South Georgia & Falklands Expedition Cruises

It is rare to see an expedition exclusively visiting these remote islands; more commonly they will be included in an Antarctica expedition cruise itinerary. Some Antarctica voyages might include time in one or the other, or you'll be lucky enough to visit both during your journey. Each island group offers a different experience, and something distinct to what you'll experience in the Antarctic Peninsula, so each is a worthwhile addition to your Antarctica expedition.

Highlights of a South Georgia & Falkland Islands Expedition Cruise

In South Georgia, you will be greeted by nature's majesty on an incredible scale: soaring snow-covered mountains and cliffs come into view, black sand beaches skirt the shoreline, and vast penguin rookeries occupy the landscape. South Georgia and its surrounding islands may even rival what you will see in Antarctica in terms of abundance and variety of wildlife, with some of the largest colonies of king penguins in the world here, as well as macaroni, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, fur and elephant seals lolling lazily on the beach, swooping seabirds and bustling birdcliffs, humpback and southern right whales gracing the surrounding waters, and more.

Your itinerary, as with all polar expeditions, will be fluid but you may visit several landing sites in South Georgia from which to view wildlife and explore the landscape. The island has a long seafaring history, and you will likely see remnants of old whaling stations as well as have the opportunity to visit the grave of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and learn about historic polar exploration.

The Falkland Islands has its own history which you can learn about at the Historic Dockyard Museum in the capital, Stanley, the most common call in the Falklands. Here you will also notice a distinctly British feel, with cottages, pubs, and even a red telephone box. If your voyage spends more time in the Falklands, you may visit some of the smaller islands such as Steeple Jason, home to the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world, or Saunders Island with its sandy shores dotted with rockhopper and Magellanic penguins. The nutrient-rich waters around the islands are also home to playful dolphins so keep your eyes peeled!

The Small Ship Expedition Difference in South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Many Antarctica expeditions operate with a maximum of 200 guests and you will explore ashore and by Zodiac in small groups. Travelling on a small expedition ship that is purpose-built for exploration means that you will sail where larger vessels cannot, get up close to magnificent landscapes and wildlife, and have the chance to chat with and learn from your expert expedition team.

Exhilarating South Georgia & Falkland Islands Expedition Cruise Itineraries

Often there are a handful of voyages in an expedition cruise line's Antarctica season which incorporate South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. These voyages will be longer in duration than a purely Antarctica itinerary, usually around three weeks and predominantly depart from Ushuaia, on the southern tip of Argentina.

Expedition Cruise Lines That Visit South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Most expedition cruise lines that operate in Antarctica will also offer itineraries which include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands too. Silversea, Scenic, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and AE Expeditions all operate select Antarctica voyages which also visit either South Georgia or the Falkland Islands, or both.

Voyages which only visit the islands, without including Antarctica, are harder to come by but there are a couple. Seabourn is one operator which offers an expedition exploring the Falkland Islands and the Atlantic Coast of South America. Quark Expeditions is another visitor and unusually a purely South Georgia and Falkland Islands expedition, allowing you to explore deeper in the islands.

Best Time to Cruise South Georgia & Falkland Islands

The Antarctica season runs from around November to March, so any voyages incorporating South Georgia and the Falkland Islands will be within this time frame. Quark Expeditions' islands-only expedition departs just before the start of the Antarctica season in mid-October, as this is the time elephant seals engage in lively territory clashes.