will land at Coronation Island's Shingle Cove. This area is home to a large colony of Adelie penguins as well as other polar birdlife.
(B, L, D)
Day 14 Voyage to Antarctica
Zodiac excursion or shore landing (possible)
As you leave the South Orkney Islands behind and head toward the Antarctic Peninsula, the scenery becomes truly spectacular. Towering icebergs drift across the horizon, their vast shapes glowing in the polar light. Keep watch for fin whales surfacing through the icy waters—this stretch offers one of your best chances to see these giants up close. Antarctic petrels may also make an appearance, soaring gracefully among the other seabirds that follow the ship. With anticipation building, this final sea leg offers a chance to reflect on what you've experienced so far as you look forward to the next chapter. If conditions allow, make your first excursion to the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of Day 15.
(B, L, D)
Day 16 Enter the Enchanting Weddell Sea & Explore
Antarctica's weather is renowned for its unpredictability, but that's part of the adventure. Flexibility allows you to seize the best opportunities for exploration as they arise, often leading to special experiences not found on the itinerary. If the ice conditions permit, today you'll sail into the Weddell Sea. Here colossal tabular icebergs herald your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Paulet Island, with its large population of Adelie penguins, is a possible stop. You might also visit Brown Bluff, located in the icy Antarctic Sound, where you just might get the chance to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself!
(B, L, D)
Day 17 Marvel at the Antarctic Peninsula
Zodiac excursion or shore landing
If conditions aren't favorable to enter the Weddell Sea from the east, the ship will set course for Elephant Island and head into the Bransfield Strait, between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Here you can attempt to access the stunning Antarctic Sound from the northwest. As you navigate into the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, the Antarctic Peninsula begins to reveal its full majesty. Towering glaciers, snow-draped peaks, and scattered icebergs create a breathtaking panorama in every direction. The Bransfield Strait, separating the South Shetland Islands from the mainland, often teems with wildlife—keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, and crabeater seals. Entering the narrower, more sheltered Gerlache Strait feels like gliding into a dreamscape of mirror-like waters and sculpted ice. This iconic passage is one of the most scenic routes in Antarctica, offering unforgettable views and ideal conditions for wildlife encounters and Zodiac excursions. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
(B, L, D)
Day 18 Cross the Drake Passage
As you cross the Drake Passage, named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake, on your return to Ushuaia, your sense of wonder remains undimmed. The ocean stretches endlessly, but you're not alone—albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters reappear, dancing on the wind as they did on your journey south. This time, they feel more familiar, friends you've made along the way. It's a time for reflection, for sharing stories, and for savoring the final moments of an extraordinary adventure. The Drake may be wild, but its beauty lingers, just like the memories you've collected on this adventure of a lifetime.
(B, L, D)
Day 20 Disembark in Ushuaia
Today you disembark in Ushuaia, taking home priceless memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
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