Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle with Pati Stucki

The Ultimate Southern Experience

February 9 to March 2, 2028

A nine-person group led by naturalist Pati Stucki

Our most expansive and varied polar journey invites you deep into the Southern Ocean. Walk the windswept history of the Falklands/Malvinas, step onto South Georgia’s wild, cliff-lined shores, and stand before beaches alive with fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, one of the most astonishing wildlife spectacles on Earth. Trace the legacy of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration before sailing south to the Antarctic Peninsula, where sculpted icebergs, calving glaciers, busy penguin colonies, and possible whale encounters define each day. If conditions allow, we cross 66°33’S at the Antarctic Circle and raise a glass to this luminous continent and the rare privilege of having experienced it fully.

The Wildlife

The Southern Ocean islands and surrounding waters support astonishing concentrations of wildlife, from vast penguin colonies and breeding albatrosses to elephant seals and fur seals hauled out along the shores. Offshore, nutrient-rich seas attract whales, dolphins, and seabirds in remarkable numbers, creating some of the most wildlife-dense environments on Earth. Along the Antarctic Peninsula, icy coastlines and pack ice host penguins, seals, and feeding whales, offering unforgettable encounters shaped by extreme conditions and seasonal abundance.

The History

The human history of the Falkland Islands (Falklands/Malvinas), South Georgia, and the South Shetland Islands is brief but intense, shaped by exploration, sealing, whaling, science, and occasional geopolitical conflict. From early European navigators and sealing camps to South Georgia’s industrial whaling era and the South Shetlands’ role in Antarctic research, human presence here was often rugged and fleeting. Today, these islands stand as reminders of human ambition—and of the responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Southern Ocean.

Naturalist Pati Stucki

Born and raised in eastern Switzerland, Patricia “Pati” Stucki developed an early love for nature through long hours spent outdoors, observing wildlife and moving through forests on foot and horseback. Her early curiosity for the natural world later found expression in journalism, where writing for Swiss news agencies and magazines deepened her fascination with travel, ecology, and natural history.

Pati has been guiding in the Galápagos for nearly 30 years and is a longtime guest favorite, known for her warmth, deep knowledge of wildlife, and contagious enthusiasm. On this journey, she brings that same passion for conservation and connection to her role as tour leader, guiding guests through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica, in close collaboration with the ship’s expert expedition team.

A dedicated photographer both on land and underwater, Pati is also an active conservation advocate. She speaks fluent English, Spanish, German, and French, and has a remarkable ability to help travelers engage meaningfully with the natural world, wherever the journey leads.

The Polar Expedition Ship
Ocean Albatros

Spacious staterooms with all the amenities, Ocean Albatros, is designed for boutique luxury expeditions. Ocean Albatros features a next-generation X-Bow design offering a smoother ride. Multiple observation decks, two Jacuzzis, a fitness center, and a host of modern amenities ensure your Antarctic adventure is enjoyed to the fullest. Learn more about Ocean Albatros »

Your Itinerary

FEB 09 | Ushuaia

At the southern tip of Argentina and the hub of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia sits between the sea and the mountains, shaped by wind, water, and a spirit of exploration. Framed by Ushuaia Bay and the Martial Mountains, it looks out over the Beagle Channel and distant islands. Just beyond town, wilderness unfolds in lenga forests, clear rivers and lakes, and wide, quiet valleys.

During the voyage of the Beagle in the 1830s, Tierra del Fuego left a strong impression on Charles Darwin. Darwin wrote extensively about the region’s geology, flora, fauna, and glacial features, and his observations there helped shape his thinking about natural selection, adaptation, and the relationship between humans and their environments.

You will have time to explore this charming town and area this afternoon and tomorrow, and you’ll have an evening briefing for your upcoming adventure.

Hotel: Arakur Hotel and Resort

FEB 10 | Ushuaia and Embarkation

Continue to explore Ushuaia. In the mid-afternoon, transfer to the Ocean Albatros. Once on board, you’ll be greeted by the expedition team and the ship’s officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery as the ship makes its way through the Beagle Channel out to sea.

FEB 11 | Southern Ocean

As you sail east to the Falkland Islands, watch for albatross, prions, and petrels that frequently follow the ship. Your expedition team will be out on deck as well, looking for whales and dolphins. Presentations will commence with informative talks on the wildlife, history, and geology of the Falkland Islands and Southern Ocean. There will be a mandatory briefing on the environmental and safety regulations and procedures that must be followed on all Antarctic expeditions. All presentations will be held in the main lounge.

FEB 12 | West Falklands

The westernmost outposts in the Falklands consist of remote farms that have been family-run for six or seven generations. Sheep graze alongside albatross colonies, Rockhopper, King, and Magellanic penguin rookeries. Striated caracaras patrol overhead while upland geese graze at the water’s edge. A visit to one of these homesteads often includes an invitation for cakes and a cup of tea.

FEB 13 | Stanley, East Falkland

The sheltered harbor of Stanley is easy to discover on foot, as most shops are located around the port. The museum, post office, shops, and lively pubs are all available to enjoy. For those focused on wildlife, there are sea lions, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins in the harbor, as well as abundant bird life in nearby Gypsy Cove.

FEB 14 - 15 | Southern Ocean

There will be more wildlife spotting as you make your way southeast, across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. Shipboard presentations continue featuring the exciting history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia.

FEB 16 - 18 | South Georgia

South Georgia is home to tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Magnificent mountain scenery, glaciers, and a rugged coastline make South Georgia a photographer’s paradise. Landing sites feature huge Elephant seals, aggressive fur seals, Gentoo penguins, albatross, petrels, skuas, and gulls. The premier attraction, however, is the King Penguins, who converge on this island every year to breed and raise their chicks by the hundreds of thousands. You’ll visit historic Grutviken whaling station, home to the whaling museum, Norwegian seamen’s church, and the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

FEB 19-20 | Scotia Sea

Heading farther south, you’ll continue to enjoy informative and entertaining presentations, and watch for wildlife as icebergs become more abundant.

FEB 21 -25 | South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

You’ll cruise the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, stopping to explore in greater detail by inflatable Zodiac boats. The aim is to visit scenic bays and channels, historic or active science stations, and to stop at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies, and whale-feeding areas. Your specific itinerary will depend on weather, ice, and opportunity, as determined by your expedition leader and captain.

FEB 26-27 | Antarctic Circle

Venturing this far south is a rare privilege, as few expeditions reach these latitudes. You glide through the famed Lemaire Channel, icebergs in every luminous shape and size, anticipation building as you approach 66°33’S. Along the way, a sweeping 360-degree panorama of sea, ice, and sky guides you toward the legendary Antarctic Circle. You pause to take in the raw stillness of the moment. If the Circle welcomes you, a celebratory toast awaits, marking a crossing that, though not a landing, becomes one of travel’s most unforgettable milestones.

FEB 28 | South Shetlands

Put your penguin knowledge to the test and refine your wildlife eye as you distinguish fur, leopard, and Weddell seals along the ice. With continued Zodiac cruises and shore landings, you’ll have generous time to observe the Peninsula’s rich wildlife up close and to frame those quiet, crystalline moments that define an Antarctic journey.

FEB 29 - MAR 01 | Drake Passage

As you leave the peninsula behind and head north across the Antarctic Convergence zone, you’ll continue enjoying informative and lively presentations by your expedition team. As you cruise through the Beagle Channel towards Ushuaia, you’ll celebrate your expedition with a special slideshow.

MAR 02 | Ushuaia disembarkation

It's time to say goodbye to your crew. You'll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.

Dates and Prices

February 9 to March 2, 2028

EARLY BOOKING SPECIAL - prices indicated