Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy wandering albatross colonies while also seeing some of the biggest breeding spots for king penguins and elephant seals on Earth – along with day after day of amazing polar scenery. South Georgia Explorer Wildlife
South Georgia Explorer
Experience the best of South Georgia
Next Departure: November 13 to 27, 2025
15-day Cruise | Aboard M/V Hondius
Macaroni Penguin © Claudio Vidal, Far South Expeditions
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 • End of the world, start of a journey
Days 2 and 3 • Sea life, sea birds
Day 4 • Shag Rocks South Georgia Explorer Wildlife
Days 5 to 10 • South Georgia journey
Days 11 to 15 • Westward bound
Day 16 • Earth’s southernmost city
Trip Map
Detailed Itinerary and Activities
Please note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.
A group of adventurers aboard this voyage will travel part of Shackleton’s historic route through South Georgia. They will begin their adventure in King Haakon Bay and be picked up a few days later in Stromness Bay.
Fancy an exceptionally unique adventure? Then consider joining our exciting ski trek that follows part of Ernest Shackleton’s famous 1916 route through South Georgia. Check out the details here and contact us for more information.
Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.
En route to South Georgia, you cross the Antarctic Convergence. The temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
Depending on the weather conditions, we may sail past Shag Rocks. This small group of 6 islands on the South Georgia Ridge in shallower waters. The nutrient-rich waters in this area offers a lot of food for birds and whales. The islands are named after the South Georgian Shags, known for their bright blue eyes and yellow patch on their beak.
Today you arrive at the first South Georgia activity site. Please keep in mind that weather conditions in this area can be challenging, largely dictating the program.
Sites you might visit include:
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they’re also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for southern elephant seals. Only during this time of year do they peak in their breeding cycle. Watch the four-ton bulls keep a constant vigil (and occasionally fight) over territories where dozens of females have just given birth or are about to deliver. You can also see a substantial number of Antarctic fur seals here.
Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. You may have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams.
Leith Harbour, Stromness, Husvik – These sites remind us of the scale of the whaling industry in the early 20th century. Elephant and fur seals breed and moult here. Gentoo penguins also occupy the landing sites. Antarctic prions and South Georgia dive petrels may be observed, especially in the area of Husvik.
Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do. Here you might be able to see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave.
Cobblers Cove, Godthul – At Cobblers Cove we aim for Rookery Point to see macaroni penguins. Light-mantled sooty albatrosses nest along the coastline and giant petrels can be observed as well. Godthul (Norwegian for “good cove”) was named by Norwegian whalers and seal-hunters and remains such as bones can still be found along the shore line. Beaches are the home of gentoo penguins and seals.
Royal Bay (Moltke Harbour, Will Point & Brisbane Point) – Moltke harbour in Royal Bay was named by the German International Polar Year Expedition in 1882 and some of the remains of their dwellings are still visible. The scenery of Royal Bay is beautiful, dark sandy beaches, followed by the green tussock colors and finally dominated by the snow and ice covered Ross Glacier. Royal Bay one of the windiest bays on the island, zodiac cruising is spectacular. Approx. 30,000 pairs of king penguins live here.
Cooper Bay – Offers the largest chinstrap penguin population and gentoo and also macaroni penguins are present. Antarctic terns, white-chinned petrels, blue-eyed shags and light-mantled sooty albatrosses can be spotted too.
Drygalski Fjord – offers spectacular landscapes as the ships sails the narrow fjord, with ca. 2 kilometer high mountain peaks at a very close distance.
King Haakon Bay – British explorer Ernest Shackleton reached King Haakon Bay during his journey of 800 sea-miles by open boat “James Caird” from Elephant Island. From here he crossed to Stromness to ask for help to rescue his party at Elephant Island after they had left the Weddell Sea where their ship got crushed by ice. Elephant seals dominate the beaches. Birdwatchers will look out for South Georgia pipits, Antarctic prions as well as common diving and blue petrels.
There may be sea ice on this route, south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels trailing the vessel. Eventually we reach the Drake Passage and you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south.
You arrive and disembark in Ushuaia, commonly held to be the world’s most southern city. It is located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, nicknamed the “End of the World.” But despite this stopping point, the wealth of memories you’ve made on your Antarctic expedition will travel with you wherever your next adventure lies. South Georgia Explorer Wildlife
Dates & Rates
| Quadruple Porthole | |||||
 | 1 porthole 2 upper & lower berths Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Safe deposit box Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin. | Sharing berth Share your cabin with others for the best price | $9,900 | ||
 |  | | Complete cabin Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied. | $39,600 | |
| Triple Porthole | |||||
 | 1 portholes 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Safe deposit box Ample storage space This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin. | Sharing berth Share your cabin with others for the best price | $11,800 | ||
|  | | Complete cabin Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied. | $35,400 | |
| Twin Porthole | |||||
 | 1 porthole 2 single beds Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Safe deposit box Ample storage space | Sharing berth Share your cabin with others for the best price | $11,800 | ||
| | | Single cabin Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate). | $20,060 | |
| Complete cabin Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied. | $23,600 | ||||
| Twin Window | |||||
 | 1 window 2 single beds Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi (supplemented) Hair dryer Safe deposit box Ample storage space | Sharing berth Share your cabin with others for the best price | $12,350 | ||
 | | | Single cabin Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate). | $20,995 | |
| Complete cabin Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied. | $24,700 | ||||
| Twin Deluxe | |||||
 | 2 windows 2 single beds Sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi (supplemented) Coffee & tea maker Bathrobe Hair dryer Ample storage space Safe deposit box These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than normal window/porthole cabins. | Sharing berth Share your cabin with others for the best price | $13,400 | ||
| | | Single cabin Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate). | $22,780 | |
| Complete cabin Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied. | $26,800 | ||||
| Superior | |||||
 | 2 windows 1 double bed Sofa Private shower & toilet Flatscreen TV Desk & chair Telephone and WiFi (supplemented) Refrigerator Coffee & tea maker Hair dryer Safe deposit box Ample storage space | Single cabin Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate). | $24,395 | ||
| | | Complete cabin Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied. | $28,700 | |
| Pictures for reference only | |||||
Included in this voyage
• Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
• All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
• Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
• Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
• Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
• Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excluded from this voyage
• Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
• Pre- and post- land arrangements.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Government arrival and departure taxes.
• Meals ashore.
• Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
• Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
• The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). South Georgia Explorer WildlifeAtlantic Odyssey wildlife cruise
The Vessel
M/V Plancius
The Plancius was built specifically for oceanographic voyages and is modern, comfortable, and ice-strengthened. She has large open deck spaces, providing excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. While inside, you will enjoy views from the restaurant/lecture room, and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) with large windows, offering full panoramic views. She carries a maximum of 116 guests (we are taking a maximum of 100 guests), allowing true, small-ship expedition cruising. This is particularly important in South Georgia and Antarctica where restrictions limit the number of passengers landing simultaneously to 100, maximizing your time ashore. South Georgia Explorer Wildlife
| Passengers: | 108 in 50 cabins |
| Staff & crew: | 49 |
| Length: | 89 meters |
| Breadth: | 14,5 meters |
| Draft: | 5 meters |
| Ice class: | 1D |
| Displacement: | 3,211 tonnes |
| Propulsion: | 3 x Diesel-Electric |
| Speed: | 10.5 knots average traveling speed |
Tour Registration
To book this tour, please complete our online registration form. We will process your booking form and will send you (within 24 hours) a note with space confirmation and a deposit invoice with payment instructions. The deposit amount is US$1,000 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
Note: Inquires received on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays will be replied during the following working day.
Cancellation Policy
Notice of cancellation can only be accepted in writing from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.
Refunds are made according to the following schedule:
• If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 200 is refundable.
• If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded.
• If cancellation is made fewer than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available.
This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.
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