Solar Eclipse in Antarctica with Falklands and South Georgia
A special departure of our Antarctica, Falkland Islands and South Georgia itinerary will see Sea Spirit positioned for optimal viewing of the total solar eclipse.
In the Falkland Islands, where birdlife abounds, we discover easily accessible albatross and penguin rookeries on idyllic island farmsteads. In South Georgia, amidst the dramatic Southern Ocean seascape, we find world-famous wildlife beaches thronged with jousting elephant seals, raucous fur seals, and stately king penguins.
In the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula we explore a pristine polar wilderness of singular beauty, complete with bustling penguin colonies, dauntless seals, and voracious whales. On this ultimate wildlife expedition, each destination is more amazing than the last.
Day 1 | Ushuaia, Argentina |
Day 2 | Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina |
Day 3 | South Atlantic Ocean |
Days 4 to 6 | Falkland Islands |
Days 7 & 8 | Southern Ocean |
Days 9 to 13 | South Georgia Island |
Days 14 & 15 | Total Solar Eclipse in the Scotia Sea |
Days 16 & 17 | Southern Ocean |
Days 18 to 20 | South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula |
Days 21 & 22 | Crossing the Drake Passage |
Day 23 | Disembarkation in Ushuaia |
Includes 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia
Day 1 — Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and starting point of our expedition. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage. For the rest of the day you are free to explore the city. Take advantage of souvenir shopping and a variety of dining options in the city center.
Day 2 — Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
In the afternoon we provide a group transfer to the pier and welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Antarctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail toward a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through the Beagle Channel on our first evening is wonderful and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.
Day 3 — South Atlantic Ocean
After transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we head northeast toward the Falkland Islands. We keep a lookout for marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. The ship’s stabilizing fins provide comfort in the event of rough seas. Presentations by our experts prepare you for our arrival in the Falkland Islands.
Days 4 to 6 — Falkland Islands
The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate visiting one or more of the isolated outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. Fur seals and elephant seals can be found on sandy beaches while the waters in and around the archipelago are home to various whale and dolphin species. Our route and exploration opportunities are dependent on weather among these windswept islands.
We also intend to visit Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.
Days 7 & 8 — Southern Ocean
From the Falkland Islands we head east toward South Georgia, passing the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Briefings, bio-security procedures, and lectures from our expert staff prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
Days 9 to 13 — South Georgia Island
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place.
South Georgia is a scenic wilderness and an unrivaled paradise for subantarctic wildlife viewing. The islands are said to host upwards of 100 million seabirds, including numerous species of albatross, penguins, prions, petrels, and terns. On beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins including stately king penguins and sprightly macaroni penguins. The recently completed rat eradication program is sure to make this wilderness even more pristine and rich with birdlife.
The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer.
Our days in South Georgia are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough incredible scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.
Days 14 & 15 — Total Solar Eclipse in the Scotia Sea
As the time of the eclipse nears, we leave South Georgia and proceed southwest across the Scotia Sea toward Antarctica. The goal now is to get into perfect position for observing a total solar eclipse. To accomplish this remarkable feat, the captain will navigate the ship precisely onto the narrow path of totality—the relatively small area from which one can see the sun’s light become totally obscured by the moon—at the precise time of the predicted eclipse.
Essentially, we will try to meet the center of the moon’s shadow as it moves swiftly across the Scotia Sea during its rare and brief appearance in Antarctica. This may well bring us within sight of the Weddell Sea pack ice, adding a great polar ambiance to this amazing celestial event. With the advantage of sophisticated ice charts and meteorological forecasts—and a little luck—we will gather on deck in the early morning of Friday, December 4th, under clear skies to observe a total eclipse of the Antarctic sun in the most pristine wilderness on Earth.
Days 16 & 17 — Southern Ocean
After the mesmerizing spectacle of the solar eclipse, we continue west toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds including the majestic albatross are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or from exterior stateroom windows and balconies. We may also encounter enormous tabular icebergs drifting north from the Weddell Sea.
Days 18 to 20 — South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula region contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and some of Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Protected bays and narrow channels are surrounded by towering mountain peaks covered 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 a variety of whale and seal species. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large nesting colonies at special places on land. The area is also home to Antarctic research stations of various nationalities. Some stations have a gift shop and post office.
The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first sighting of land. This wild and beautiful island chain contains numerous landing sites with abundant wildlife and historical significance. Among them is Elephant Island, where men from Shackleton’s famous Endurance expedition spent the winter.
Farther south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, the gorgeous Gerlache Strait area contains sheltered bays, accessible wildlife, and stunning scenery. Places with names like Paradise Bay are the epitome of everything Antarctic: glaciated mountains, towering icebergs, feeding whales, seals on ice floes, and bustling penguin colonies. At the southern end of Gerlache Strait is the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Gap” because of the photogenic way the mountainous sides of the narrow channel are reflected in calm waters strewn with icebergs.
The wilderness of Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and ever-changing ice conditions, which dictate our route and exploration opportunities. This is a real expedition. We exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, amazing scenery and excursions via Zodiac.
Days 21 & 22 — Crossing the Drake Passage
From Antarctica we head north through the Drake Passage toward South America. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. This is also the time for our End of Voyage ceremonies including slideshow and farewell dinner.
Day 23 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia
After breakfast we say farewell in the city of Ushuaia, where we started. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!
* Itinerary may be subject to change
Per Person USD Rates Antarctica 2021-22 |
Triple Classic
|
Main Deck Suite
|
Classic Suite
|
Superior Suite
|
Deluxe Suite
|
Premium Suite
|
Owner's Suite
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kayak | $12,995 | $17,195 | $18,495 | $18,795 | $20,895 | $22,495 | $28,495 |
Camp, Kayak | $9,095 | $12,095Limited | $12,295 | $13,195 | $14,695 | $15,795 | $19,995 |
Kayak | $18,3951 Berth | $24,2951 Berth | $25,795Limited | $26,395Limited | $29,295Limited | $31,695Limited | $39,995 |
Camp, Kayak | $9,095Limited | $12,095 | $12,995 | $13,195 | $14,695 | $15,795 | $19,995 |
Camp, Kayak | $10,0951 Berth | $13,395 | $14,395 | $14,695 | $16,295 | $17,595 | $22,195 |
Kayak | $17,695 | $23,395 | $25,095 | $25,595 | $28,495 | $30,595 | $38,695 |
Camp, Kayak | $10,9951 Berth | $14,595Full | $15,695 | $15,995Full | $17,795 | $19,095 | $24,195 |
Camp, Kayak | $9,095 | $12,095 | $12,995 | $13,195 | $14,695 | $15,795 | $19,995 |
Camp, Kayak | $9,095Limited | $12,095 | $12,995 | $13,195 | $14,695 | $15,795 | $19,995 |
Kayak | $13,995 | $18,495 | $19,895 | $20,195 | $22,495 | $24,195 | $30,595 |
Free wi-fi for Antarctica 2021-22 Season.
Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at:
1.7 times the twin rate in Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites; and
2.0 times the twin rate in Deluxe, Premium and Owner Suites.
Cabin share is available only in the following categories: Triple Classic, Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites.
Adventure options: Kayaking - $795 for 10-15 day trips & $895 for longer trips (double kayaks only), Camping - $285. Adventure Options paid for at time of deposit.
Emergency Medical/Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 200,000 is required and is not included in the trip cost.
A fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings if there is a substantial increase in fuel costs.
Per Person USD Rates Antarctica 2022-23 |
Triple Classic
|
Main Deck Suite
|
Classic Suite
|
Superior Suite
|
Deluxe Suite
|
Premium Suite
|
Owner's Suite
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kayak Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $13,395$12,056 | $17,695$15,926 | $18,995$17,096 | $19,395$16,486 | $21,595$18,356 | $23,195$19,716 | $29,395$24,986 |
Kayak Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $15,295$13,766 | $20,195$18,176 | $21,695$19,526 | $22,095$18,781 | $24,595$20,906 | $26,395$22,436 | $33,395$28,386 |
Camp, Kayak Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $9,795$8,816 | $12,995$11,696 | $13,995$12,596 | $14,195$12,066 | $15,795$13,426 | $16,995$14,446 | $21,495$18,271 |
Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $9,795$8,816 | $12,995$11,696 | $13,995$12,596 | $14,195$12,066 | $15,795$13,426 | $16,995$14,446 | $21,495$18,271 |
Kayak Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $18,195$16,376 | $24,095$21,686 | $25,895$23,306 | $26,295$22,351 | $29,295$24,901 | $31,495$26,771 | $39,895$33,911 |
Camp, Photography Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $11,995$10,796 | $15,795$14,216 | $16,995$15,296 | $17,295$14,701 | $19,195$16,316 | $20,695$17,591 | $26,195$22,266 |
Camp, Kayak Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $9,395$8,456 | $12,395$11,156 | $13,395$12,056 | $13,595$11,556 | $15,095$12,831 | $16,295$13,851 | $20,595$17,506 |
Camp, Kayak Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $9,395$8,456 | $12,395$11,156 | $13,395$12,056 | $13,595$11,556 | $15,095$12,831 | $16,295$13,851 | $20,595$17,506 |
Kayak Save 15% on Superior, Deluxe, Premium, Owner's or 10% on Triple, Main, Classic (Prices in Red) Expires Jun 30th 2021 $250 Onboard Credit if booked by Dec 31st 2020 | $14,395$12,956 | $19,095$17,186 | $20,495$18,446 | $20,795$17,676 | $23,195$19,716 | $24,895$21,161 | $31,495$26,771 |
Free wi-fi.
Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at:
1.7 times the twin rate in Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites; and
2.0 times the twin rate in Deluxe, Premium and Owner Suites.
Cabin share is available only in the following categories: Triple Classic, Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites.
Adventure options: Kayaking - $795 for 10-15 day trips & $895 for longer trips (double kayaks only), Camping - $285. Adventure Options paid for at time of deposit.
Emergency Medical/Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 200,000 is required and is not included in the trip cost.
A fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings if there is a substantial increase in fuel costs.
Owner's Suite Super-spacious and elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person. 463 Sq.ft. (43 m2) |
|
Premium Suite Located on the Sun Deck, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer. 323 Sq.ft. (30 m2) |
|
Deluxe Suite Located on the Sports Deck and featuring balconies, choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer. 258 Sq.ft. (24 m2) |
|
Superior Suite Located on the Club Deck, these cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, hair dryer. 215 Sq.ft. (20 m2) |
|
Classic Suite These cabins are located on the Ocean Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control and hair dryer. 226 Sq.ft. (21 m2) |
|
Main Deck Suites These cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control and hair dryer. 248 Sq.ft. (23 m2) |
|
Triple Classic These staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on the Ocean Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer. 226 Sq.ft. (21 m2) |