Trip Description

On this unique itinerary we will discover the penguin diversity of mainland Chile, the Falklands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Starting in central Chile, we will look for Humboldt penguins, an endemic species of the cold-water homonymous current. The Falkland Islands will offer us an array of beautiful species including Rockhopper, Macaroni, Magellanic and even the rare Erect-crested Penguin. The highlight of our visit to this archipelago will be its King Penguin colonies. Then, we will have a fascinating journey down to the Antarctic Peninsula. We will fly over the Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands, where we will board our comfortable ice-class vessel. We will be delighted by seeing overwhelming numbers of Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins, and we will even have a chance of seeing the Lord of the Antarctic, the Emperor Penguin.

“Dr Kenney really enjoyed being with Enrique and had a very nice trip - he took 6000 images and 6 different penguins!.”

- K Johnson, USA
Falklands trip Jan 2007

Detailed Trip Itinerary

Day 1 • Arrival to Santiago, Chile

After your arrival to Santiago, you will be transferred to your hotel. During the afternoon you will explore the historic center of Chile's capital city and its historic highlights, including the Presidential Palace, the Main Square and Cathedral, and the interesting Pre-Columbian Art Museum.
Hotel Novotel, Santiago (4*).

Day 2 • Cachagua
Valparaíso

Today we will have a full day journey to the Pacific central coast of Chile in order to see our first penguin species, the Humboldt Penguin, which is endemic to this rich cold-water current. This penguin has a small number of breeding colonies, scattered in the few isolated isles present along our northern and central coastline. We will see the gorgeous Inca Tern, Peruvian Pelican, Guanay and Red-legged Cormorants, among several other endemic species to the area. We will also have the time to see part of the picturesque city of Valparaíso, Chile's main port and delightful historic city to explore.
Hotel Novotel, Santiago (4*).

Days 3/4 • Flight to the Falklands
Pebble Island

Today we will fly from Santiago to Mount Pleasant Airport in the Falklands and after our arrival we will take a short flight with FIGAS (FI Government Air Service) to Pebble Island, the third largest offshore island in the whole archipelago. This long island holds a fascinating and diverse scenery, comprising vast white sand beaches, extensive areas of moorlands and rocky peaks, a rich area of ponds and wetlands, and dramatic coastal cliffs. All of these provide breeding habitats for many birds, including some rare species for the archipelago such as Black-necked Swan. Many thousands of Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic Penguins breed on Pebble Island; we hope to see the local rarity, Erect-cested Penguin. Up to six penguin species are often recorded here during the summer.
Pebble Island Lodge.

Days 5/7 •Sea Lion Island

Today we will fly to the southernmost and one of the most spectacular islands of the whole archipelago, Sea Lion. This is one of the most spectacular spots for nature photography as the wildlife, including the penguins are extremely tame. The coastal belts of tussock grass provide the ideal habitat for Blackish Cinclodes and the endemic Cobb's Wren.To make sure that you are aware of the main areas to be visited, an introductory guided tour around the island in a comfortable vehicle is offered. Beautiful stands of the spectacular tussac grass cover one fifth of the island and provide a perfect habitat and protection for much of the islands' varied fauna, including elephant seals and sea lions. Besides the tussac, there are dazzling white sand beaches, cliffs, fresh water ponds and heath land, all with their own populations and all within walking distance. Pods of killer whales circle the Island in pursuit of the elephant seals and sea lions, which breed there. Many of the Island's plants are quite rare and a joy to see.
Sea Lion Lodge, Sea Lion Island.

Day 8 • Sea Lion
Port Stanley

The island holds the largest Elephant Seal population in the Falklands; about 500 seal pups are born each year, with a peak of 1,800 seals along the main beach. Later during the day, we will fly to Port Stanley, the only town in the islands, with a population of 2,000 people.
Malvina House Hotel (3*), Port Stanley.

Day 9 • Volunteer Point

Volunteer Point is an impressive peninsula to the north of East Falkland. This area supports a small but important breeding colony of King Penguins. Also to be found are small numbers of Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins. They are extremely confiding, and we will have excellent opportunities to observe and photograph adults and their odd-looking chicks.
Malvina House Hotel (3*), Port Stanley.

Day 10 • Flight to Punta Arenas

During the morning we will visit the Port Stanley museum and we will have some free time to make our independent explorations. In the afternoon we shall take our flight to Punta Arenas.
Hotel Diego de Almagro (4*), Punta Arenas.

Day 11 • Otway Sound

Today we will travel to Seno Otway to view the Magellanic penguin rookery. We will also look for the magnificent Andean condors, which may frequently be found resting on the surrounding cliffs.As we travel through the pampas we are likely to find Darwin's rhea, whilst a check of shallow lagoons may produce Chilean flamingoes and family groups of upland geese. During the afternoon, before dinner, you will receive instructions in relation with the strict environmental guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica and about the embarkation and disembarkation procedures. Later, you will enjoy our welcome dinner at the Hotel José Nogueira, a centenary French-style mansion, where you will have the chance to meet your expedition companions.
Hotel José Nogueira (4*), Punta Arenas.

Day 12 • Flight to South Shetland Islands
Board M/V Grigoriy Mikheev

Our Antarctic adventure begins! Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Archipelago), located near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The flight takes a little over three hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the Chilean "Presidente Eduardo Frei" and Russian "Bellinghausen" bases are located. We will meet at the beach on FildesBay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to our vessel, the M/V "Grigoriy Mikheev", our base for the following six days.
M/V Grigoriy Mikheev.

Days 13/16 • Antarctic Peninsula

As we cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey towards the south will include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent such as: Hannah Point, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our adventure will be full, with daily landings and zodiac cruises, selected lectures and enjoyable time on board.
M/V Grigoriy Mikheev.

Places to be visited in the Antarctic Peninsula:
Hannah Point, on Livingston Island, home of the Antarctic and Gentoo penguins. Possible sighting of the Macaroni Penguin, Southern Elephant Seal and Antarctic Fur Seal. Visit to Aitcho Island and its Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies. Sighting of other sea birds, like the Southern Giant Petrel. Sighting of other mammals like the Weddell Seal and the Southern Elephant Seal.
Visit to Deception Island, of volcanic origin. Sailing into the flooded crater. Visit to the ruins of the former Norwegian Whaling Station and the BAS (British Antarctic Survey) shelter, evacuated in 1967 after a volcanic eruption. Guided tour to Neptune's Bellows, nesting site of the Cape Petrel. If the weather is suitable, there will be a dip in hot volcanic waters.
Visit to Port Lockroy on Wiencke Island, used by whalers almost one hundred years ago, where you can still see remains of whale skeletons. It is now a museum extremely well kept by Great Britain. Whales and other mammals are frequently seen around the island. The abundant fauna includes Gentoo Penguins and King Cormorants, as well as Minke and Humpback whales. Afternoon visit to beautiful Paradise Bay. If the weather allows it, there will be zodiac boat expeditions to the icebergs. Visit to the Chilean Air Force President Gabriel González Videla base. The members of the base live surrounded by a population of Gentoo penguins. Among these it is possible to see some rare albinos.
Cruise through the Lemaire Channel, one of the most beautiful places in the world, known as the Kodak Gap. Landing and sighting of Petermann Island, the southernmost spot in our trip. In this island you will see the beauty of big granite walls and much snow. It is the home of Gentoo and Adelie Penguins and of a colony of King Cormorants. In the afternoon, we will explore Cuverville Island, nesting place of the Gentoo Penguin.
Landing at Half Moon Island, habitat of large Antarctic Penguin colonies. Visit to the Henry Arctowski Polish Academy of Science Antarctic Base. The scientific personnel, a very warm, welcoming group, is engaged in the study of many species, birds and mammals, as well as the sea fauna of this area.

Day 17 • Flight to Punta Arenas
End of the tour

Return to King George Island where we will disembark in zodiac boats at Fildes Bay and head to the "Teniente Marsh" air strip to take our flight back to Punta Arenas. After our arrival to Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Hotel Diego de Almagro (4*), Punta Arenas.

Day 18 • Flight to Santiago, Chile

Early in the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago and connecting flights home.

* NOTE: Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.