FLAGSHIP TRIP
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula

Safari Overview

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Experience the vibrant spring of South Georgia Island and the early season of the Antarctic Peninsula. Beneath the towering, snow-blanketed mountains of South Georgia Island, observe and photograph special wildlife behaviors seldom seen. This time of year is the only time you can find southern elephant seal bulls fighting for territories while females nurse their pups, awkward young wandering albatross attempting their first flight, and distinctly marked gray-headed albatross attending to their cliffside nests. You’ll stand amongst vast colonies of king penguins and watch macaroni penguins launching into the ocean. This time of year, the Antarctic Peninsula is in the beginning of its spring season when the ice in the Weddell Sea can open, allowing opportunities for lone emperor penguins to wander on ice floes. At penguin colonies, you’ll find penguins courting, setting up nests, and perhaps laying eggs. Through over thirty years of experience in the Antarctic, we offer the most in-depth exploration of one of the densest wildlife spectacles found anywhere in the world, and with only 100 passengers, you’ll have ample opportunities to experience this spectacle during every landing and Zodiac cruise.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend six full days on South Georgia Island and six full days in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands with maximum shore time and Zodiac cruising.
• See five penguin species (possibly 6)! Plus, many species of whales, seals, albatross, and seabirds.
• Hear the cacophony of king penguins as you walk near colonies of up to 300,000 birds.
• See gentoo, macaroni, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins as they start their breeding cycles.
• Marvel at dramatic snow-capped mountains descending into valleys and glacier-fed rivers emptying into the ocean.
• Watch southern elephant seal bulls defend their territories from competing bulls and females nursing pups during their peak breeding season.
• See wandering albatross chicks and endangered gray-headed albatross on nests, only possible this time of year.
• Hike or snowshoe on South Georgia Island. Take shorter walks in the Antarctic Peninsula.
• With only 100 participants, everyone can land and/or Zodiac cruise at once, rather than in separate groups.
• Our 15 leaders are polar specialists, photographers, and naturalists who will provide numerous lectures, workshops, and guided excursions.

SAFARI OPTIONS

• Begin your journey early on our Falkland Islands extension from October 16 to 25, 2025. Visit three islands, the best of Patagonia in one trip, to see penguins, albatross, seals, and more.
• Begin your journey early on our four-day Chile extension from October 19 to 25, 2025. Explore the famous Torres del Paine to discover the Paine Massif’s many faces from different vantage points, visit Grey Glacier, and see many of the bird species that call this park home.

Updated: January 2024