South Georgia & Falklands
Overview
Join us for this all-inclusive expedition to the crown jewel of the sub-Antarctic
at the best time of year
Designed for photographers by photographers, this expedition to the Falklands and South Georgia Island will be led by Justin Black, Melissa Groo, Chris Linder, and Roy Toft, all members of the International League of Conservation Photographers. We will take you to the places we love and that will allow us to make the most of the Southern Ocean’s greatest wildlife spectacle, based on our combined experience.
Our expedition vessel, M/V Magellan Explorer, is a 297-foot, Polar Class 6 (Ice Class 1A-Super) expedition ship operated by Antarctica 21, with accommodations for no more than 88 passengers on this voyage, in very comfortable and well-appointed cabins and suites. Unlike most other voyages that have to cater to varied interests of all passengers onboard, this voyage is entirely focused on photographic goals as a primary objective. Our group will comprise almost half the passengers onboard, and will be joined by two or three other photo groups on board as well, operating in a spirit of shared goals and collaboration. On this early-season voyage, we we are expecting to be the only ship at South Georgia Island. Our group will be largely autonomous on shore and during Zodiac cruises (private Zodiacs will be available to our groups). Magellan Explorer is a new ship completed in 2019, with modern appointments and all the benefits of 21st-century ship design. We have chosen to join this voyage as it offers a very rare full week at South Georgia Island at the very best time of year, and Magellan Explorer serves as an excellent platform for our operations. Her crew and expedition staff are being selected from among Antarctica 21’s most experienced sailors and guides, she is designed and built to be quite comfortable and capable in the Southern Ocean, and her water-level Zodiac boarding facilities are of modern design for ease and efficiency of loading and unloading. The ship’s dedicated lecture room will be available to us for private presentations and constructive group image critiques. For those seeking to be guided by four preeminent nature photographers – all of whom are IAATO-certified Antarctic guides and highly regarded as generous and effective teachers at the top of their field – to the best locations in South Georgia and the Falklands, and who don’t mind a little luxury along with a world-class photographic adventure, there is no better trip.
Our expedition begins in the Patagonian town of Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan. We will welcome the group with an introductory reception at the hotel and dinner at one of the town’s best restaurants. After a restful night at Hotel Almasur, we head to the wharf, where our ship awaits. Once at sea, the decks of the Magellan Explorer provide a great vantage point for sightings of Commerson’s dolphins, southern right whales, and multitudes of seabirds. On our first full day of the trip, we plan to offer some informative and inspirational presentations to get you ready for what lies ahead, and ensure everyone is up to speed and ready to photograph effectively and productively. Our first planned excursion is a visit to one of the largest breeding colonies of black-browed albatrosses in the world, numbering around 200,000 pairs, on Steeple Jason Island. At nearby Saunders Island, colonies of rockhopper, king, and gentoo penguins await us as well. Several other islands in the west Falklands – Carcass and Westpoint are two of our favorites – provide lots of good options. As always, weather, wind, and sea conditions may dictate our exact landing sites.
After our visit to the Falklands, we set out for South Georgia. Along the way, we are likely to encounter dolphins riding the ship’s bow wave, and whale sightings are common. As we approach South Georgia, we’ll pass Shag Rocks, a group of six small but prominent rocky islands covered in bird colonies. South Georgia itself is a tremendously rugged island of towering mountains covered in immense glaciers. Its shoreline hosts extraordinary gatherings of penguins and pelagic birds such as albatrosses: wandering, grey-headed, light-mantled sooty, black-browed, and royal, as well as southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals. In spring, currents of krill sweep up from the Weddell Sea, providing food for one of the planet’s greatest wildlife concentrations. In addition to the vast colony of 250,000 king penguins at Salisbury Plain, we plan to visit a colony of yellow-crested macaroni penguins at Cooper Bay, the historic whaling base of Grytviken, and more, photographing sublime landscapes too along the way.
We’ve chosen to let go of Antarctica itself on this trip, in favor of focusing our time on the best concentrations of wildlife in the entire sub-Antarctic region. The timing of our trip during southern spring means South Georgia looks its best: the penguin colonies are as clean as they ever are, and fresh snow still blankets the mountains looming just inland.
Learn as we travel, with instruction throughout by Justin, Chris, Melissa, and Roy, who are all passionate about sharing their expertise and knowledge of photography and of these places, both in the field and onboard. Ship’s expedition staff will provide additional interpretation of natural and human history in these islands, as well as highly experienced and professional guide services.
Our ship for this expedition, Magellan Explorer, is exceptionally well suited to a photographers-only expedition to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands because it combines the maneuverability and intimacy of a true expedition ship with the comfort and amenities expected on a premium voyage.
Purpose-built for polar operations and launched in 2019, the Polar-Class-6-rated 90.7-meter vessel will carry a maximum of 88 passengers on this voyage. Its size is large enough to handle the potentially heavy seas of the Southern Ocean, and is small enough to offer efficient Zodiac operations and quick embarkation and disembarkation—critical on a photography expedition, where changing light, weather, and wildlife activity reward flexibility and time ashore. Photographers also benefit from excellent sightlines aboard ship: a forward-facing outdoor observation deck provides access all the way to the bow, while the glass-enclosed observation lounge offers panoramic views. Most cabins have private balconies, creating additional opportunities to photograph seabirds, dolphins, whales, dramatic Southern Ocean weather, and the spectacular approaches to South Georgia without even leaving one’s cabin.
Just as important, Magellan Explorer provides an excellent platform for the photographic community and educational program that make a dedicated photo expedition different from an ordinary cruise. Its large observation lounge doubles as a presentation room with sophisticated audiovisual equipment, making it ideal for photography lectures, image reviews, editing demonstrations, and briefings by the expedition’s instructors. A separate meeting room and library provide additional spaces for instruction and critiques. After long days photographing king penguin colonies, albatrosses, elephant seals, dramatic coastlines, and the mountainous landscapes of South Georgia, guests return to spacious modern accommodations, a comfortable dining room, bar, gym, and sauna. The result is a ship that is large enough to be stable, comfortable, and exceptionally well equipped for the Southern Ocean, yet small and expedition-focused enough that the voyage can remain centered on one overriding priority: putting photographers in the right place, at the right time, with maximum opportunities to make extraordinary images.
Combining advanced technology and luxurious comfort, the Magellan Explorer offers an exceptional experience for every guest — with a highly professional crew dedicated to making your journey unforgettable.
Itinerary
This is representative of what we plan to undertake on this trip, though it is subject to change to take advantage of special opportunities, or respond to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances. Due to the variability of weather and other seasonal conditions, we cannot guarantee any particular landings or locations. We can guarantee that we will do our best to make the most of the opportunities available to us, and deliver a first-rate experience.
Day 1 — October 7 / Arrival in Punta Arenas
Arrive at the airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you will be met by our driver and transferred to Hotel Almasur. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to rest after your journey, and explore Punta Arenas. We will gather at our favorite restaurant in Punta Arenas for a group dinner to kick off the adventure.
Overnight: Hotel Almasur, Punta Arenas
Day 2 — October 8 / Punta Arenas & Embarkation
After a leisurely morning in Punta Arenas, a group transfer will take you to the port for embarkation aboard the Magellan Explorer.
As we sail along the Strait of Magellan, our Expedition Team will introduce the history of this fabled sea route.
Day 3 — October 9 / On Our Way to the Falklands
Enjoy the ship’s hospitality as we make our way to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). Our engaging series of lectures and presentations begins.
Day 4 — October 10 / Saunders Island & Carcass Island
During a morning visit to Saunders Island, we enjoy the long white-sand beach. A wilderness experience, the main attractions here are rockhopper penguins, nesting black-browed albatrosses, and sub-Antarctic gentoo penguins.
In the afternoon, we visit Carcass Island. There is an option for an easy hike to the settlement, bird photography, and a typical tea experience.
Day 5 — October 11 / Port Stanley
Join our Expedition Team on guided walking tours of Port Stanley or Gipsy Cove. Alternatively, explore on your own and absorb the atmosphere, grabbing lunch at a local pub, visiting the maritime museum and church, hunting for souvenirs, or walking down Ross Road and paying tribute at the war memorials along the waterfront.
Days 6–7 — October 12–13 / At Sea
As we sail toward South Georgia, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or outside decks. We expect good sightings of seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as various species of whales.
Day 8 — October 14 / Arrival at South Georgia Island – Elsehul Bay
Depending on sea conditions over the previous days, arrival is planned for this afternoon, followed by an evening Zodiac cruise at Elsehul Bay.
Day 9 — October 15 / Grytviken & Fortuna Bay
Our first landing is at Grytviken. We clear Customs and then visit the historic site, including the museum and Ernest Shackleton’s grave.
In the afternoon, we land at Fortuna Bay / Stromness to see king penguins. Here we learn more about Shackleton and his expedition. There is also an optional 2–3 hour “Shackleton Walk.”
Day 10 — October 16 / Gold Harbour & Cooper Bay
In the morning, we plan a landing at Gold Harbour, a spectacular location with king penguins, elephant seals, hanging glaciers, and sooty albatrosses.
In the afternoon, we visit Cooper Bay to see macaroni penguins during a Zodiac cruise.
Day 11 — October 17 / St Andrews Bay & Ocean Harbour
St Andrews Bay is the destination of our morning excursion. Here we see South Georgia’s immense king penguin colony as well as elephant seal bulls.
In the afternoon, we plan a Zodiac cruise and landing at Ocean Harbour. Highlights include a shipwreck and remains of the historic whaling industry.
Day 12 — October 18 / Prion Island & Salisbury Plain
In the morning, we plan to visit Prion Island to see nesting wandering albatrosses.
In the afternoon, we head to Salisbury Plain for more king penguins and spectacular landscapes.
Days 13–15 — October 19–21 / At Sea
As we make our way back toward the Falkland Islands, our program of presentations continues. We will also offer photo reviews and editing workshops for those who wish to participate.
Day 16 — October 22 / Bleaker Island
Evening landing at Bleaker Island, a nature reserve and important bird area featuring a remarkable variety of birdlife.
Day 17 — October 23 / At Sea
At sea as we make our return passage toward Punta Arenas, crossing through the Strait of Magellan.
Day 18 — October 24 / Punta Arenas
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, we disembark and take a group transfer to Hotel Almasur for our final night together. We will gather for a final group dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Almasur, Punta Arenas
Day 19 — October 25 / Departure from Punta Arenas
After breakfast, transfer from Hotel Almasur to Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas in time to check in for your departing flight.
Depart Punta Arenas for connecting flights home, bringing our Falkland Islands and South Georgia expedition to a close.
Sites we might visit include:
Prion Island – This is the home of the great wandering albatrosses. The previous summer’s wandering albatross chicks are almost ready to fledge, and adults are seeking out their old partners after a year and a half at sea. We’ll be fortunate to land here, as the site is only open early in the season.
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they are also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for southern elephant seals. Only during this time of year do they peak in their breeding cycle. Watch the four-ton bulls keep a constant vigil (and occasionally fight) over territories where dozens of females have just given birth or are about to deliver. You can also see a substantial number of Antarctic fur seals here during the breeding season (December – January), but fortunately we will be there when few of the highly territorial and aggressive male fur seals are present.
Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. If you like, you may have the chance to hike 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.
Leith Harbour, Stromness, Husvik – These sites are a solemn reminder of the scale of the whaling industry in the early 20th century. Elephant and fur seals breed and moult here. Gentoo penguins also occupy the landing sites. Antarctic prions and South Georgia dive petrels may be observed, especially in the area of Husvik.
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. The peeling-paint and rusted detritus of the station’s buildings, machinery, and whale-oil tanks present wonderful photographic opportunities and compositional challenges. The South Georgia Museum is well worth a visit, and we will make a point to visit Shackleton’s grave with a nice bottle of single-malt scotch to toast “The Boss.”
Cobblers Cove, Godthul – At Cobblers Cove we aim for Rookery Point to see macaroni penguins. Light-mantled sooty albatrosses nest along the coastline and giant petrels can be observed as well. Godthul (Norwegian for “good cove”) was named by Norwegian whalers and seal-hunters, and skeletal remains can still be found along the shore line. Beaches are the home of gentoo penguins and seals.
Royal Bay (Moltke Harbour, Will Point & Brisbane Point) – Moltke harbour in Royal Bay was named by the German International Polar Year Expedition in 1882 and some of the remains of their dwellings are still visible. The scenery of Royal Bay is beautiful, with dark sandy beaches and green tussock grass, dominated by the snow-covered Ross Glacier. Zodiac cruising is spectacular here. Approximately 30,000 pairs of king penguins live here.
Cooper Bay – Offers the largest chinstrap penguin population, and gentoo and macaroni penguins are also present. Antarctic terns, white-chinned petrels, blue-eyed shags, and light-mantled sooty albatrosses can be spotted too. This tends to be a very active hunting ground for leopard seals as well.
Drygalski Fjord – offers spectacular landscapes as the soaring walls of the narrow fjord dwarf the ship, with 6,000-foot tall mountain peaks looming overhead.
Annenkov Island – Passing Pickersgill Islands we reach the rarely visited Annenkov Island, first discovered by James Cook in 1775, and later renamed by the Russian expedition of Fabian von Bellingshausen in 1819. It features rocky terrain with a variety of ridges, peaks, and hills where fossils have been found.
King Haakon Bay – British explorer Ernest Shackleton reached King Haakon Bay during his journey of 800 sea-miles from Elephant Island in the open boat “James Caird.” From this landing site, Shackleton, Captain Frank Worsley, and Tom Crean crossed the mountains and glaciers on foot to Stromness to seek help to rescue the rest of their expedition team, left behind at Elephant Island after they had left the Weddell Sea where their ship, Endurance, and been trapped and gradually crushed by the pressure of the pack ice. Elephant seals dominate the beaches. Birdwatchers will look out for South Georgia pipits and Antarctic prions as well as common diving and blue petrels.
Instructors
Justin Black
- JUSTIN BLACK is a photographer, writer, editor, conservationist, expedition leader, certified Antarctica guide, ...
Melissa Groo
- Melissa is a wildlife conservation photographer and writer. She’s a Sony Artisan of Imagery, a Fellow ...
Chris Linder
- Chris Linder is an award-winning professional photographer, filmmaker, workshop leader, and lecturer. Chris earned a master’s degree in oceanography from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods ...
Roy Toft
- Roy Toft is one of the world's most highly accomplished wildlife photographers, in addition to being a biologist, natural-history educator, and a Senior Fellow of the International League of ...
Gallery
Pricing
Penthouse Suite
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Veranda Cabin
Porthole Cabin
CABIN CLASSES AND COSTS:
Prices are for an all-inclusive package, based on cabin classes.
All cabins feature:
- Comfort & Living: A dedicated sitting/lounge area with armchairs and a table, a writing desk, an individually controlled heating system, and a wardrobe.
- Beds: Choice of two twin beds or one king-size bed configuration.
- En-suite Bathroom: A private bathroom equipped with a standalone shower, heated floors, a hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, and premium bath products.
- Technology: An HDTV with satellite reception, EU-USA combination power outlets with integrated USB ports, an electronic safe, and a telephone.
Penthouse Suite (360 ft2, 33m2) – US$ 21,995.00 per person in double-occupancy, or $39,995.00 single-occupancy (1 cabin, max of 2 participant spaces available in this cabin class).
Deluxe Veranda Cabins (240 ft2, 22m2) – US$ 19,895.00 per person in double-occupancy, or $35,790.00 single-occupancy (12 cabins, max of 24 participant spaces available in this cabin class).
Veranda Cabins (210 ft2, 19 m2) – US$ 17,895.00 per person in double-occupancy, or $31,790.00 single-occupancy (5 cabins, max of 10 participant spaces available in this cabin class).
Porthole Cabins (200 ft2, 18 m2) – US$ 16,895.00 per person in double-occupancy, or $29,990 single-occupancy (1 cabin, 2 participant spaces available in this cabin class).
PAYMENT SCHEDULE :
- 10% deposit due at time of registration
- November 15, 2026 – 20%
- May 15, 2027 – 20%
- September 15, 2027 – 20%
- March 15, 2028 – 30%
INDIVIDUALS BOOKING DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Traveling alone? Feel free to book at the lower double-occupancy rates in any of the cabin classes, so long as you are content to be paired with another ship’s guest of the same gender.
Highlights
- A unique opportunity to experience and photograph the sub-Antarctic region’s greatest wildlife spectacle, under the instruction and guidance of four of the world’s preeminent nature photographers, with experience of prior visits to South Georgia and the Falklands, and formal South Georgia / Antarctica guide certification by IAATO.
- We give South Georgia Island the time and attention it deserves, as a world-class destination for wildlife and landscape photography.
- 250,000 King Penguins in the vast colony at Salisbury Plain, and 150,000 at St. Andrew’s Bay.
- Several other penguin species – Macaroni, Gentoo, Chinstrap – both on shore and at sea.
- Five species of albatross (Wandering, Royal, Light-Mantled Sooty, Black-Browed, and Grey) – stunning both in flight and on the ground.
- Many other pelagic bird species: petrels, fulmars, prions, and shearwaters.
- Large numbers of southern elephant seals, including big bulls at this time of the year.
- Virtually no aggressive male southern fur seals on beaches than are present later in the season.
- Vistas including icebergs, glacier-covered mountains (the highest, Mount Paget soars 9,626 ft. above sea level), and deep blue fjords.
- Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, learning the history of exploration, exploitation, and recovery of the area.
- The Magellan Explorer, a brilliant expedition ship for serious photographers, perfectly suited to exploration in the southern ocean. The ship’s capabilities – along with the expertise and experience of the crew and expedition staff – deliver the flexibility to make the most of our visits to the Falklands and South Georgia, if the weather, sea conditions, and wind dictate a change in the itinerary.
- Private group boats for Zodiac cruises.
- Easy travel: No visa required for passport holders from most of the developed world.
Accommodations
- In Punta Arenas, Chile, nights of October 7 and October 24: Hotel Almasur Punta Arenas.
- Falkland Islands and South Georgia, nights of October 8–23: aboard Magellan Explorer, a modern and comfortable 298-foot expedition ship, purpose-built for polar expedition travel and rated Polar Class 6 (LR PC6). The ship features spacious public areas, an observation lounge, dining room, gym, sauna, and a variety of cabin and suite categories, most featuring private balconies. Click here to see the ship’s Deck Plans and Cabins.
Travel
Expectations
Included:
- 17-day/16-night expedition cruise: Punta Arenas – Falkland Islands – South Georgia – Punta Arenas, aboard Magellan Explorer. Purpose-built for polar expedition travel, she is a highly capable, comfortable, and stylish 298-foot expedition ship with a Polar Class 6 (LR PC6) ice rating.
- All ground transfers from airport pickup in Punta Arenas on October 7 through the final group transfer to Punta Arenas Airport on October 25.
- Photographic guidance and instruction by Justin Black, Melissa Groo, Chris Linder, and Roy Toft, with the support of a world-class expedition guide team.
- A first-rate ship’s expedition team, including Expedition Leader, Assistant Expedition Leader, experienced expedition guides and naturalists, and Ship’s Doctor.
- Scheduled group landings and excursions by Zodiac in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, subject to weather, sea conditions, wildlife considerations, and local regulations.
- All accommodations, including Hotel Almasur in Punta Arenas on the nights of October 7 and October 24, and your selected cabin aboard Magellan Explorer for the nights of October 8–23, 2028.
- All meals from dinner on October 7 through breakfast on October 25, and all non-alcoholic beverages plus wine and/or beer served by your hosts with dinners aboard the ship.
- All group permits and landing fees.
Not Included:
- Round-trip airfare to and from our point of origin in Punta Arenas, Chile.
- Cost of passports, any necessary entry visas or reciprocity fees, vaccinations, or other personal travel expenses.
- Travel insurance and traveler’s medical insurance, including emergency evacuation insurance (mandatory).
- Alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer offered with dinners aboard the ship.
- Telephone or internet charges.
- Any private excursions or services not included in the itinerary.
- Gratuities for guides, expedition staff, and ship’s crew, at your discretion.
- Personal purchases, souvenirs, and anything else not specifically listed as included.
Outcomes
In Support of Conservation on South Georgia Island
As both of our prior South Georgia – Falklands expeditions drew to a close, we hosted charity auctions aboard our vessel in support of vital conservation work by South Georgia Heritage Trust. Recently, this has included a large-scale initiative to eradicate invasive rats, which appears to have been successful in eliminating every single rat from the island, radically improving conditions for many bird species that nest there.
Items auctioned included limited edition prints and books, various South Georgia souvenirs (sorry, no penguins allowed), and two copies of a detailed South Georgia map, signed by the photo leaders, expedition staff, and the ship’s captain, and key members of the crew. The maps alone fetched $2,000 each. The two prior auctions have raised a total of $68,000 for conservation on South Georgia Island. We’ll see what we can do in 2028!
