falkland islands photography tours

Falkland Islands Wildlife Photography

Falkland islands nature tours.

Falkland Islands nature tours. The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) is an intriguing archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean at 51°00′ – 52°30’S, 57°40′ – 61°30′ W. The Falkland Islands comprise two main islands (East and West Falklands) and around 340+ associated islands and islets.

Probably the main reason to visit this extraordinary and remote place is to witness the quality and abundance of its wildlife. To do so, you need to fly either from Santiago or Punta Arenas, Chile on a commercial plane or by taking the long RAF flight from Brize Norton with a stop over at Cape Verde Islands for refuelling and crew change.

The Falklands still remains as one of the world’s greatest wilderness destinations.

For more information about visiting the Falkland Islands, please visit the Falkland Islands Tourist Board site .

Support the biodiversity conservation work carried out by Falklands Conservation

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Falklands Nature

Wildlife, Birding and Photography Adventures

Based in the Falkland Islands, Falklands Nature offers guided day tours and as a guide for tailor-made holidays . Trips focus on bird-watching, marine mammals, and photography.

Falklands Nature is unique in being able to offer a tour where its guide, Andy Pollard , combines his local knowledge of the wildlife with his skills as an award winning wildlife photographer.

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Falkland Islands

Trek through the most diverse wildlife habitats in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Take in the abundant seabird colonies of the western Falklands including Gentoo, Magellanic, and Rockhopper Penguins. Explore Sea Lion Island, the most species-rich site in all the Falklands with time to watch South American Sea Lions and observe Orcas patrolling for unwary Southern Elephant Seals. Witness Magellanic Penguins as they ride the surf in to the beach and then waddle to their underground burrows.

With three days on Steeple Jason Island – a place very few have the opportunity to stay – you’ll have ample time explore on foot and to sit quietly alongside the Black-browed Albatross colony and watch as they take off, land, court, and preen each other. Pebble, Bleaker, and Volunteer Point on East Falkland Island round out this complete Falklands wildlife experience.

This tour is booked through Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris . Please use the booking links above. Note pricing & itinerary may change from year to year.

Tour Highlights

• Island hop this wildlife-rich sub-Antarctic archipelago, staying multiple nights in comfortable country inns, while enjoying full days of wildlife photography and observation
• Stand at the edge of the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world (200,000+ pairs) while these magnificent and stately albatross with their 8-foot wingspan glide past only inches from your head, on the unforgettable Steeple Jason Island!
• Sit on the beach at Carcass Island while Gentoo and Magellanic penguins surf up to your feet and march past you as they return to their nests with food for their young
• Watch from the cliffs of Sea Lion Island as Orcas patrol the coastline hunting for southern elephant seals
• Experience the curiosity of “Johnny Rook” (Striated Caracara) the rarest bird of prey in the world during a daily outing
• Visit some of the museums and learn the history of the Falkland Islands in the historic seafaring town of Stanley

Tour Details

What's included, itinerary summary.

Hugh Rose has photographed and lived in northern climates most of his life with the latter part of it in Alaska. Compelled by Alaska’s natural beauty, he left a 10-year…

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Winter Arctic Alaska and Northern Lights

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Wild Falklands - Expert Wildlife & Photography Tours

P h o t o g r a p h y  .   T o u r s  . C o n s e r v a t i o n

There is freedom waiting for you,

On the breezes of the sky,, and you ask "  what if i fall ", oh but my darling,, what if you fly.

- Erin Hanson

Falklands Wildlife Exclusive Photography Tour 2024

Falkland Islands Exclusive Wildlife Photography Trip – December 2024 (14 days)

The Falkland Islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean off South America are the perfect destination to experience the wonders of nature and wildlife; an unpolluted environment with fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and stunning white sand beaches. Wildlife is free to roam and many species have chosen the Islands as their home including gentoo and magellanic penguins, Southern sea lions, elephant seals, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins, and over 200 species of birds including the majestic albatrosses.

Expedition Highlights

• Boutique tour group – Maximum 5 people plus 1 host.
• Unique up close and personal wildlife viewing including visits to penguin and seal colonies, bird watching opportunities and experiencing the natural beauty of the Islands.
• Expert photographic advice from multi-award winning wildlife & nature photographer Scott Portelli.

Workshop 1 – 16th November – 30th November 2024 (Fully Booked) Workshop 2 – 30th November – 14th December 2024 (limited Spaces)

Duration: 14 days

Start/Finish: Mount Pleasant (Falklands). Travelers can reach the Falklands from Santiago or Punta Arenas in Chile with LATAM. Flights depart from Santiago and touch down in Punta Arenas before travelling on to Mount Pleasant Airport.

International flights to Mount Pleasant (Falklands), departure tax, early & late check in/out at lodges/hotels, visas, items of personal nature, overnight accommodation in Santiago prior to tour, excess baggage costs on local flights.

International Flights:

Atms/cash machines:.

Scott Portelli is a Sydney based photographer who has traveled the world extensively photographing in some of the most remote destinations, including The Arctic, Antarctica, Falklands, Galapagos, Azores, Africa, the South Pacific and Australia.

Scott is an international multi-award winning wildlife, nature, aerial and underwater photographer. A member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) he is regarded as a leading professional in his field.

He was awarded at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the year in London in 2016 and 2022 and announced national winner of the Sony World Photography awards 2016 and winner at the Travel Photographer of the Year 2015, 2018 & 2020. More recently he was awarded overall winner at the  Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2021 and category winner in 2017 and 2019. 

With his extensive experience in the Falklands, South Georgia, the Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to every expedition and ensures that each trip optimizes photographers chances to capture the best that the wildlife in the region has to offer.

Peter Eastway is an Australian photographer known internationally for his landscape photography and creative use of post-production. A practising professional, he shoots editorially (mainly for Better Photography magazine) and works selectively in advertising and portraiture.

Peter has been involved in photographic magazine publishing for over 40 years, establishing his own title, Australia’s Better Photography Magazine, in 1995. As a result, Peter and his websites are a wealth of information on how to capture, edit and print, offering tutorials, videos and inspiration for amateur and professional photographers.

Peter’s work has been published and exhibited internationally. He was the author of the Lonely Planet’s Guide to Landscape Photography. His photography has featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia, in articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an international Apple television commercial. He has worked closely with Canon, Adobe and Phase One.

He was one of the featured photographers in the Tales By Light television series aired on the National Geographic Channel in Australia and produced in partnership with Canon Australia. It can currently be viewed on Netflix.

Peter Eastway is a Grand Master of Photography, a Fellow and an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, and an Honorary Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography. He won the 1996 and 1998 AIPP Australian Professional Photographer of the Year Award. He is a WPPI Master of Photography.

He won the 2009 Kodak Award of Distinction at the international WPPI Print Competition held in Las Vegas, USA; the AIPP NSW Professional Photographer of the Year 2019 and the AIPP Australian Professional Nature Photographer of the Year 2019.

Itinerary (Sample Only)

Day 1 – Mt Pleasant/Stanley

You arrive into Mt Pleasant Airport and are transported to Stanley, the tiny capital of the Falklands. You will then transfer to the small islander planes for your short flight to Sea Lion Island where you will be met bu your hosts Scott Portelli & Peter Eastway. Once you have settled in to your accommodation, we hit the ground running and start exploring the Island as we orientate you to the island and its wildlife.

Day 2 – Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion Island is home to elephant seals, gentoo penguins, magellanic penguins, rock hoppers, sea lions, birds of prey and cormorants. Beautiful tussock plantations cover one fifth of the island and provide a perfect habitat and protection for much of the island’s varied fauna. Opportunities for photography and wildlife watching are limitless and start literally steps away from the purpose-built Lodge. Besides the tussock, there are sand beaches, cliffs, freshwater ponds and heathland, all with their own wildlife. Pods of killer whales may be seen between November and January circling the island in pursuit of the elephant seals and sea lions that breed there. Leopard seals and larger whales are also seen from time to time. A memorial to the HMS Sheffield, sunk in nearby waters, is also situated on the island.

You visit here includes a guided introductory tour of the island.

Day 3 – Sea Lion Island

Day 4 – Sea Lion Island

Day 5 – Saunders Island – Rookery

The Rookery is one of my favourite places in the Falkland’s and is situated close to the cliffs and sweeping shoreline, a stone’s throw from nesting Black Browed Albatross and a short walk to one of the most beautiful Rock Hopper Penguin colonies in the Falklands. The colony is simply overwhelming. Scattered along the cliffs and between nesting Cormorants, Albatross and other seabirds is a large colony of Rock hopper penguins high up on the hill side. Every day here is special, as you experience the sights and sounds of all the wildlife it is truly a privilege.

Day 6 – Saunders Island

Day 7 – Saunders Island/Stanley

Fly from Saunders Island to Stanley where you will stay at the Malvina Hotel for the next 3 nights as we explore some of the most beautiful regions of East Falklands.

Day 8 – Stanley/Cape Bougainville

Day 9 – Stanley/ Murrell Farm/Kidney Island

Day 10 – Volunteer Point

Volunteer Point is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in the Falklands. There is an abundance of bird activity in the area and is home to the largest king penguin colony in the Islands, as well as gentoo and magellanic penguins, waterfowl and other birds. Volunteer Beach itself is a beautiful white sandy beach, approximately 2km long, and is where many of the penguins can be seen entering and leaving the ocean. we will camp here for 4 nights and be guests of the warden during our stay.

Day 11 – Volunteer Point

Day 12 – Volunteer Point

Day 13 –Volunteer Point

Day 14 – Mt Pleasant

There will be a private transfer from Volunteer Point to Mount Pleasant Airport where you will catch your international flight.

Wildlife Calendar

The following dates are approximates and could vary +/- 3 weeks

Important Information

Please review our  Terms & Conditions and Cancellation policy. 

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If you want to find out more contact me. 

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Falkland Islands 2024

Falkland islands.

Falkland Islands Tour 2024

The Falkland Islands have a raw, unspoilt quality that provide one of the most unusual and spectacular wildlife destinations in the world, lying some 450 kilometers from the coast of South America amid the rich fishing grounds of the South Atlantic. Explore the wildlife-rich beaches of Sea Lion Island, discover Pebble Island and marvel at the King penguins colonies at Volunteer Point alongside a huge choice of other amazing and unique wildlife the Falkland Islands has. The islands are inhabited by huge numbers of seabirds during the breeding season which extends from October to March. The spectacle of these great assemblies of penguins, albatrosses, cormorants and terns is reason enough to visit the Falkland's but the islands are so much more than just a haven for seabirds.

The scenery is often reminiscent of the Scottish islands and there are many unique aspects to life in the Falklands, visitors are constantly charmed by this blend of familiar and unfamiliar and in many ways the islands are essentially British in character but a flavour of the South Atlantic exerts its own influence onto the islands. The site of huge Elephant Seals hauled out on the sandy beaches, or the giant Albatrosses gliding effortlessly over the sea, this place is pure magic in terms of its wildlife.

The Falkland Islands offer a very special birding experience, 227 species have been recorded in the Islands, with five of the worlds species of breeding penguin and over 65% of the World's Black–browed albatross population. Many rare species inhabit the Islands, with some of these classified globally as “threatened” and "endangered. At many destinations around the Islands we will find ourselves alone in a rookery, on the hillside or by a waters-edge, able to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this very personal encounter. Photography is easy for any level with endless opportunities everywhere you go and visit.

The Islands are home to the World's largest pinniped (seals, sea lions and walruses) mammal, the elephant seal. Sea Lions and Fur seals are easily seen around the Islands, the Leopard Seal is an occasional visitor. Male elephant seals return early in the summer and are a spectacular sight when battling to establish territories at the start of the breeding season or even simply relaxing on the beach.

The islands occupy an area roughly the size of Wales but the population is tiny in comparison and even the capital, Stanley, is barely the size of a large English village. With little cover from trees the islands vast expanse of wild peat moorland gives way to magnificent sandy beaches that would equal any found in the tropics, this place has everything. Sea Lion Island, Pebble Island and Saunders Island constitute the main centres for this photo tour each of which offers something different. We will be spending several days at each location to get the very best light conditions and best photographic opportunities for those amazing images. Once on the islands we will travel between them by  'Islander' aircraft which give superb views of the scenery. On the ground we travel by Land Rover.

Migratory birds and mammals return to the Falklands beaches and headlands between October and March. You will benefit from expert photographic and fieldcraft advice explained and demonstrated by myself and tuition on photography skills and techniques. Use of lighting and composition, slow shutter speeds, impending movement shoots and much more. Different approaches will be given to each and every client encouraging you to not only take photographs but to remember this trip for years to come.

A well planned full day’s excursion trip from Stanley to Volunteer Point is sure to rank among the tour highlights as we visit the Falkland’s colony of over 1000 breeding pairs of King Penguin, along with Gentoo and Magellanic. This is a very remote spot and provides one of the best places to see all these species of penguin. Seeing these beautiful birds with be amazing and the timing of this photo tour has been chosen to coincide with the birth of their chicks which will be very appealing, parading in front of you wearing their comical "fur" coats of thick down. A memory to take home with you from these extraordinary South Atlantic islands.

All my photo trips are led from the front by myself. Where I pride myself on working with the very best people on the ground and in the field, giving that personal and private touch offering all my clients the best service possible with smaller group sizes ensuing all my clients get my full expertise and guidance. 

Over the last decade I have ran and successfully organised three tours to the Falkland Islands, this will be my fourth tour. I know the Falkland Islands very well and it's amazing wildlife. Each client will benefit from this experience. To read a few of my blog posts covering my previous trips please click here and here  

ITINERARY - Please note that the itinerary can be changed at the sole discretion of Craig Jones Wildlife Photography

Wednesday 20th November 2024 : 

The group assembles at RAF Brize Norton in the evening for the flight over the South Atlantic Ocean via Ascension Island. The stop on Ascension next morning gives us a chance to stretch our legs. Flight takes off from the UK at 01:10 local time. 

Thursday 21st November 2024 :

Arrive Stanley - The drive from Mount Pleasant Airport to Stanley gives us our first introduction to the rolling landscape of that part of the islands. Long-tailed Meadowlarks are often feeding beside the road and Turkey Vultures can be seen gliding low over the White Grass hills. Once settled in at Malvina Hotel in the captial we should have time for a walk around the shore where Upland, Ruddy-headed and Kelp Geese amongst other waterfowl are found in abundance and are very photogenic. The signs of Falklands maritime past are easy to see in the shape of the wrecks that are not far away.

Friday 22nd November 2024 - Saturday 23rd November 2024 :

Transfer to Stanley Airport for onward internal flight to Sea Lion Island. Leaving Stanley, we take our first Islander flight, these planes are a real experience and a wonderful way to get an overview of the islands. Sea Lion Island, with its amazing array of spectacular wildlife, is the most southerly of the Falkland Islands.

As nature is so close at hand here we will spend our time on foot exploring pools and coasts of the island. The majority of all Falklands breeding birds can be found on this island, including three different species of penguin. It’s also home to one of the rarest birds of prey in the world, the Striated Caracara. Be careful of these birds – they’re liable to nick your lens cap. One of the great sights of the holiday is the Elephant Seals hauled up on the sandy beach as they moult. The lodge has views right across the island to the sea. Its also a great palce to see Killer whales and on past tours my group has seen them hunting seal pups.  We have a two -night stay here.

Sunday 24th November - Tuesday 26th November 2024 :

Transfer to the airstrip for onward internal flight to Pebble Island for three night's accommodation. The island is named after the unusual and attractive pebbles found on the beaches, this 24 mile long island is the third largest in the archipelago. Sandy beaches, moorland and rocky peaks, extensive ponds and wetlands which are home to some 42 breeding bird species including over 1000 pairs of Imperial Shags, Gentoo, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins. 

We visit one of the Falkland Islands’ largest Rockhopper colonies where we may also spot the odd Macaroni lurking and be equally surprised at just how far the Gentoo and Magellanic penguins have ventured from the ocean to take up residence. Other birdlife that you will see include a southern giant petrel colony, nesting variable hawks, turkey vultures, skuas, peregrine falcons as well as striated and southern caracaras.

The island is truly a Penguin Lover’s Paradise; some of the highest concentrations of Magellanic penguins nest here in addition to countless accessible Rockhopper and Gentoo colonies. We have two  full days of 4x4 guided tours of Pebble during our time there.  We have three nights at this amazing island.  ​

Wednesday 27th November – Saturday 30th November 2024 :

Transfer to the airstrip for onward internal flight to Saunders Island. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Neck Cabin for four nights self-catering accommodation. Saunders Island boasts a wonderful colony of Black-browed Albatross and you can spend hours just watching and photographing these magnificent birds. As with nearly all wildlife in the Falklands, it’s possible to approach really close without causing any disturbance. The bond between pairs is beautiful, they really are gentle giants.

Please note that accommodation on Saunders Island is very basic as its right on the beech, but the island and it’s wonderful wildlife more than make up and your hosts are real characters. Albatross and Rockhopper Penguin colonies are here in great numbers along with other birds and penguins its an amazing place. The hut is warm, clean and cosy and makes the perfect base to explore the amazing wildlife just outside your door. We have meal packs for each person during your stay so. 

Sunday 1st ​ December 2024  :

Transfer to the airstrip for return flight to Stanley. We will then be transferred to the Malvina House Hotel for two nights’ accommodation. We will have time to look around the capital and take in the historic maritime past. In the harbour Steamer Ducks and many other wildfowl will be around.

Monday 2nd December 2024 :

Today we take a Land Rover excursion to Volunteer Point, home to the island's principal King Penguin colony, a visit to which has to be one of the highlights of your Falklands holiday. The three-hour Land Rover trip takes us through typical Falkland landscape and we will spend lots of time with the delightful King Penguins as well as other species. It’s a long day, but a very special one.

Tuesday 3rd December 2024 :

Shared bus transfer to Mount Pleasant for departing RAF Airbridge flight back to the UK.

Wednesday 4th December 2024 : Arrive back in the UK estimated to arrive  (0730 hours)

Recommended kit

You will need to provide your own   photographic equipment. Cameras and lens ranging from 100mm right the way through to 500mm will be ideal for this action packed photo tour as the wildlife on these islands has little or no fear of humans so they can come quiet close which will present you with many close encounters. I'd recommend a small tripod or beanbag and the amazing wildlife and landscapes of this island will give you many beautiful opportunities to capture their beauty so bring a wide–angle if you have one. Protection from the elements for both your camera and lens is also a must on this trip.

Surrounded by cool South Atlantic waters, the Falkland Islands has a climate very much influenced by the ocean with a narrow annual temperature range. January and February averages about 9 °C, with average daily high of 13 °C. Rainfall is relatively low, humidity and winds are constantly high. Snow is rare, but can occur at almost any time of year.

The deposit for this amazing photo tour will be £1000 per person with the remainder to be paid 12 weeks before departure.

Included in cost:  All food and accommodation, International air fares and taxes, inter–island flights, transfers, Land Rover excursions, local guides, first class photography tuition, guidance and help.

Not Included in cost:  Travel insurance, drinks and items of a personal nature, Sundry Items. Luggage allowances is limited to 20 kilos per passenger, excess baggage will be carried at your own expense and advanced notice of excess baggage is required.

Cost : £6890 Per Person

Single Occupancy is £850 . At the Neck on Saunders Island its bunk beds due to the remoteness. 

Maximum number of clients : 6

Wednesday 20th November 2024 - Wednesday 4th December 2024

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FALKLAND ISLANDS

November 2nd – 16th, 2024.

Join renowned wildlife photographer, Vicki Santello on this one of a kind Falkland Islands photographic experience.  Vicki will be taking a small group (only four) into the habitat of Penguins and sharing her photography expertise and extensive knowledge of the Falkland Islands and the species that live there.

As a group you will travel to three locations starting with Volunteer Point where you will find over a thousand breeding pairs of King Penguins, the largest colony in the Falklands.  Also on the species list are hundreds of Magellanics and Gentoo. Over forty bird species have been recorded at Volunteer Point, including, Falkland Steamer Ducks, Upland and Ruddy Headed Geese, Dolphin and Kelp Gulls, Blackish Oystercatchers, South American Pipit, Long-Tailed Meadowlark, Austral Thrush, Correndera Pipit.

Marine life is also abundant and Volunteer Point is one of the few places you will see Sea Lions predate on Penguins on both land and sea.  Keeping gear light is suggested in order to stay nimble enough to capture these moments.  Ideal focal length is 400-500 mm.

Your accommodations at Volunteer Point will be Volunteer House, a quaint cottage with two shared bedrooms.

Next the group will move on to Bleaker Island for a few days. Penguins on Bleaker include Magellanic, Southern Rockhopper and Gentoo with occasional King and Macaroni.  Forty seven species of birds have been recorded on Bleaker, including Southern and Striated Caracaras, Brown Skuas, Southern Giant Petrels, Tussac Bird, Showy Sheathbills, Falkland Steamer Ducks, Kelp Geese, Magellanic and Blackish Oystercatchers, and Two Banded Plovers.  Bleaker is also home to a large Rock Shag Colony, the largest colony of breeding Imperial Cormorants, and eight hundred pairs of breeding Southern Rockhoppers.

Your accommodations at Bleaker Island will be at Cassard House, each participant will have their own room with private shower room.

Sea Lion will be the next stop for three days. Penguins you can expect to see and photograph here; Gentoos, Southern Rockhopper, and Magellanic.  A large colony of Southern Elephant Seals, the largest in the Falkland Islands also lives here. October and November is pupping season, this means there will be some adorable photo opportunities!  Killer Whale pods are regularly observed close to the eastern beaches with the possibility of seeing Elephant Seal pup predation. Tussac grass on Sea Lion attracts endemic tussac birds and Cobb’s Wren.

Gentoo’s egg laying season begins mid October so there is also the possibility of seeing chicks hatch!

Your accommodations at Sea Lion will be at Sea Lion Lodge, participants will share double rooms. The lodge has spectacular views of the South Atlantic and a nearby Gentoo Penguin colony.

Between destinations your group will be staying in Stanley for one or two days at time.  Possible day trips while in Stanley…

Kidney Cove

• (Penguins) Kings, Southern Rockhopper, Gentoo and Magellanic
• Falkland Steamer Ducks, Crested Ducks, Upland Geese, Brown-Hooded Gulls, Blackish Oystercatchers
• (Penguins) Magellanic and Gentoo
• Falkland Steamer Ducks, Crested Ducks, Upland Geese, Dolphin and Kelp Gulls, Blackish Oystercatchers, Rock Shags
• (Marine Mammals) Commerson’s Dolphins, Sea Lion
• Sight of interest: Naval Gun from WWII

Bertha’s Cove

• (Penguins) Gentoo
• South American Terns, Hudsonian Godwits, Sanderlings, Ruddy-Headed Geese, Silver Teal, Chiloe Wigeon, Black Necked Swans, 
• (Marine Mammals) Commerson’s Dolphins, Peale’s Dolphin

$8,495 based on double and single occupancy

About your leader….

Vicki Santello is a US based photographer who retired from a career in finance to devote herself full time to photography. Vicki enjoyed the excitement of living in New York City and working on Wall Street for 10 years in the early part of her career. Living in a big city, however, deprived her of being in Nature and enjoying outdoor sports. She moved to North Central Florida, a mecca for birds and a unique area for rivers and first magnitude springs.  Here she was able to balance her love of the outdoors and her corporate career for 30 years.  Vicki has kayaked, hiked, and biked extensively in Florida in her desire to experience its unique natural beauty.  Her passion for photography is now her lifestyle. Vicki now travels worldwide to diversify her photography portfolio. She typically stays one to two months in each location to fully immerse herself in the environment and maximize photography opportunities of animal behavior. Most recently she has spent the past few months intermittently in Antarctica and the Falklands. Vicki started traveling to Africa in 1981 and has visited 19 different times to various countries in Southern Africa including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Kenya. In the USA, her favorite locations for photography are the wild places and national parks in Alaska, Wyoming, New Mexico, Louisiana, up and down the East Coast including her home state of Florida. Her work has been exhibited in museums, galleries and won several international awards including Nature’s Best Africa 2018 – Category Winner, Wild Cats Behavioral, WildArt Photography of the Year 2022 – Category Winner, Wet and numerous Top 100 and Top 250 and semi-finalist recognitions. You can see more of her work on her website vsantellophotography.com or Vicki Santello Photography on FB or vsantello on IG.

Day 1 (Nov. 2nd)

Fly to Mount Pleasant.  Transport to Stanley and check in to hotel (Malvina House).  

Dinner in Stanley with the group.

*Please note – you will need to arrive in Santiago (SCL) no later than Nov. 1st (Vicki will be arriving Oct. 31st) and meet the group at the Holiday Inn at the airport. You will spend the night at the Holiday Inn (not included) and together you will fly to Mount Pleasant via Punta Arenas (not included) on Nov 2nd. You will be advised on which flight to book with Latam Airlines.

Day 2 (Nov. 3rd)

Breakfast at hotel.  Set out for a day trip, possibilities include; Kidney Cove, Gypsy Cove, Bertha’s Beach (see details page).

Lunch on your own (not included) either in Stanley or at day trip destination.

Dinner with group in Stanley

Day 3 (Nov. 4th)

Breakfast at hotel.  Drive to Volunteer Point check into lodge (Volunteer House)

Bag lunch and afternoon photography session

Dinner with group at lodge.

Day 4 (Nov. 5th)

Breakfast at lodge. Head out for a day of photography.

Bag lunch in the field.

Dinner at lodge.

Day 5 (Nov. 6th)

Day 5 (Nov. 7th)

Breakfast at lodge. Drive back to Stanley then fly to Bleaker Island.  Check into lodge (Bleaker Island).

Bag lunch. Possible afternoon photography session depending on arrival time

Day 6 (Nov. 8th)

Breakfast at lodge.  Set out for a day of photography.

Bag lunch in the field.  Dinner at lodge.

Day 7 (Nov. 9th)

Day 8 (Nov. 10th)

Breakfast at lodge. Fly back to Stanley.

Lunch on your own in Stanley (not included).

Down time in Stanley and/or  image review time with Vicki depending on what the group prefers.

Dinner with group in Stanley.

Day 9 (Nov. 11th)

Breakfast at hotel.  Fly to Sea Lion.

Bag lunch and afternoon photography session.

Day 10 (Nov. 12th)

Breakfast at lodge. Set out for a day of photography.

Bag lunch in the field

Day 11 (Nov. 13th)

Day 12 (Nov. 14th)

Breakfast at lodge.  Fly back to Stanley.

Down time in Stanley and/or image review with Vicki depending on what the group prefers.

Lunch on your own in Stanley (not included)

Day 13 (Nov. 15th)

Breakfast at hotel. Set out for a day trip, possibilities include; Kidney Cove, Gypsy Cove, Bertha’s Beach (see details page).

Last dinner with group in Stanley.

Day 14 (Nov. 16th)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Mount Pleasant for flights out to Santiago.

End of tour.

All payments are non-refundable unless a tour is cancelled due to under-enrollment, in which case you will receive a full refund of your initial deposit, or you may transfer your deposit to a future tour.

There will be no refunds if you need to cancel your trip for any reason.

In the event we need to cancel a tour due to natural disaster, pandemic, labor strikes, or any other situation that is beyond our control, there will be no refunds.

We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance as soon as you book your trip, in most cases this will be your only recourse for a refund.  Trip insurance that includes medical evacuation is required for all international tours.

• Accommodations day 1 – day 15
• All ground transportation from arrival in Mount Pleasant on day 1 – end of tour day 15
• Flights to Bleaker Island, back to Stanley and to Sea Lion, back to Stanley
• Meals except breakfast day 1 and lunch day 1, 2, 8, 12, 13
• Expert guide and photography support
• All international flights
• Accommodations in Santiago the day before the tour begins
• Round trip flights from Santiago to Mount Pleasant
• Breakfast day 1 and lunch day 1, 2, 8, 12, 13
• Gratuities for drivers
• Travel insurance

Moderate.  Most locations require walking two miles or more each day.

This is our Tour Member Reviews

Behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarks grove right at the coast

Falklands & South Georgia Photography Expedition

Description

Discover the wonders of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia on this photography expedition to Antarctica!

Departing on October 19, 2024, this incredible workshop is designed to have you immersed in the spectacular surroundings of the remote islands of the South Atlantic Ocean as you hone your photography skills with expert guidance and education. Across 15 incredible days, you'll sail from the tip of Argentina across the South Atlantic Ocean to the Falkland Islands, before continuing on through the Southern Ocean to South Georgia Island. Your aim will be to capture the breathtaking and diverse landscapes as you traverse the seas, taking in the wondrous icy mountain peaks, soaring cliffsides, pristine beaches and majestic icebergs that you'll encounter during each leg of the journey.

Aside from snowy wilderness, this remote part of the world is home to some of the most amazing wildlife. You'll have plenty of opportunities to photograph rare and endangered whales, seals, dolphins and many species of penguins, as well as sea birds such as albatross, Giant petrel and Falkland steamer ducks.

The M/v Sea Spirit will be your warm and cozy base for the duration of this expedition. With up-to-date technology and comfortable fittings, this polar-class expedition vessel is well-equipped to carry you safely to the end of the world and back. The Falklands and South Georgia are best explored on foot, so we'll make several shore landings and excursions during the workshop to ensure that you'll be best placed for mind-boggling photographic opportunities.

This photography expedition will be guided by world-renowned photographer Daniel Kordan. Throughout the tour, he'll share all of his in-depth knowledge with you to ensure that you'll take your photography skills to a whole new level. From composing your images in-field to the shooting process and editing, you'll learn everything that you need to know to take home stunning images from your journey to the edge of the Antarctic.

Do not miss out on this adventure of a lifetime to the Falklands and South Georgia! Check availability by choosing a date.

Attractions

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Flight to Stanley, Falkland Islands. Embarkation

Our expedition will start in the early morning in the airport of Santiago de Chile where we will take a transfer flight to the Falkland Islands. Welcome to Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands and the starting point of our cruise. Embarktion in the Falklands helps us to minimize our days at sea, which means more time for landings and photography! In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard our expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come.

Day 2 - Day 2-3: Aboard M/V Sea Spirit

As we sail east towards South Georgia, we will be able to witness incredible wildlife. We will also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean.

Don’t lose your time aboard! Attend the most interesting briefings and lectures from our expert staff and prepare yourself for the arrival in South Georgia.

This cruise was designed for amateur photographers of all skill levels, so use this chance to make new friends, exchange your photo experience and attend our photography master classes. Discussing ISO and exposure is always better in our cozy bar, restaurant, or lounge.

Day 4 - Day 4-12: Exploring South Georgia

South Georgia is the best place on Earth for wildlife and landscape photographers. We will take you to great locations for the best light. The archipelago is the home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, which makes South Georgia the best spot to photograph these wonderful creatures. Our plan is to visit the most picturesque sights such as Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay, Drygalski Fjord and other great places. For example, the beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, where over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins.

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.

However, 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 and take the best wildlife photos.

Day 13 - Day 13-14: Back to the Falkland Islands

It is time to head back toward the Falkland Islands. However, our adventures are not over yet. We will pass the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way (get your cameras ready!) There is also time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slide show. We will share our impressions, review all the great photos we’ve taken and enjoy a friendly atmosphere of like-minded fellow travellers.

Day 15 - Day 15: Disembarkation in Stanley & Flight to Santiago

Our adventure finishes in Port Stanley. We disembark after breakfast and provide transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight to Santiago. We recommend you to explore the wonderful capital of Chile and spend more time here. Now when the first emotions have subsided you will have time to look back to your unforgettable Subantarctic experience and maybe to make plans for your next polar adventure?

Good to know

A polar cruise designed for photographers of all skill levels is a perfect way to experience the beauty and grandeur of the polar regions while also improving your photography skills. With breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, and expert guidance, you are sure to capture stunning images that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Throughout the cruise, you will have the chance to capture the most breathtaking scenery on the planet from the comfort of your cruise ship as well as have access to photography workshops and tutorials.

In addition to the photography activities, you will also have the opportunity to learn about the polar regions and their ecosystems from expert naturalists and guides. This knowledge will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the region, which will in turn enhance your photography.

Our goal is to create a supportive and collaborative environment that enables you to be inspired as a photographer. With our team's expertise and your own unique perspective, we are confident that you will capture incredible images that you will treasure for years to come.

Cruise rates are quoted per person and based on passengers sharing a cabin. Single supplement: 1.7 for Main Deck and Classic, Superior Suite; 2 for Deluxe, Premium and Owner's Suite.

Main Deck staterooms are located on the Main Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King Size bed. The rooms are 23 square metres (248 square feet). They feature a minimum of two porthole windows and en suite facilities. Amenities include an in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Classic staterooms are located on the Oceanus Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King Size bed. The rooms are 21 square metres (226 square feet). They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include an in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Superior Suite staterooms are located on the Club Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King Size bed. The rooms are 20 square metres (215 square feet). They feature a picture window which 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/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.

Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King size bed. The rooms are 24 square metres (258 square feet). They feature a sliding glass door that leads to a private balcony and a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.

Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck and consist of two twin beds or a King Size bed. The rooms are 30 square metres (323 square feet). They feature a private balcony with a sliding glass door, en suite facilities and lounge area. Amenities include an in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

The Owner's Suite is located on the Sun Deck and consists of a King Size bed and a sofa bed. The room is 43 square metres (463 square feet) and is designed for entertaining. It features a separate living room with game and meeting area, BOSE stereo system, HD plasma TV and a private deck with sliding glass doors. Amenities include a jetted bathtub in en suite facilities.

About the M/v Sea Spirit

Explore the Polar Regions in style and comfort aboard the Sea Spirit, a polar class vessel that spans 90.6 metres (297 ft.) in length. Renovated in 2017, this incredible piece of modern engineering is perfectly suited to navigate the icy waters of the Antarctic.

The M/v Sea Spirit is capable of carrying up to 114 passengers and 74 crew members.

You can talk to the Captain and officers as you cruise through the Arctic whilst catching a glimpse of the spectacular landscape from this special angle of view.

The Restaurant offers contemporary international cuisine by our talented chefs in an open-seating dining area.

The Outdoor Bistro is located in the Jacuzzi area. It's a great place to have lunch or a light meal if the weather permits.

The Bar is staffed by a professional bartender and serves a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Relax with your peers after a long day out exploring!

Lectures, briefings, social gatherings and masterclasses will be held in the Presentation Lounge. It features state-of-the-art equipment and spectacular views.

This is the place to go if you have any questions. Team members will do their best to help answers any queries you may have during the trip.

The Club Lounge is a wonderful place to socialise with your peers and gaze at the beautiful landscapes as we sail through the Arctic Ocean. This area offers 24-hour self-service coffee and tea facilities.

Spend some time reading or relaxing in the onboard library with a selection of books, DVDs, magazines, reference materials and newspapers.

Stay fit in our onboard gym. It is open daily and offers a few machines as well as room for stretching and yoga.

You can attend the Reception at any time to speak with our team. They'll be able to help you out with any queries or services that you may require.

Adventure Options

Sea Kayak Club is offered on this voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Join us for an unscripted kayaking adventure as we explore these remote waters. We'll paddle around icebergs and experience a range of different encounters with wildlife if the weather permits.

Departure Schedule

19 Oct - 02 Nov 2024: Guided by Daniel Kordan

We highly recommend that you purchase travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas.

The itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Daniel Kordan

Renowned landscape photographer, Daniel Kordan, is an explorer at heart. Having realized his passion for photography and traveling at a young age, he now spends his time sharing his vision and the many wonders of the world with people all around him.

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Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands Photography Tour 2024

UPDATE – Our 2022 Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands Photography Tour was a huge success, and our guests had a trip of a lifetime. We will now be organising further tours in 2024.  Please complete the form at the bottom of this page if you would like more information.

The White Continent, the Final Frontier, the End of the Earth, the Frozen World. There’s no disputing that Antarctica is one of the most remote, wild and adventurous travel destinations on the planet.

The NOMADasaurus Tour Company specialises in taking small groups of intrepid travellers to unique locations. Whether it’s the peaks of Kyrgyzstan or the steppe of Mongolia, the people that travel with us have one thing in common – A desire to experience the world in ways few ever will.

Our newest and most exciting adventure promises to do just that.

After years of planning, strategising and researching, we are thrilled to announce our latest offering – the NOMADasaurus PhotoVenture Tour of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

This once-in-a-lifetime journey will take a small group of select travellers to three of the most fascinating, beautiful and remote locations on earth. Filled with formidable landscapes, immense wildlife populations and pristine environments, this expedition is for those who wish to get off the beaten path and travel to places that conjure images of grand exploration.

Our 20-day tour of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands will take you deep into the Southern Ocean to walk on ancient icecaps, come face to face with hundreds of thousands of king penguins and gaze into a polar vastness that will leave you breathless.

Having travelled and worked in the southern polar regions multiple times over the years, we strongly believe that no trip to this region would be complete without visiting all three destinations. Each one offers its own unique adventure with drastically different experiences.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey and the ultimate bucket list destination. You’re coming this far – why not see it all?

We’ll start our adventure together in Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world tucked away at the bottom tip of the South American continent.

From there we’ll board our award-winning ice-strengthened expedition ship, the Ocean Adventurer, and set sail towards the Falkland Islands (Isla Malvinas), a place steeped in quirky architecture, abundant wildlife and the curious history of the Falkland War. This British-controlled settlement feels like it’s been locked in time, and we’ll spend two days exploring the quaint and colourful town of Stanley and the two main islands of the archipelago.

Afterwards we’ll navigate to South Georgia, the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’, where we’ll encounter beaches filled with hundreds of thousands of king penguins, duelling elephant seals, nesting albatross and watchful fur seals.

We’ll have four jam-packed days to explore South Georgia, giving us ample time to enjoy the must-see destinations like St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain and the whaling station at Grytviken, while also allowing an opportunity to check out less-visited places such as Drygalski Fjord and Gold Harbour.

Fewer than 10,000 people a year visit South Georgia, so it is a privilege to not only travel here, but have more time than almost every other tour that ventures into its protected territory.

Departing this mountainous island puts us on the passage to Antarctica, a place that mesmerises and humbles all who are fortunate enough to see it with their own eyes.

We’ll have a further four days in the Antarctic Peninsula, and being on a small ship of less than 200 people gives us the opportunity to step foot on the continent itself for day excursions and adventures.

Our group will board zodiacs to get into shallow coves, carefully approach penguin rookeries and to dock on the mainland and islands.

Each day will be different, and the activities will vary from visiting an active scientific research station to hiking up snowy hills for sprawling views.

We have purposely chosen November to depart on this tour as this month offers the best wildlife encounters in South Georgia. We’ll be witness to scenes straight out of a Sir David Attenborough documentary, and our senses will be constantly overloaded with the sights, sounds and smells of millions of animals.

During November the king penguin colonies are at their largest, and brown fluffy chicks are coming into adulthood after the long winter. Male elephant seals battle each other for control of their harems and to establish a hierarchy for the rest of the summer. Female fur seals are still a few weeks away from arriving, meaning the males are far less aggressive before mating seasons starts (when the females are there, it’s not possible to step foot on South Georgia without the real likelihood of being attacked).

The Antarctic continent is just emerging from the long winter, and we’ll be one of the first groups to visit for the entire season. As a result most of the snow and ice will still be intact, and penguin and seal colonies are curious of our arrival.

Throughout the entire tour you will be accompanied by Alesha Bradford and Jarryd Salem, the co-founders of the NOMADasaurus Tour Company. As world-renowned travel photographers, they will be on hand at all times to conduct photography workshops, provide one-on-one guidance and look after the group.

An adventure of this magnitude requires an knowledgable team to operate it, and we are proud to share  we have exclusively partnered with Quark Expeditions , the world’s leading polar tour operator, to manage all logistics.

Their 30 years of experience running award-winning tours to the polar regions ensures this expedition can be run safely and to the highest standard possible. The expedition leaders will carefully monitor conditions and structure the itinerary on a day-by-day basis to maximise safety and guest satisfaction. The ship’s captain and crew will navigate us around the seas with expert precision. The expedition team will supervise all excursions, landings, activities and operations. Finally, the chefs and waitstaff will ensure we are well-fed every day with nutritious and delicious meals.

This is an adventure for those who want more out of life. To have an experience that will stay with them forever, that will grant them a deeper appreciation of this fragile and beautiful planet we live on.

This is the greatest travel journey you will have. Come join us for it.

• 2024 Tour Dates:  November 4th – November 23rd, 2024
• Duration:  20 Days
• Start:  Ushuaia, Argentina
• Finish:  Ushuaia, Argentina
• Maximum Group Size:  20 people (10 cabins)
• Fitness Level:  Low
• THE ITINERARY
• What’s Included

2024 ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA AND FALKLAND ISLANDS PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR ITINERARY

Our photography tour of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands departs in November 2024.

Here are some of the incredible things we will see and do over the 20 days:

Some of the penguins we may encounter are:

• King penguins
• Magellanic penguins
• Gentoo penguins
• Rockhopper penguins
• Adelie penguins
• Chinstrap penguins
• Macaroni penguins

Some of the whales we may encounter are:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• Southern right whales
• Blue whales

Some of the seals we may encounter are:

• Elephant seals
• Leopard seals
• Crab-eater seals
• Weddel seals

Some of the sea birds we may encounter are:

Zodiac Cruising

Leave the ship and cruise around inlets, coves and harbours onboard polar-designed zodiacs. These offer up-close (and safe) encounters with wildlife, glaciers and icebergs.

On the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica we’ll have the opportunity to go on scenic and wildlife walks.

Presentations

Enjoy daily presentations held by the world-class expedition team, including scientists, naturalists, biologists, historians, adventurers and other special guests.

Polar Plunge

Earn ultimate bragging rights and take a dip in the icy Southern Ocean. How many of your friends can say they went for a swim in Antarctica?

We’re thrilled to share with you the complete itinerary for the NOMADasaurus Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands tour.

November 4th – Ushuaia

After arriving in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel.

At 6pm there will be a briefing with the team at Quark Expeditions to go over all the information regarding our exciting journey to the polar region. Following the briefing you are free to join us in one of Ushuaia’s restaurants for dinner, and perhaps enjoy a drink at the southernmost Irish pub in the world.

Your accommodation in a local 3-star hotel is included tonight. Meals are not part of the itinerary.

Meals Included:  None

November 5th – Embarkation

Once you’ve finished a delicious breakfast in your hotel, your luggage will be collected and transported to the ship. We will have a few hours to walk around Ushuaia and enjoy its quirky atmosphere, then will meet back at the hotel at the pre-designated time to be picked up and driven to the port.

Check in will commence and you’ll be directed to your cabin onboard Ocean Adventurer. Take some time to unpack your things, then the mandatory safety briefing and emergency evacuation procedure will take place. As we depart Ushuaia gather outside to wave goodbye to the South American continent before enjoying the first dinner of our trip.

Meals Included:  B, D

November 6th – At Sea

Our ship will make its way towards to the Falkland Islands (Isla Malvinas), and as we journey across the open sea there will be a number of fantastic presentations and educational seminars conducted by the expedition team throughout the day. Before dinner we will have our own private group meeting where we will go over photography tips and tricks to help you capture incredible shots from our first destination.

Meals Included:  B, L, D

November 7th-8th – Falkland Islands (Isla Malvinas)

This morning we will wake up in the Falkland Islands, also known as Isla Malvinas, the remote and historic British settlement located far off the South American continent. Over the next two days we will leave Ocean Adventurer and enjoy our first zodiac excursions to explore the two main islands of the archipelago, East Falkland and West Falkland. These islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins, the black-browed albatross, and two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and Cobb’s wren.

We will also dock at Port Stanley, the main town of the Falkland Islands that looks and feels like a small English village, with old, colourful buildings and even a proper English pub.

November 9th-10th – At Sea

We are now making our way towards South Georgia Island on a 2-day ocean crossing that will officially see us enter Antarctic waters. We’ll be crossing the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible boundary that circles the continent, with warm northern seas mixing with the cold Southern Ocean to create a unique biological hotspot. Marine life such as whales can be spotted, along with thousands of bids.

We’ll spend our two days at sea taking part in more educational and entertaining presentations from the expedition team, and will try our luck at photographing birds in flight as albatross, petrels and other sea birds join us on the bow.

November 11th-14th – South Georgia

Awake in the morning to catch the sunrise over South Georgia Island, one of the most remote, rugged, spectacular and least-visited destinations on the planet. South Georgia has been called the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and the ‘Galapagos of the Poles’ thanks to the sheer number of wildlife that call it home.

For the next 4 days you will feel as though you’re in the middle of a National Geographic documentary. Our team will enjoy multiple shore excursions to animal hotspots such as St Andrew’s Bay and Salisbury Plain, where you’ll cast your eyes over beaches covered with hundreds of thousands of king penguins and watch in awe as 4-tonne bull elephant seals violently battle for control of their harems.

We’ll dock in Grytviken, the only human settlement on the island and the base of the old whaling industry, where you can wander through the remnants of rusted processing plants. Grytviken is also the resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the greatest explorer of the 20th century, and we’ll drink a toast to his extraordinary life by his grave.

While most expeditions to South Georgia only include one or two days here, our expedition is privileged enough to have four days, giving us ample opportunities for photography and wildlife watching. Even though Antarctica is our ultimate destination, most guests walk away from their polar adventure with South Georgia being their most vivid memory.

November 15th-16th – At Sea

We have two more days at sea as we make the passage towards Antarctica. Along with some more incredible presentations from the expedition team, we’ll also have time to go through our images from South Georgia. We will offer exclusive photo editing workshops for our group, as well as give more photography tips for the impending arrival of Antarctica.

November 17th-20th – South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

You will never forget your first sighting of the Antarctic Peninsula. The snowy, jagged peaks rising above the horizon as we make our approach will take your breath away.

For the next four days we will explore the planet’s least-visited continent. The exact itinerary cannot be determined until we arrive, as the expedition leader and ship captain will analyse the ice and weather conditions to ensure absolute safety. But expect the days to be filled with zodiac cruises amongst towering icebergs and ancient glaciers, shore landings to visit scientific research stations, hiking for sweeping views over the sprawling terrain and plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching.

You can be as active or as relaxed as you like here. While some people want to see as much as possible, others are quite content to simply sit in the snow and let penguins come up and inspect them. Choose your own adventure and relish in every moment.

The beauty of a travelling to Antarctica is that no two trips are ever the same. Conditions are always changing, wildlife is always moving and nobody can ever predict what we may encounter.

Each evening will watch the sunset over the Antarctic Peninsula, losing count of the number of icebergs and glaciers we pass as our ship traverses from bay to bay.

November 21st-22nd – Crossing the Drake Passage

The expedition may be almost over, but we still have two days of adventure ahead of us as we cross the infamous Drake Passage.

Crossing the Drake takes us from the end of the Antarctic Peninsula across to the southern tip of South America. With modern ships and accurate weather forecasts the passage is not a concern for us compared to the explorers of the early 20th century who had to navigate its turbulent waters.

The two days will bring about our last presentations, and we’ll have a private group meeting to go over our photos, share stories and cement our new lifelong friendships.

Expect the evenings to be filled with music, laughter and perhaps a few too many drinks in the ship bar as well.

November 23rd – Disembark in Ushuaia

Sadly it’s time for our journey to come to an end. We’ll sail into Ushuaia overnight and wake up back in South America. We’ll have a final group breakfast then say goodbye to our fantastic crew.

We will transfer you to the airport so you can catch your flight back to Buenos Aires, or perhaps consider extending your trip to explore Patagonia. We ask that for anybody flying out this day to book their flight as late as possible in case weather or seas slows down our arrival into Argentina.

The journey may be over, but the memories will never fade. You have stepped foot in a world that few ever will. You are now a global ambassador for protecting our planet, and you will forever be blessed that you had the opportunity to visit this sacred place.

Meal Included:  B

• World-class, highly experienced expedition leaders, ship crew, stewards and chefs to manage the entire expedition
• Pre-departure accommodation in Ushuaia (3-star hotel twin share)
• Your selected ship cabin throughout entire expedition
• All meals mentioned in the itinerary. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style on the ship. Dinner is a-la carte
• Water, coffee, tea and soft drink throughout the entire journey
• Selected beer and wine with dinner
• All shore excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Formal and informal onboard presentations
• Airport transfers on day 1 and day 20 of the trip
• Ship transfers on day 2
• Waterproof, insulated boots to wear throughout the journey
• An insulated, waterproof parka for you to keep
• Professional photography workshops and guidance
• Two dedicated trip leaders, Jarryd Salem and Alesha Bradford, the co-founders of NOMADasaurus Tour Company
• All necessary permits for landings in Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
• Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person

What’s Not Included

• International or domestic airfares to and from Ushuaia, Argentina
• Travel insurance  (mandatory to join our tour) . Please ensure your insurance company covers cruising, baggage, cancellation, medical, interruption and COVID-related issues
• Passport and any visas required
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
• Additional accommodation before or after the tour
• Transfers outside the included times
• Meals in Ushuaia before ship departure
• Alcoholic beverages outside of dinner time
• Optional activities such as sea kayaking and paddling
• Insulated, waterproof pants (mandatory)
• Voluntary tips for Quark Expeditions team and ship crew

Our Ship – Ocean Adventurer

We will be travelling on Quark’s award-winning 1A ice-strengthened polar expedition ship, the Ocean Adventurer.

Designed specifically for passenger journeys in the polar regions, this incredible vessel has recently had a multi-million dollar renovation, which saw it be recognised with the Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Best Overall Small Cruise Ship (500 passengers or under).

We believe an adventure to the polar regions should be undertaken in a style that matches the intrigue of the destination, while maintaining the strictest environmental protocols to protect the places we visit.

It is also a little-known fact that large cruise ships with high passenger numbers are actually prohibited by IAATO law to let their guests leave the vessel. That means the people onboard can only admire Antarctica and its wildlife from afar.

For that reason we have purposely avoided the selection of a typical luxury cruise ship.

Instead you will feel like an intrepid explorer from the moment you board Ocean Adventurer, without sacrificing comfort, space, and most importantly, safety. Boasting two new Rolls Royce engines to minimise carbon footprint, 2x stabilisers to counteract rough seas, an ice-strengthened hull and modern facilities, this is a ship worthy of our expedition.

• Staff and Crew:  87
• Passengers:  128 (maximum)
• Lifeboats:  4
• Zodiacs:  14
• Ice Class:  1A
• Stabilisers:  2 x Sperry Gyrofin

The ship has all the creature comforts that you would ever need, including:

• Private ensuite bathrooms for all our cabins
• Separate bar and dining areas
• Open bridge
• Outdoor jacuzzi
• Polar Boutique gift shop

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that we are living in unprecedented times, and planning a holiday has a high level of uncertainty due to the global pandemic.

While we hope that by the time our tour departs in November 2024 the COVID-19 situation would have been brought under control and most people will have been vaccinated, we are not taking this optimism for granted.

The NOMADasaurus Tour Company and Quark Expeditions take the current pandemic seriously, and as such we have industry-leading COVID-19 policies in place to protect our guests.

Cancellation, postponement and refund policies are standard should this expedition be cancelled due to COVID-19, whether it is restrictions on ship travel or due to us being unable to travel to Argentina, Falkland Islands, South Georgia or Antarctica.

Currently negative COVID-19 tests are not required prior to departure, and all guests must be fully vaccinated. This is current policy, and may change by November 2024

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update all guests as things change.

No, you do not need a visa to visit these destinations. You do however require special permits, which our team will take care of on your behalf.

Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to travel to Argentina. Please consult your local Argentinian embassy to see if you need one.

Please make sure you have a valid passport at time of departure with at least 6 months before expiry.

The seas are unpredictable and can be rough. We strongly recommend you see your GP to get strong seasickness medication before arriving in Ushuaia if you suffer from this.

All Quark Expeditions journeys have a fully licensed medical practitioner onboard, and there is a fully-stocked medical clinic in case of emergency.

Quark Expeditions pride themselves on providing fresh, healthy, varied and delicious meals throughout the entire journey. The qualified chefs onboard can cater to any dietary requirement, including vegetarian/vegan, allergies, etc.

Breakfasts and lunches are buffet style. Dinner is a la carte.

Unpredictable, but not likely to be extreme.

Many people are surprised to hear that the Antarctic Peninsula in the summer can actually be quite warm, with temperatures potentially rising to 10 degrees celsius during the day.

The weather can turn quite quickly though, and it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day – from beautiful sunny weather one hour to rough winds and snow the next.

On average expect temperatures to be around -5ºC with possible snow, wind and rain.

Guests will receive a full packing list in order to prepare what to bring.

In order to protect the fragile environments of Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, Quark Expeditions have a steadfast rule that no food or beverages (excluding water) are to be consumed outside of the ship. For that reason we will return to the ship between all excursions to enjoy meals and snacks.

Each night you will sleep onboard in your warm, comfortable cabin with private facilities.

During excursions if you need to go to the bathroom for any reason, the expedition team will take you back to the ship so you can do your business. This can take quite a lot of time, so we recommend going to the bathroom before each excursion. Expect each excursion to be between one and three hours.

Because all of the cabins are twin-berth, solo travellers will be encouraged to bunk with one of the other guests.

If you would prefer your own cabin a single supplement is available, but please keep in mind that this requires you to pay almost full price for the entire cabin due to limited capacity.

Very comfortable and enjoyable. The ship has lots of space to relax, socialise, have a drink or even read a book in the library. When in calm seas we will be able to go outside for fresh air, wander around the edge of the ship and admire the views from the bow.

There is also an open-bridge policy, meaning you are free to visit the bridge to see the captain and officers at work as they navigate us throughout the Southern Ocean.

Wifi is available onboard for an additional cost. Keep in mind though that it is quite expensive and slow. If you are able to, we personally recommend you take a digital detox during the expedition to completely immerse yourself in this incredible destination.

There is free data connections available with enough bandwidth for basic text communication, such as WhatsApp and iMessage but you cannot make phone calls or send/receive images.

The expedition team, tour leaders and ship crew will have satellite communication channels throughout the journey.

Absolutely! In fact we encourage you to extend your stay for as long as possible. There are a lot of phenomenal places to visit close by to Ushuaia, including Chilean Patagonia.

Airport and hotel transfers outside of the itinerary will need to be self-covered.

All NOMADasaurus Adventure Tours are led by professional photographers and tour guides who will run dedicated photography workshops, provide guidance in the field and assist with equipment and settings.

The two leaders of this tour are Jarryd Salem, an award-winning photographer and official Sony Digital Imaging Advocate, and Alesha Bradford, who has worked with some of the biggest camera companies in the world and had her images published by National Geographic, BBC, Greenpeace and more. They will be on hand at all times to help you capture the best images possible from your time in Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Sorry, you cannot bring your drone on this tour. IAATO laws stipulate that drones are strictly forbidden in Antarctica and South Georgia without a permit, and trust us when we say that permits are  extremely  hard to get.

Absolutely! All photography workshops are completely optional, and you do not need to be passionate about photography to enjoy this tour. If you would like to simply bring your smart phone to document your trip, that is perfectly fine.

Yes, all cabins have 220v power outlets in them to keep your electronics charged.

While this isn’t a strenuous tour, you will be required to walk up and down stairs in sometimes slippery conditions, climb into and out of zodiacs, and walk on snow and rocks. While the expedition team is always on hand to help, we recommend you have at least a basic level of fitness to properly enjoy this tour.

If you have any serious conditions or injuries that you feel may impact your ability to join this tour, please get in touch with us before registering.

No, children and adults of all ages are welcome on this tour! Children under the age of 18 however must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands Expedition Cost – Starting from USD$16,556 p/p

(Maximum 20 Guests)

• On the registration form you will be asked to select which cabin you would like to stay in. $16,556 per person is the lowest price available for a twin-share private cabin, with prices going up from there depending on your selection and payment options.
• We have two payment options – A special discounted price for guests who would like to pay the 20% deposit within 60 days of registration, and an additional discount for guess who would like to pay the full price within 30 days of registration.
• A non-refundable* deposit of USD$500 is required to secure your position on this tour, due within 24 hours of registration.
• Total balance is due at least 120 days prior to departure date for those.
• A payment plan is available.

Cabin Prices

These are the prices for the cabins on our Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands tour.

Click here to see  the ship cabins .

All prices are per person and in USD.

As places are limited  we will be sending out payment details in order of when the registration forms have been received . The earlier you complete the form, the sooner we will send you the payment information.

Once you receive the payment information  you will have 24 hours to pay the deposit before we forward details to the next person in line.  For this reason we recommend only completing the registration details once you’re ready to pay the deposit. Thanks very much for your understanding.

If you would like to join the waiting list for our 2024 tours click the  link to the waiting list form , or you can click on the button below.

Cancellation Policy

If for any reason you need to cancel your position on this tour you will forfeit your deposit.

We strongly recommend you purchase comprehensive travel insurance with cancellation policies to cover unforeseen circumstances.

If us or Quark Expeditions need to cancel this tour due to COVID-19 or any other reason, full refund or postponement options are in place.

Please see our  terms and conditions here .

Please see Quark Expedition’s  terms and conditions here .

• Max: 20 Guests
• USD $16,556 p/p

[email protected] | +230 452 3731

• Information

Antarctica, Falkland Islands & South Georgia Photo Expedition 2024

Spaces Available

Please note that costs & dates for 2024 are subject to change as not all our partner properties and local airlines have released their rates. Should we need to revise costs, we will endeavour to keep fees & dates as close to the original.

16 Dec 2024 –  07 Jan 2025

Antarctica is the ultimate destination, with settings as magnificent and scenic as any on earth. The sheer scale of nearly everything is grand, and complementing the astounding vistas are vast colonies of penguins, brash skuas, giant petrels, weird sheathbills, somnolent seals and feeding whales that all add life to the region’s stark and amazing beauty.  

Our voyage encompasses some of the most fascinating areas in the Southern Ocean; notably the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island, both renowned as among the richest of all Subantarctic islands. South Georgia features a unique rugged beauty and history, while the Falkland Islands are better known as the battlegrounds for the 1982 Anglo-Argentine War. And we enjoy some time at sea while cruising from one island group to the next, until finally we find ourselves at the very tip of the icy continent itself. These crossings provide thrilling pelagic birding, with huge numbers of albatrosses, petrels, prions, skuas and other seabirds making a daily appearance. Cetaceans are also regular, ranging from the largest whales to the striking Hourglass and Commerson’s Dolphins.  

Antarctica is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and so we’ve assembled a staff equal to the task, sure to yield excellent instruction and camaraderie as well. A unique and thrilling journey with great friends to the end of the Earth, we cannot wait to share Antarctica and the Southern Ocean with you.  

Why this Photo Expedition is for You

Destination allure.

The route will focus entirely on The Falkland (Malvinas) Islands, South Georgia, South Shetlands, and Antarctica Peninsula.

Month of Travel

Our voyage will be early in the season, which besides offering pristine snowscapes, will mean that we will encounter displaying penguins and other breeding birds, and we may even see enormous Southern Elephant Seal beachmasters battling for supremacy, and male Fur seals chasing off competitive males for territory.

We will be cruising on the very comfortable, safe and ice-strengthened expedition ship; the Ultramarine.

Displaying penguins; albatrosses, petrels and seals on pristine snowscapes and against backdrops of dramatic icebergs; potential of witnessing duelling Southern Elephant Seal “beachmasters”; cetaceans and penguins playing in the clear cold waters; flocks of seabirds wheeling behind the ship.

Experienced Team

Your ORYX Photo Tour leader is a renowned wildlife photographer and excellent photographic guide.

ORYX LEADER

Daniel Bailey

• Destination South Georgia Antarctica
• Departure Buenos Aires
• person sharing Starting from US$45,695 to US$74,371
• Single Supplement Please Contact Us
• Photographic Highlights King, Southern Rockhopper & possibly Emperor Penguin, Northern and Southern Royal, Wandering & Light-mantled Albatross, Snowy Sheathbill, South Georgia Diving Petrel, Antarctic Prion, Grey-backed & Black-bellied Storm Petrel, Snow, Antarctic, Blue, Kerguelen & Great-winged Petrel, Striated Caracara, South Georgia Shag, Falkland, Flying & Fuegian Steamer Duck, White-bridled Finch, Black-chinned Siskin, Sedge & Cobb's Wren, Long-tailed Meadowlark, South Georgia Pipit, Black-throated Finch. Humpback, Fin, Sei & Minke Whale, Orca, Commerson’s & Peale’s Dolphin, Weddell, Crabeater, Leopard, Southern Elephant & Antarctic Fur Seal.
• Guide Daniel Bailey

From our gallery

Best of Classic Antarctica

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 2: fly to ushuaia, argentina and embark, day 3: at sea, days 4-5: falkland islands (islas malvinas), days 6-17: at sea, days 8-11: south georgia, days 11-12: at sea, days 14–16: south shetland islands and antarctic peninsula, days 17-18: antarctic circle, days 19 - 20: northbound along the penisula, days 21-22: crossing the drake passage, day 23: disembark in ushuaia and fly to buenos aires.

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The unspoiled environment of the Falkland Islands is a must-visit for anyone with a yearning to discover an off-the-beaten-track pristine destination. The archipelago is teeming with wonders of nature and wildlife; an unpolluted environment with fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and stunning white sand beaches. The islands are a natural paradise with tiny settlements nestling in many miles of open spaces, fascinating rivers of rock, seas of brilliant aqua greens and silvery blues.

Get away from it all

One of the main attractions of a visit to the Falklands is to simply absorb the pace and opportunities of island life. Enjoy the incredible experience of a stay on a remote island with just a handful of permanent human inhabitants, arriving in style on a small aircraft to a personal meet-and-greet at the airstrip. Islanders are renowned for their hospitality including hearty home-cooked meals and delicious baking. It is an experience that you will never forget.

Get up close and personal with the wildlife

Wildlife encounters are simply amazing; sit down, wait patiently by a penguin colony and it is quite likely that a penguin will come to look at you! Small birds, such as the tussac bird and dark-faced ground tyrant are equally curious and will want to know what you are up to. But most inquisitive of all is the striated caracara, known locally as the Johnny Rook is who is bold enough to steal from you!

Unique history

Whilst the wildlife is the major attraction for most visitors, there is also a fascinating history to uncover - from the days of early settlement including stone corrals and pioneer cottages through involvement in both world wars and to the establishment of economic activities that support the current development of the Islands. The Historic Dockyard Museum in Stanley is an excellent place to learn more about aspects of Falkland life both past and present.

Some visitors arrive in the islands with an interest in the 1982 war. Many monuments and memorials, along with museums and other memorabilia can be found in settlements across East Falkland and West Falkland and some of the smaller islands as well as the Dockyard Museum in Stanley.

Take a tour with a local guide who will be pleased to share stories of times past and present whilst showing you the best of the sights to suit your interest, wildlife, battlefields, beaches ….. as you choose.

Outdoor life

Hiking the hills or strolling around a settlement are perfect ways to pass the time. Self-guided trails are developed for a number of locations around the islands including the hills and beaches of Stanley. Ranging in length and complexity, there are short options suitable for families to challenging routes taking visitors into the open landscapes and along beautiful shores.

Fishing is a popular pastime with large mullet and trout very easy to catch. Sailing is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with the added attraction of wildlife encounters. Yachts are warmly welcomed to travel around the archipelago.

All can be enjoyed in the company of others, with a local guide or you can choose to go-it-alone but please be safe – click through to the specialist pages to find out more. Other adventurous activities, such as kayaking and climbing , are provided by trained leaders.  Ask at the Visitor Centre for more information.

The Falklands offer perfect opportunities for professional and amateur photographers, with stunning scenery and amazing animal antics easy to capture. Ever-changing landscapes provide specialists with a range of photographic opportunities.

A true escape

Get out and explore for a whole day to really appreciate the feelings of indulgence when you return to a homely welcome or a cosy cottage of your own. Should you want to spend some time indoors, look out for art and craft activities, bring or buy your own materials and appreciate some down-time – you will have earned it! Enjoy a little shopping , a café, bar, traditional pub or restaurant to experience the flavours of the Falklands.

Whatever you enjoy, the islands offer the chance to escape from the everyday stresses and strains of life, simply relax and unwind.

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Cape Dolphin

East Falkland

Located on the northern tip of East Falkland, the Cape Dolphin peninsula is reached by off-road track from the Cape Dolphin Farm buildings. Named after HMS Dolphin, the ship of British explorer John Byron, the area is a working farm with sheep bred…

Named for the attractive, unusual pebbles found on some of the beaches, Pebble Island is situated in the northwest of the archipelago. The terrain is varied with a chain of rocky peaks, a lakeland area and white sand beaches including the stunning…

Nick Taylor Memorial

Goose Green, East Falkland

Located close to Goose Green, the memorial commemorates the life of Nicholas Taylor, 800 Naval Air Squadron of HMS Hermes, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy. Nick was shot down on 4th May. His grave is headed by an inscribed memorial stone with wooden cross…

Murrell Farm

The Murrrell Farm is located close to Stanley, the Islands’ capital, and is a short journey by road. It is a working farm with sheep and cattle. It is run in a traditional way with butter made from farm produce and peat cut by hand to heat to the…

Stretched along the sheltered harbour, the colourful buildings of Stanley bid a warm and friendly welcome to all visitors. Our tiny capital city is village-sized but has the amenities you would expect of a large town and lots to discover.

Cartmell Cottage

Situated on Pioneer Row in central Stanley, Cartmell Cottage is part of the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust. Opened in 2003 after donation to the museum, this pioneer cottage belonged to the mother of Nutt Cartmell and is named in his…

Originally built as a slaughterhouse and refrigeration plant for Falklands’ mutton but then closed when it proved to be economically unviable, the site was used as a field-hospital in the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina. Surgeon Commander…

HMS Glamorgan Memorial

Situated at Hookers Point, close to Surf Bay, the long white sand beach to the east of Stanley, the magnificent HMS Glamorgan memorial was unveiled in 2011. Although the ship did not sink, lives were lost on the Glamorgan which was badly damaged by…

Fox Bay Memorial

Fox Bay, West Falkland

Situated on a flat area looking out to sea, the Fox Bay Memorial was erected in 2007 to commemorate the passage of twenty five years since the Falklands war. Easily reached from Fox Bay East by vehicle or on foot, the memorial is a large cross…

Falklands Volunteer Service Memorial

Situated alongside Boxer Bridge on the outskirts of Stanley, the memorial commemorates the lives of eight “Volunteers” who lost their lives while on active service. They drowned when their boat overturned. During World War One, the Falklands Islands…

Seal Bay is located on the north coast of Port Louis, the original capital of the Falkland Islands. We have miles of rugged cliffs and white sand beaches which are home to rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo and magellanic penguins along with the…

Narrows Nature Reserve

Dunnose Head

1914 Battle Memorial Wall

Situated close to the main Battle Memorial in Stanley, this lovely little wall was constructed to mark the centenary of two World War One sea battles. It has plaques detailing the Battle of Coronel, the Battle of the Falklands and the key players…

Historic Dockyard Museum

Located on Ross Road, in Stanley, the Historic Dockyard Museum contains many exhibits of social and maritime interest and is a “must-see” for all visitors. Life in the past is exemplified though farming stories, items for entertainment and…

Jubilee Villas

These villas were built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. They are typical examples of British terraced town houses of that era, making a curious contrast to the rest of Stanley's architecture.  

Blue Beach Cemetery

San Carlos, East Falkland

On 21st May 1982, British troops were landed at San Carlos. Overlooking the now tranquil inlet of San Carlos Water, the Cemetery is constructed in the form of a corral and is dedicated to “the South Atlantic Task Force and to the abiding memory of…

Cape Bougainville

Located on Salvador Farm, also known as Gibraltar Station, on the north coast of East Falkland, Cape Bougainville is a picturesque site with cliffs and white sand beaches. It is home to a range of wildlife including Rockhopper and a few Macaroni…

New Island is situated at the west of the Falklands’ archipelago. The terrain is varied with spectacular cliffs, white sand beaches and secret coves, rugged hills and some small open plains.

Herbert Stream

Roy Cove, West Falkland

Located on Crooked Inlet Farm at Roy Cove on West Falkland, Herbert Stream is a salt water stream with mullet, trout and smelt. The stream offers easy opportunities for visitors to the farm to fish within a few minutes drive or short walk from the…

Fitzroy Memorials

Fitzroy, East Falkland

Fitzroy settlement, on East Falkland, is home to six memorials associated with the 1982 war. Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram, were bombed in the waters on 8th June whilst the Welsh Guards were waiting to disembark, with…

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ANTARCTICA, FALKLAND ISLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA: Photography on a different planet

Portrait of a Chinstrap Penguin (Image by Janos Olah)

White morph Southern Giant Petrel in flight (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A threat-posturing Southern Giant Petrel (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Neko Harbour landscape, Antarctica (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Whispy clouds on an early morning in South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Wandering Albatross in flight (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Moody South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Portrait of a Weddell Seal on ice (Image by Janos Olah)

A Chinstrap Penguin has a scratch (Image by Inger Vandyke)

The church at Grytviken on South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

King Penguin (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Snow Petrel (Image by Pete Morris)

The gentle courtship behaviour of Black-browed Albatrosses nesting at West Point Island, the Falkland Islands. Image by Inger Vandyke.

Sitting Southern Giant Petrel (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Southern Giant Petrel devours the carcass of a King Penguin while macabrely two other penguins watch (Image by Inger Vandyke)

One of the beaches on the Falkland Islands where hundreds of Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins roam (Image by Janos Olah)

A Southern Fulmar flies past a hole in a gigantic iceberg in Antarctica (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Scavenging Southern Giant Petrels (Image by Inger Vandyke)

King Penguin colony on South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Southern Elephant Seal flipper detail (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Snow Petrel in flight (Image by Janos Olah)

Courtship display of Black-browed Albatrosses nesting at West Point Island in the Falkland Islands (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Brown Skua with his prized Gentoo Penguin egg (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Sleepy Weddell Seal (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Nesting Southern Giant Petrel (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A Chinstrap Penguin exits the icy waters of Antarctica (Image by Janos Olah)

A Southern Giant Petrel flies against lenticular clouds (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Sleeping King Penguin parents with young on South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Woolly King Penguin chick (Image by Inger Vandyke)

The sunrises in the Lemaire Channel are always worth getting out of bed at 3am for! (Image by Inger Vandyke)

King Penguins are photogenic from any angle (Image by Janos Olah)

A group of Adelie Penguins (Image by Janos Olah)

Gentoo Penguins make their way home along one of Antarctica's "penguin highways" (Image by Janos Olah)

Whaling station building at Grytviken, South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Blue Iceberg (Image by Inger Vandyke)

The Plancius anchored up at Neko Harbour, Antarctica (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Austral Thrush in the gorse bushes of the Falkland Islands (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Brown Skuas often greet each other with calls and wing extending (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A dainty Snow Petrel flies through the snow (Image by Janos Olah)

The flukes of two Southern Humpback whales at sunset in the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Blackish Oystercatcher resting in the Falkland Islands (Image by Janos Olah)

Another view of the awsome St Andrews King Penguin colony on South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Petrel, one of the old whaling boats at Grytviken, South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

The remains of an old whaling boat on Deception Island, Antarctica (Image by Inger Vandyke)

During peak summer Southern Elephant Seals lounge on Antarctica's beaches in large groups (Image by Janos Olah)

A Gentoo Penguin in its icy world (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A stunning Commerson's Dolphin springs out of the water in Antarctica (Image by Janos Olah)

The remains of the whaling station on Deception Island, Antarctica (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Black-browed Albatrosses nesting at West Point Island, the Falkland Islands (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Brown Skuas greeting (Image by Inger Vandyke)

King Penguins traversing a stream on South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Icebergs (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Cape Petrel in flight (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Southern Giant Petrel in flight (Image by Inger Vandyke)

Two Southern Giant Petrels arguing on South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A group of Adelie Penguins in Antarctica (Image by Janos Olah)

King Penguins are big penguins but even they appear small next to an adult female Southern Elephant Seal (Image by Inger Vandyke)

A huge King Penguin colony at St Andrews on South Georgia (Image by Inger Vandyke)

ANTARCTICA PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS WITH WILD IMAGES

A visit to Antarctica and South Georgia is like no other journey on earth; it is indeed about as close to visiting another planet as any of us are likely to get. We can say without hesitation that this is the ultimate wildlife photography adventure, a wilderness experience that is truly uplifting and really does make the heart sing with the joy of being alive. If you ever have the chance to go to South Georgia and Antarctica then take it, for you will surely never regret it!

Antarctica and South Georgia are truly other-worldly places that every photographer with a keen interest in wildlife, landscapes and adventure should visit at least once in a lifetime. With so many marvellous creatures that are utterly tame and approachable, not just penguins and seals, but albatrosses, whales and many other species, a combination of Antarctica and South Georgia is one of the most wonderful Antarctica photography tours that one can ever experience, and way, way richer as a wildlife photography experience than a journey to the Antarctic Peninsula alone. For anyone who wants to encounter the best of Antarctic wildlife, South Georgia is a must!

Antarctica is the last frontier on our ever-shrinking planet, a place that so many travellers long to explore but so few ever see. An uninhabited continent of more that twelve million square kilometres almost entirely encrusted with ice – an awesomely silent but starkly beautiful frozen world. Here in Antarctica some of the most magnificent scenery of all can be seen under the cleanest skies on earth. Towering volcanoes, stark mountain ranges, lowering headlands, icebergs like floating cathedrals – all are enhanced by the peculiar quality of the light, which lends an ethereal beauty to the savage grandeur of the landscapes.

Antarctica is a land of superlatives, at one and the same time the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, most barren and least known area on earth. Some 90% of the world’s fresh water is locked up in Antarctica’s icecap, which if it were to melt would cause sea levels to rise over 200ft (over 60m), drowning much of the world’s arable land and hundreds of major cities!

One of the strangest features of this lost continent is the fact that Antarctica is surrounded by the richest oceans of all, thronged with marine life ranging from tiny krill to huge elephant seals and whales, and supporting enormous numbers of seabirds. The tameness of Antarctica’s wildlife, both seabirds and sea mammals, is legendary and this remarkable journey will not only provide numerous opportunities to photograph albatrosses, petrels, penguins and seals at sea but also see us wandering right amongst their breeding colonies, accepted without question by creatures that have learned no fear of man, a magical yet humbling experience. Whale-watching is a feature of Antarctic cruises and we are likely to enjoy some spectacular views of these leviathans breaching and sounding right next to our ship.

Our extraordinary wildlife photography adventure starts in earnest either at Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world, situated on the windswept but spectacularly beautiful shores of Tierra del Fuego, or at Puerto Madryn further north in Patagonia. Here we join our ship and sail out into the South Atlantic en route to the Falkland Islands.

The sea crossings from South America to the Falklands and onwards to South Georgia and Antarctica offer some of the best pelagic seabird photography experiences in the world, with no fewer than five species of albatross routinely encountered (Black-browed, Grey-headed, Light-mantled, Wandering and Southern Royal) and several others possible, as well as both Southern and Northern Giant-Petrels, Cape, White-chinned, Soft-plumaged, Atlantic, Kerguelen and Blue Petrels, Slender-billed, Antarctic and Fairy Prions, Great Shearwater, Wilson’s, Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm Petrels, and Common and Georgian Diving Petrels. We can also expect a good selection of cetaceans, including some large whales.

Our exploration of the wild yet beautiful Falkland Islands will be enlivened by the spectacular and very approachable wildlife of the archipelago, which makes for truly wonderful photography.

Here are some of the largest colonies of Black-browed Albatrosses and Rockhopper Penguins in the Southern Ocean, while other attractions include South American Fur Seal, Magellanic Penguin, Rock and Imperial Shags, Kelp, Upland and the rare Ruddy-headed Geese, Falkland’s Steamer Duck, Striated Caracara, Magellanic and Blackish Oystercatchers, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two-banded Plover, Brown Skua, Dolphin Gull, South American Tern, Blackish Cinclodes, Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant, Cobb’s Wren and White-bridled Finch.

After enjoying the attractive scenery and marvellous wildlife of these rugged, wind-swept islands, and after a short stop in rather quaint yet historic Port Stanley, we sail onwards to South Georgia, enjoying some more wonderful seabird photography en route.

The most mountainous of the sub-Antarctic islands, South Georgia appears like a series of snow-covered peaks rising from the sea, scalloped with fjords carved by more that 150 glaciers. Here we will experience some of the most unforgettable wildlife spectacles of our journey amidst dramatic scenery, walking amidst huge colonies of stately King Penguins (surely one of the most iconic creatures of all as regards wildlife photography), standing close to gigantic Southern Elephant Seals and enjoying superb views of nesting Wandering Albatrosses, while other notable creatures include Macaroni and Gentoo Penguins, South Georgia Shag, South Georgia Pintail, the hugely impressive Southern Elephant Sea and the bad-tempered Antarctic Fur Seal and even the tiny endemic South Georgia Pipit.

To the south lie the ice-mantled South Orkney Islands, a major breeding site for the lovely Snow Petrel and a place where numerous huge icebergs, spawned by the Weddell Sea, come to rest in the shallows.

Steaming even further south, across the Scotia Sea, we come at last to our ultimate goal, the Antarctic Peninsula, an icy finger of land pointing towards South America and first seen by human eyes only last century, and the rugged South Shetland Islands, home to millions of penguins and petrels. Here the entire wildlife spectrum is tame and approachable, making for some amazing photography sessions. Here we will encounter Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard Seals, penguins and whales amidst the ice floes, visit Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguin rookeries, experience the awesome scenery of the ice-choked Antarctic channels, watch pure-white Snow Petrels and piebald Antarctic Petrels soaring around icebergs, and visit the shores of the Antarctic continent itself. We even have a real, if slim chance of encountering the legendary Emperor Penguin.

From the Antarctic Peninsula, we sail northwards across the deep waters of the Drake Passage to the southernmost tip of South America, where the turbulent waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific meet at lonely Cape Horn, before very reluctantly returning to ‘civilization’ at the port of Ushuaia with memories and images that only a lucky few can ever hope for.

We have operated Antarctica photography tours since 1990.

Those who want to can join an optional pre-tour extension in southern Tierra del Fuego, which provides yet more excellent bird watching, great photography and spectacular scenery. Kindly note the option of the ‘extension to the extension’ for White-bellied Seedsnipe. See the Detailed Itinerary for further information.

Why is travelling on a smaller expedition ship and in a smaller group so important for wildlife-orientated visitors to Antarctica?

Many people are unaware that the tightening environmental regulations in Antarctica and South Georgia mean that it is no longer possible to land more than 100 passengers at a time at the great majority of landing sites.

This means that if you go on a ship that takes well over 100 passengers, either landing durations per person will be greatly reduced compared to those available with the smaller ships, or there will be fewer landings (either because not all passengers can go ashore at any given landing or because the ship will need to book two landing slots, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, at each location, leaving half the passengers on board during each landing slot).  Sadly the trend in Antarctica is for larger and larger expedition ships, and there are now very few ships left that take fewer than 150 passengers and some that take 500 or more! This makes economic sense for the cruise companies, but is a huge step backwards for wildlife photography enthusiasts in our view. The whole point of going all that way and spending all that money is to have lots of time ashore in this magical part of the world!

Another important aspect to bear in mind is that all expedition ships have limited space at the bow and at the stern. These are the best places for photography during the sea crossings, at least in normal weather conditions. Even the bridge, where you have to look (or photograph) through glass, can only hold so many. If you go in a huge group of photographers and other wildlife-orientated people there will inevitably be frustrations, in our opinion, as too many people want the best observing spots and as communication weakens so good opportunities are missed. On a ‘normal’ cruise we often have the bows and stern to ourselves or share them with a few others. Most folk on these cruises are not interested in sustained time on deck.

When is the best time for wildlife photography in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia?

This is not a simple question to answer. The easiest thing to say is that late southern summer/early autumn (late February into March) is definitely not the best time for a visit unless your main interest is cetaceans (which typically peak at this time), as most penguin colonies are winding down and the weather is no longer at its best.

During the early ‘ship season’, in November, the weather averages a bit colder and more unsettled than from December to mid-February. In some years there can be more issues with sea ice blocking access to certain landing sites (this is particularly true of getting to land at Adelie Penguin colonies). Cetaceans are fewer in number at this time of year, but on the other hand, the penguin colonies are less soiled.

During December to early February, the weather reaches it’s optimum, cetaceans become increasingly abundant, more sea ice melts or disperses, allowing more reliable access to some landing sites, and most penguin species have endearing chicks.

Cruises to Antarctica from New Year through to mid-February cost more than those at other times of the season simply because this is the peak demand period from Antarctic travellers in general. It is no better a time for seeing birds and other wildlife than November-December. From a purely wildlife photography perspective, there is pretty much no difference in what you will see and photograph between November and February.

Accommodation & Transport

We shall be sailing on the MV Plancius , a converted, ice-strengthened former Dutch naval vessel of 3434 tons and 89 metres in length operated by the well-respected Oceanwide Expeditions, who are based in the Netherlands. Plancius is a very well-loved expedition ship and nowadays one of the relatively few smaller (100 or so passengers) ships available. While comfortable and modern, this is still not a ‘cruise ship’ in the traditional manner. She is specifically designed for exploring wild places and enjoying wild nature, rather than carrying huge numbers of people, with multiple restaurants and all the rest!

Plancius can accommodate a maximum of 108 passengers in 52 passenger cabins, all with private toilet and shower. Cabins consist of quad cabins with a porthole and two lower single beds and two upper, triple cabins with a porthole and two lower single beds and one upper, twin cabins with a porthole and two lower single beds, twin cabins with a window and two lower single beds, somewhat larger deluxe twin cabins with a window and two lower single beds and superior twin cabins which are almost 50% larger than a standard twin, with at least one window and one queen-sized bed. Cabins have ample storage space and an outside view.

Public facilities include a restaurant/lecture theatre, an observation lounge/bar with panoramic views, a library and a small shop. Food is plentiful, of good quality, waitress-served and prepared by experienced chefs. Both ships carry a small complement of expedition staff who, as well as guiding excursions ashore and zodiac cruises, double up as guest lecturers and give informal talks on the environment, wildlife and history of the areas visited. The bridge is normally open to all (except when the ship is docking) and provides a great viewpoint whenever it is too breezy to stand comfortably outside.

Much of the sailing is done at night (or what passes for ‘night’ in summer in high latitudes), thus maximizing opportunities for going ashore and enjoying the harsh but beautiful landscapes of Antarctica to the full. Landings are carried out using a fleet of zodiacs/naiads, the rugged, fast-moving type of inflatables first developed by Jacques Cousteau for expedition work which allow safe landings on remote coastlines in all types of conditions.

Further information about the ship is available on the Oceanwide Expeditions website: https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/our-fleet/m-v-plancius .

The walking effort is mostly easy during our Antarctic photography tours, even in South Georgia, but there are a very few optional harder walks.

Quite mild at this season (and a surprise to many visitors, who imagine extreme cold is a year-round feature of Antarctica). In the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounds the shade temperature is generally a little above freezing point (and as high as 4-7°C, or 39-45°F, at South Georgia). On sunny days it can feel relatively warm if there is no wind (often the case in Antarctica proper, much less often the case in South Georgia). In contrast, it can feel distinctly cold when windy at sea or while on land at South Georgia. Sunny spells are interspersed with (often longer) overcast periods and some rain or snow are to be expected. In Tierra del Fuego and in the Falklands conditions are typically cool, but considerably warmer than further south.

Adverse weather conditions may prevent landings on exposed coasts. It is, however, unusual for more than a very few landings to have to be called off during a cruise. The information given about possible landing sites should be taken as a general indication about what is likely to be achieved: every Antarctic cruise is different, being dependent on the amount of time available, sea and ice conditions, and the weather, and so it is likely that some of the sites visited will be different from those described.

Arriving before the cruise starts

Owing to the possibility, however small, of a severe airline delay, we would recommend that all participants have two hotel nights at the cruise start point prior to the cruise. Kindly note that in the event you do not arrive in time, the ship will not wait and neither the cruise operator nor ourselves can make a refund in such circumstances. Arriving early also has the advantage that your luggage could still catch up with you, should it go astray. We can make hotel bookings for you on request.

Photographic Equipment

For seabirds and many birds ashore during Antarctica photography tours, the ideal lenses with a full-frame DSLR or mirror-less equivalent are usually a 300mm, 400mm or 500mm prime, often with converters for smaller species. If your budget does not run to big prime lenses, a high quality 400mm f5.6 or a 100-400mm or similar zoom with a converter can be a very viable alternative. For many other wildlife photography subjects, and also many scenic shots, a telephoto lens in the 100-200mm range will be very useful.

Antarctica, South Georgia and even parts of the Falkland Islands are full of panoramic views and a wide-angle in the 16-28mm range is ideal for landscape photography. You can also use wide-angle on elephant seals (not fur seals please!), penguins and some other wildlife photography subjects to get great images.

You can also get wonderful results throughout this Antarctica photography tour, with many subjects, with a high quality bridge camera with an 18-20x or higher optical zoom and a wide-angle setting which is equivalent to 24mm. If you have questions about what equipment you ought to bring, please contact us.

Photographic Highlights

• Amazing encounters with photogenic species of penguins, including Rockhopper, King, Macaroni, Chinstrap, Adelie and Gentoo at their colonies
• Standing in awe at the Black-browed Albatross and Southern Rockhopper Penguin colony on Westpoint Island and listening to the braying of the penguins as albatrosses sweep in to land
• Experiencing the extraordinary 'wintry' mountain scenery of Antarctica, with sea ice and icebergs in the foreground, especially in the soft light of evening and early morning
• Unrivalled opportunities to photograph flying seabirds including many albatrosses and Snow and Antarctic Petrels
• Stunning encounters with so many cetaceans, often at very close range, ranging from Fin and Humpback Whales to Killer Whales and dolphins
• The journey to 'The Last Continent', the nearest any of us will ever get to visiting another planet and then setting foot on that final continent and marvelling at its stark, inhospitable, untouched beauty!
• Sailing for the Falklands, with our first flocks of Black-browed Albatrosses in the Beagle Channel and then catching the first sights of Wandering and Royal Albatrosses at sea
• Ultra tame birds on the Falklands including Kelp, Upland and Ruddy-headed Geese; Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins and Striated Caracaras
• The myriad of different seabirds on the trip from the Falklands to South Georgia Standing in awe at the vast King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain and St Andrews
• Admiring the endless parade of magnificent 'alpine' scenery as we pass peak after peak and glacier after glacier on South Georgia
• Making the pilgrimage to Ernest Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken and toasting his memory
• Baby Elephant Seals snorting as we come close, and staring at us with huge, liquid eyes, while older animals belch, roar or battle
• Watching a Macaroni Penguin colony amongst the tussock grass, and enjoying the departing birds diving into the sea (or maybe tumbling!)
• Sailing past awesome tabular icebergs that dwarf our ship
• Moving through the drift ice as we approach the Antarctic continent, watching the antics of the penguins using them as floating platforms or diving into the sea
• Noisy colonies of smart Chinstrap Penguins, stone-stealing Gentoo Penguins and cute Adelie Penguins
• Encountering sleepy Weddell Seals and hulking Leopard Seals, and hopefully some Crabeaters
• Zodiac cruising amongst the ice
• So many wonderful lectures on Antarctic history, biology and other subjects from our expedition staff
• Eating too many tasty meals, but not getting enough exercise!
• That feeling of sadness yet accomplishment as our expedition comes to an end

OUTLINE ITINERARY

• TIERRA DEL FUEGO PRE-TOUR EXTENSION
• Day 1: The extension starts this afternoon at Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.
• Day 2: Tierra del Fuego. Overnight at Ushuaia.
• Day 3: The extension ends this afternoon at Ushuaia.
• Day 1: The expedition starts this afternoon at Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.
• Day 2: Heading towards the Falkland Islands.
• Day 3: West Fakland (typically Carcass and Westpoint Islands).
• Day 4: Port Stanley.
• Days 5-6: Heading towards South Georgia.
• Days 7-10: Fabulous South Georgia!
• Day 11: Heading for the South Orkney Islands.
• Day 12: South Orkney Islands.
• Days 13-16: The glories of the Antarctic Peninsula!
• Day 17: Heading back to South America.
• Day 18: At sea in the Cape Horn region.
• Day 19: The expedition ends this morning at Ushuaia.

To see a larger map, click on the square-like ‘enlarge’ icon in the upper right of the map box.

To see (or hide) the ‘map legend’, click on the icon with an arrow in the upper left of the map box.

To change to a satellite view, which is great for seeing the physical terrain (and for seeing really fine details by repetitive use of the + button), click on the square ‘map view’ icon in the lower left corner of the ‘map legend’.

PRICE INFORMATION

Wild Images Inclusions: Our tour prices include surface transportation, accommodations, meals and entrance fees.

Gratuities for the expedition staff and crew are not included in the tour price. The level of gratuities is entirely a matter for personal discretion. The staff and crew work very long hours to make such cruises a success, and we understand that each passenger on these cruises usually gives gratuities of between US$300-400.

Deposit: 20% of the total tour price. Our office will let you know what deposit amount is due, in order to confirm your booking, following receipt of your online booking form.

TO BOOK THIS TOUR: Click here (you will need the tour dates)

For Ushuaia/Ushuaia arrangements:

£9420, $11870, €11300 in a Quadruple Porthole Cabin with 2 upper and 2 lower berths and private bathroom

£11460, $14440, €13750 in a Triple Porthole Cabin with 1 upper and 2 lower berths and private bathroom

£11460, $14440, €13750 in a Twin Porthole Cabin with 2 single beds and private bathroom

£12000, $15120, €14400, in a Twin Window Cabin with 2 single beds and private bathroom

£12790, $16120, €15350 in a Twin Deluxe Cabin with 2 single beds and private bathroom

£13670, $17220, €16400 in a Superior Cabin with double bed and private bathroom

Tierra del Fuego Pre-Tour Extension: £790, $1000, €950 Ushuaia/Ushuaia.

White-bellied Seedsnipe Additional Extension: £330, $420, €400.

Prices and dates are provisional;

Single Supplement: Single occupancy of twin-berth cabins can be obtained in return for a 70% supplement on top of the relevant twin-share cabin price.

Tierra del Fuego Extension 2022: £140, $170, €160. White-bellied Seedsnipe Additional Extension: £70, $90, €80.

Tierra del Fuego Extension 2024: £140, $170, €160. White-bellied Seedsnipe Additional Extension: £70, $90, €80.

Please note that if you are willing to share but no cabin-mate is available you will not have to pay the single occupancy supplement onboard ship.

This tour is priced in Euros. Amounts shown in other currencies are indicative.

Air Travel To & From The Tour: Our in-house IATA ticket agency will be pleased to arrange your air travel on request, or you may arrange this yourself if you prefer.

ANTARCTICA, THE FALKLAND ISLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR: DETAILED ITINERARY

Our Antarctica, Falkland Islands and South Georgia photographic expedition begins this afternoon at Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world, which is situated on the south coast of Tierra del Fuego, the ‘toe’ of South America, at 55 degrees south. If it is clear during the flight south across Argentina, you will be able to see the vast, arid landscapes of Patagonia far below and eventually the ice-clad spires and vast snowfields of Tierra del Fuego. Named by Magellan after the warning fires that the now-extinct Ona Amerindians lit when they saw his ships, Tierra del Fuego lies at the extreme southern tip of South America and is a wild land of grassland, windswept moors, stunted Nothofagus beech forests, snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

This afternoon we will board our ship before setting sail this evening. We will spend the next 18 nights aboard. As we sail eastwards along the Beagle Channel, Black-browed Albatrosses, Southern Giant Petrels and diminutive Magellanic Diving Petrels will be on show, but they are only an appetizer compared to the wildlife glories of the subantarctic and Antarctica that still lie ahead.

As we sail towards the Falkland Islands we will be looking out for seabirds that are typical of these shallower, warmer waters such as Sooty and Great Shearwaters. We will also encounter our first Southern Royal Albatrosses and a number of other seabird species widespread in the southern oceans which will soon become familiar companions.

 Indeed albatross and giant petrel photography starts to come into its own on this leg of the journey, with the birds coming right up to the ship and giving all kinds of views, against the sky, against the waves, even against the ship!

The Falkland Islands lie some 500 kilometres (roughly 300 miles) off the South American mainland. In spite of their remote location and apparent lack of resources, the islands have had a varied history, with temporary occupations by the Spanish and French before the British finally settled the islands permanently in 1842. Although the archipelago consists of over 300 islands, it is dominated by the two main islands of East and West Falkland. A tiny population of only a few thousand is concentrated around Port Stanley, the picturesque little capital with its gaily painted Victorian-style houses that briefly became the focus of world attention during the 1982 Falklands War.

These windswept islands enjoy a much milder climate than South Georgia let alone Antarctica and there is only a little snow during the winter months. At this season the islands provide endless rolling vistas of yellow-green grasslands waving in the wind. With so few people to disturb them, birds are tame and abundant. Over fifty species breed in the islands, an almost overwhelming diversity compared to Antarctica proper.

During our stay ,we plan to make several landings.

 One of these will be at one of the spectacular seabird colonies that have made the Falklands famous. Most of these are situated on remote islands. At Saunders Island or at similar West Point Island the open hillsides are populated by Dark-faced Ground Tyrants and Correndera Pipits, whilst overhead Variable Hawks hang in the wind. Dramatic sea-cliffs face the open Atlantic and here we shall visit a Rockhopper Penguin rookery, smiling as we watch a succession of Rockhoppers popping up out of the sea onto the rocks like champagne corks leaving a bottle and then hopping and scrambling up the cliffs in a long line, working their way up a natural staircase that has been worn smooth by the passage of countless little feet. From time to time one or more Striated Caracaras or ‘Johnny Rook’ appears in the colony, lurking on the periphery in the hope of making off with a titbit or two. At a large colony of Black-browed Albatrosses, we will see some of the adults squatting on top of flattened grass tussocks rather like strange dwarfs on even stranger toadstools whilst others soar high above us or sweep into the nest sites to greet their mates with an affectionate round of mutual preening and bill clicking. Opportunities for photography are simply awesome here!

On beautiful Carcass Island, Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins potter along waving their little flippers as they wander inland to their nests. Rock and Imperial Shags sit about on rocky skerries whilst South American Terns and beautiful Dolphin Gulls patrol the shallows and Magellanic and Blackish Oystercatchers pipe shrilly from the shoreline. Upland Geese are especially numerous and there is a good population of the rare and beautiful Ruddy-headed Goose. Along the shoreline, we will come across the striking Kelp Goose, which feeds almost exclusively on the beds of giant kelp. The endemic Falkland Steamer Duck or ‘Logger’ is a common sight and we shall soon realize how they got their name as these bulky ducks ‘steam’ over the water, kicking up a cloud of spray from the combined action of their wings and large feet whilst making loud sneezing alarm calls. All of these birds are amazingly approachable and even an afternoon here can produce numerous great images. It is hard to know where to turn to next! The great photography just goes on and on.

The variety of landbirds is rather limited but this is more than made up for by the confiding nature of the little Blackish Cinclodes or ‘Tussock Bird’, which may perch on one’s shoes, or even on one’s head, much to the amusement of other participants. White-bridled Finches and Black-chinned Siskins feed amongst the low herbage, Grass Wrens lurk in the damp grass and endemic Cobb’s Wrens forage along the shoreline amongst the cast up seaweed.

Around the settlement, Black-crowned Night Herons nest in the trees and Austral Thrushes and Long-tailed Meadowlarks are everywhere. Amongst the other birds we may find here,  all of which can be close enough for good photography, are Crested Duck, Speckled Teal, Turkey Vulture, Southern Crested Caracara, Peregrine Falcon, South American Snipe, Brown Skua and Kelp Gull.

Non-avian wildlife is not very prominent in the Falkland Islands, but as well as South American Fur Seal and Peale’s Dolphin, we may also come across the beautiful Commerson’s Dolphin.

Before leaving the islands we will call in at Port Stanley where there are opportunities to wander around the minuscule streets, visit the tiny cathedral, see the historic hulks of the ships that never made it around Cape Horn. This will be our only opportunity for ‘urban photography’ during the expedition.

Outside the town, one can find Speckled Teal, Rufous-chested Dotterel and Two-banded Plover. You can walk out to the airport area to photograph them, but it is quicker and more relaxing to pay for a taxi.

The long sea crossing to South Georgia can often be a highlight of the voyage if you like to photograph birds in flight. As we travel ever further to the southeast we shall pass from the warmer sub-Antarctic waters that surround southern South America and the Falklands to the cold waters of Antarctica. The line of demarcation between these two water masses is quite strongly pronounced and is known as the Antarctic Convergence. Here the upwelling currents create conditions ideal for plankton and the rich feeding attracts numerous seabirds and often cetaceans.

As we watch from the decks we will see an endless succession of seabirds following the ship, or sailing indifferently past, including Black-browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses, the graceful Light-mantled Albatross, enormous Northern and Southern Giant Petrels, Cape, Soft-plumaged and White-chinned Petrels, the beautiful Blue Petrel, Antarctic and Slender-billed Prions, tiny Wilson’s, Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm Petrels, and Brown Skuas. The star of this ever-changing spectacle will be the greatest seabird of all, the Wandering Albatross, with its remarkable wingspan (up to 3.5 metres!). As we watch and photograph these huge birds gliding low over the sea between waves and then circling high into the air without even the slightest movement of their wings we will be witnessing one of nature’s ultimate creations in action – a bird which is in total harmony with its environment. We should also come across the confusingly similar Southern Royal Albatross amongst the Wanderings.

We also have a good chance of seeing and photographing whales, especially when we cross a bank where the sea depth decreases from over 4000m to under 200m, producing an upwelling that creates a plankton swarm highly attractive to whales: the most regular species here being Minke Whale, Fin Whale and Hourglass Dolphin. If we are lucky we will encounter Gray’s Beaked Whale or Southern Bottlenose Whale.

As we voyage southwards we will have a chance to listen to some fascinating lectures on the environment of Antarctica and its wildlife or visit the bridge to learn about the many complex navigation instruments in use on our ship.

South Georgia lies at the northeastern corner of the Scotia Ridge, a largely submarine formation with only the summits poking above the sea as islands, that links the Andes of South America with the mountains of Antarctica. Profoundly remote, a mass of inaccessible ice-clad mountains rising to 2934m, South Georgia is the most spectacular and most rich in wildlife of all the sub-Antarctic islands. Described by Robert Cushman Murphy, that great pioneer of seabird research in the southern oceans, as presenting ‘one of the world’s most glorious spectacles – like the Alps in mid-ocean’, the coastline of South Georgia endlessly surprises and delights as one striking vista of deep fjords, jagged peaks and glacier-dominated valleys gives way to another and yet another.

During our stay in this marvellous area, we will make a series of landings. For over fifty years South Georgia was the hub of the South Atlantic whaling industry and we shall explore the eerie, silent ghost settlement of Grytviken, the oldest whaling station on the island, which makes for some most unusual yet fascinating photography. Even some of the old whaling boats are still intact. Here too we will visit the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton, that hero of Antarctic exploration, who died at Cumberland Bay, and also the excellent whaling museum that charts the history of the island.

South Georgia is famous for its vast nesting colonies of King Penguins, and we do mean ‘vast’ as some of the colonies number in the hundreds of thousands! It is an awesome experience to go ashore at the immense colonies at Salisbury Plain and St Andrews and see and photograph a sea of birds stretching away into the difference before concentrating more on photography of groups or individuals waddling between beach and colony, or ‘surfing’ in the waves just off the beach. The King Penguin’s sheer size, elegant shape and colour combination makes for many striking images (indeed you can easily take hundreds before getting a bit more discerning!). We shall admire their handsome silver-grey, glowing orange, black and white plumage that contrasts so strikingly with the green tussock grass and beige sandy beaches, whilst inland the huge glaciers provide an even more dramatic backdrop.

In some places at the King Penguin colonies large groups of enormous Southern Elephant Seals are piled on the shoreline like heaps of giant slugs, occasionally stirring from their slumbers to growl a protest as a neighbour jostles them beyond the point of acceptability.

 The pups with their huge ‘innocent’ eyes and perpetually runny noses from their habit of snorting out excess salt from their nostrils are simply adorable and make for wonderful photography.

Also easy and impressive to photograph are the many Antarctic Fur Seals, but with these you have to be more wary as, unlike the ponderous elephant seals, they can move fast and sometimes even bite the unwary. Keep looking out behind you!

With so many large creatures in residence, it is not surprising that there are some casualties among the wildlife, so it is commonplace to find huge Southern Giant Petrels squabbling over carrion. Their fights, which are often dramatic, involve birds lumbering into battle with widely spread wings while their heads are often blood-stained from prizing open the rotting corpses. Expect some dramatic images!

All in all the King Penguin colony landings are a photographer’s dream and it is almost painful to have to leave and go back to the ship!

On one of the small offshore islands, known as Prion Island, we will have the opportunity to wander through a colony of Wandering Albatrosses – so graceful in the air yet so awkward on land! Not only will we be able to get close to the nesting birds, which look even larger sat on a nest than they do on the wing, we may be fortunate enough to photograph their wild, evocative display as several adults turn their outstretched wings towards the sky and throw back their heads to wail at the heavens. (Prion Island is closed to visitors until 7 January, owing to Antarctic Fur Seal activity, so the privilege of a visit is something to be savoured by those arriving in South Georgia after the island opens.)

Not far away, Southern Giant Petrels squat Dodo-like on their untidy nests, hissing at intruders. Light-mantled Albatrosses, the most beautiful and most gentle of all the albatrosses, are widespread as nesting birds and it is a thrilling sight to watch them gliding to and fro along the cliffs or displaying to their mates.

During our stay in South Georgia, we will surely encounter the endemic South Georgia Pipit (now rapidly recovering its numbers thanks to the ongoing rat eradication programme) and also the rather tame endemic race of the Yellow-billed Pintail. Other photography targets include Grey-headed Albatross, South Georgia Shag and the bizarre-looking Macaroni Penguin. In the fjords or offshore we will find stunning Snow Petrels, diminutive Common Diving Petrels and the localized Georgian Diving Petrel, watching the latter get up hurriedly from the water and sweep past our ship on rapidly whirring wings.

We sail southwestwards across the Scotia Sea towards the South Orkney Islands and Antarctica proper. Once again pelagic seawatching is excellent both for birds and cetaceans, so the opportunities for photography will continue.

Today we plan a landing at Orcadas station, an Argentine base in the South Orkney Islands, which in this region are the most northerly archipelago of Antarctica proper. Visiting an Antarctic base is a fascinating experience in itself and few have finer views than this one with glaciers all around. In the South Orkneys, we will surely encounter numbers of gigantic tabular icebergs which have been spewed forth from the mouth of the Weddell Sea. Some of the bergs are the most intense blue colour and have been sculptured into fantastic shapes by the action of wind, water and sun, making for some amazing photography. The incomparable Snow Petrel regularly adopts these bergs as a ‘home away from home’ and we should see and photograph these beautiful birds, that surely epitomize Antarctica, perched on the top or circling their floating ‘island’.

We sail on to Antarctica proper. As we get closer our excitement grows and we shall keep a careful lookout for Antarctic Petrels amongst the much more common Southern Fulmars and Cape Petrels.

The route we take will depend on ice conditions at the time, but if these permit we will enter the Weddell Sea on our way to Antarctic Sound, at the northernmost point of the Antarctic continent. (If ice conditions are unhelpful, we will instead head past Elephant Island and try to access Antarctic Sound and the edge of the Weddell Sea by the western route.

Elephant Island, one of the easternmost islands of the South Shetlands and a remote place where black rock outcrops and mighty glaciers speckled with pink algae create a dramatic landscape. This is the place where Ernest Shackleton’s men survived for more than four grim months after Shackleton set out on his epic attempt to reach South Georgia in a tiny open boat and so bring help. A bust to Captain Pardo, the master of the Chilean ship Yelcho that finally got through to Elephant Island on Shackleton’s fourth rescue attempt, still stands guard at Point Wild, a reminder of the days when explorers could not rely on radios or helicopters to save themselves, but only on their own courage and determination.

Colonies of Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins can be found throughout the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetlands. We will likely make a landing at Half Moon Island in the South Shetlands, or at other very similar bird colonies elsewhere. Here, Brown Skuas will try to drive us from their territories by sweeping in low over our heads and breeding Wilson’s Storm Petrels zigzag over the talus slopes where Antarctic Shags nest.

 Wildlife photography opportunities are brilliant, with penguins pottering through the snow as they file down to the water’s edge, whilst others head inland to greet their mates at the nest

, display wildly to their fellows or steal stone’s from their neighbours’ nests. We may also come fairly close to saturnine-faced Weddell’s Seals hauled out on the ice.

The entry to Deception Island, through the aptly named Neptune’s Bellows, is just wide enough for our ship to navigate and here we will be accompanied by some of the numerous Cape Petrels that nest fulmar-like on the surrounding cliffs. Our anchorage is at Whaler’s Bay, an abandoned whaling station, inside a volcano whose cone caved in to be filled by the sea.

There is traditionally a chance to go for a (rather quick!) Antarctic swim here, in an area with some natural geothermal heating, but photographers may prefer to concentrate on the bathing skuas or the nesting Cape Petrels.

As we pass through the Bransfield Strait, passing icebergs of immense size and awesome beauty, some white, others tinged blue-green by algae, and watching out for the huge flukes of sounding Humpback Whales, the high dorsal fins of Killer Whales (or Orcas) slicing through the water and the unobtrusive Minke Whale. Here the silence is profound as the sun glows on ice floes dotted with Crabeater, Weddell and sinister-looking Leopard Seals whilst beyond is an endless vista of icebergs and distant, snow-coated mountains.

 Landscape photography here is awesomely good and there are many wildlife photography opportunities as well.

We plan to make a landing on the continent of Antarctica itself, possibly at Brown Bluff in Antarctic Sound. Here we will go ashore on the Antarctic mainland, likely photographing chicken-like Snowy Sheathbills scavenging along the shoreline and South Polar Skuas keeping a watchful eye out for any opportunity for a meal. Out in the bay, graceful Antarctic Terns perch on blocks of floating ice. We will also want to visit the large Adelie Penguin colony. These little characters are surely the cutest penguins of them all.

The northern edge of the Weddell Sea offers our best chance for the winter-breeding Emperor Penguin, as there is a colony on relatively nearby (but generally inaccessible) Snowhill Island. We have seen up to 30 or more standing on ice floes during a visit to this part of the Weddell, but that is exceptional and more usually one encounters just one or two individuals, and most often none at all! You must consider an Emperor Penguin sighting in the Antarctic Peninsula as a real bonus. A lot depends on sea ice cover in the area. On average the chances of getting into the Weddell Sea are highest from January to March, but conditions vary a lot from year to year and even from month to month.

Charlotte Bay on the west coast of Graham Land was discovered by Adrien de Gerlache during the 1897–99 Belgica expedition and named after the fiancée of Georges Lecointe, Gerlache’s executive officer, hydrographer and second-in-command of the expedition. In this spectacular place, where nunataks rise through the ice cap, seals dot the ice floes and South Polar Skuas harry the local Gentoo Penguins. At Wilhelmina Bay, the scenic spectacular continues as one admires the dramatic mountain- and glacier-scapes of the Arctowski Peninsula.

If we cannot explore Antarctic Sound and the edge of the Weddell Sea owing to too much ice, we may penetrate further south to Cuverville Island with its large Gentoo colony and may make a continental landing in Antarctica at Neko Harbour in Andvord Bay.

Still further south, at Paradise Bay, the sea ice sparkles and 3000m high mountains and glaciers tower above us No description can do justice to this awesome, unearthly place where all the works of man seem puny indeed. We may even have the opportunity to sail through the Gerlache Strait and the narrow Neumayer Channel until we reach the historic British base at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, a fascinating landing site complete with Gentoo Penguins nesting all around the old base and roving skuas looking for a meal.

To the north of the Antarctic Peninsula lies the thousand kilometres (600 miles) of the Drake Passage, separating Antarctica from the curving tail end of South America. Crossing this historic waterway, named after the great English seafarer whose expedition almost came to grief in these wild waters, is an exciting experience and gives us our last chance to enjoy and photograph a host of albatrosses and petrels which have become so familiar to us during our Antarctic journey. Almost as rich in seabirds as the seas between the Falklands and South Georgia, the Drake Passage will provide a fitting finale to our time in the great ‘Southern Ocean’.

In the afternoon we should see the steep, rocky, greenish-grey headland of Cape Horn looming to the west whilst Sooty Shearwaters circle and dive, and Black-browed Albatrosses glide effortlessly down the troughs between the breakers.

This southernmost point of South America, named by the Dutch navigator Schouten after Hoorn, his birthplace in the Netherlands, has earned a reputation as one of the wildest places on earth. Here, at the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Pacific, the ferocious winds can whip the waves into a frenzy of spray, although in the southern summer it can sometimes be flat calm!

This morning we arrive at Ushuaia. Here we will very reluctantly disembark from the ship we have come to know so well and which has brought us so many unforgettable memories and most definitely some wildlife and landscape photography ‘to die for’. The tour ends on disembarkation.

TIERRA DEL FUEGO EXTENSION

You ought, as a sensible precaution in case of travel delay or lost luggage, have two nights in Ushuaia prior to the departure of the ship, so why not join our optional 2-nights extension and go birding and photographing in Tierra del Fuego?

Day 1   The extension begins at Ushuaia on the island of Tierra del Fuego, where we will stay for two nights.

Day 2   Ushuaia is situated at 55 degrees south and is the most southerly city in the world. Although the bird diversity at this latitude is low, the quality is outstanding.

During our stay at the veritable ‘End of the World’ we will, explore both the immediate vicinity of Ushuaia and nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, a spectacular region of seacoasts, forests, lakes and snow-capped mountains on the Chilean border.

Specialities of southernmost South America we should encounter amidst the wonderful scenery of the Ushuaia area include the attractive Upland, Kelp and Ashy-headed Geese, the bulky Fuegian (or Flightless) and Flying Steamer Ducks, Chiloe Wigeon, Imperial and Rock Shags, Great Grebe, the handsome Black-faced Ibis, Blackish and Magellanic Oystercatchers, Southern Lapwing, Dolphin and Brown-hooded Gulls, South American Tern, Chilean Skua, the huge Magellanic Woodpecker (usually positively easy to find and get close to in this area), Austral Parakeet, Chimango Caracara, the localised White-throated Caracara, Dark-bellied Cinclodes, White-throated Treerunner, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Chilean Elaenia, Fire-eyed Diucon, Austral Negrito, Chilean Swallow, Austral Thrush, Long-tailed Meadowlark, Black-chinned Siskin and the handsome Patagonian Sierra Finch.

Other, more widespread, birds that we may well encounter include Crested Duck, Yellow-billed Teal, Black-crowned Night Heron, the splendid Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Variable Hawk, Kelp Gull, Southern Crested Caracara, Ringed Kingfisher, House Wren, Correndera Pipit and Rufous-collared Sparrow.

Day 3   After some final birding around Ushuaia this morning, we will embark this afternoon on our Antarctic adventure.

White-bellied Seedsnipe Additional Extension Option: If there are participants who would like to extend the extension by an extra day (which means having a third night at Ushuaia, immediately before the start of the extension proper), we can also include a visit to a spectacular high mountain area to search for two more restricted-range specialities, the uncommon and sometimes rather elusive White-bellied Seedsnipe and the smart Yellow-bridled Finch, as well as Buff-winged Cinclodes and Dark-fronted and Ochre-naped Ground Tyrants.

We will operate this extra seedsnipe option with just two people minimum, but you do need to inform us at the time of booking the extension that you want to do the extra day.

The hike up to the seedsnipe area is fairly demanding (it takes between 1.5-2 hours and is ‘off trail’, being steep in places) and once up there the seedsnipe can take anything from 1-5 hours to locate, depending on the day, so this extra day is only for those who are fit enough. The hike into the mountains is weather dependent. Occasionally there is too much rain or snow.

Other Wild Images Tours in Antarctica, The Arctic and other cool climes

August-September 2024

CHILE: WALKING WITH PUMAS – An Extraordinary Photographic Adventure at Torres del Paine

September 2024

EAGLE HUNTERS OF WESTERN MONGOLIA: Including the Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival at Sagsai

September-October 2024

MONGOLIA’S FORGOTTEN REINDEER HERDERS: The Tsaatan Nomads of Hovsgol

November 2024

EMPEROR PENGUINS OF ANTARCTICA: An extraordinary visit to a colony in the Weddell Sea by air

February 2025

JAPAN: WINTER WILDLIFE SPECTACULAR – Cranes, Eagles, Swans & Snow Monkeys

SNOW LEOPARDS & WILDLIFE OF LADAKH, INDIA – In Search of the Grey Ghost of the Mountains

December 2025

NEW MEXICO: CRANES, GEESE & LANDSCAPES – Bosque del Apache and White Sands