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Home » destinations » Antarctic Ocean » Antarctic Peninsula » HX Expeditions Antarctica and Falkland Islands Expedition (Northbound)
Day 1: Beginning in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires: the city of passion and romance, will be the first destination on your exciting expedition of Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. The Argentine capital is a unique amalgamation of passionate Football fans, a vibrant dance and theatre scene, whilst offering excellent late night spots to keep the party going all night long. Take in the exceptional French and Italian architecture in Recoleta, or find refuge from the summer sun in the sprawling plazas and parks of Palermo.
Explore the wild land of Patagonia further by taking advantage of the pre-program packages available to passengers.
Day 2: Re-boarding the cruise
In the early morning of the following day, you will fly from Buenos Aires to Argentina’s southernmost port city, Ushuaia. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the flight to catch views of Lake Fagnano and the snow-capped Monte Darwin to the west of the country, located in Alberto de Agostini National Park.
Your ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, will then be waiting for you as you prepare to start your adventure on the shores of the Beagle Channel. The Hybrid electric-powered ship will act as a home away from home during your expedition, with the onboard staff happy to assist to make your journey as comfortable and pleasurable as possible. The expedition team will introduce themselves after you have boarded the vessel, taking you through the key health and safety principles for your stay. Stand back and revel in the fantastic views from the night-sky, after having enjoyed your delicious welcome meal upon boarding.
Day 3-4: Crossing The Drake Passage
The onboard expedition team will fully prepare you for what’s ahead during the two-day voyage across the Drake Passage. If you’re not enjoying one of the team’s informative lectures about the history and environment of the frozen continent, see if you can spot any albatross, petrels, humpbacks, and fin whales, whilst looking out from the ship’s deck.
The expedition team will show you what it takes to become an Antarctica ambassador, whilst talking you through the IAATO regulations to ensure that all passengers can safely and sustainably traverse the frozen habitats which lie ahead. Citizen Science programs will also be introduced to the passengers onboard by the expedition team, delving into greater detail about the intricate ecosystems of Antarctica, while contributing to scientific research. Hoping to get the best snapshots from your journey? The onboard photographer will also be on hand to offer his expertise to improve the quality of your photos.
Take advantage of your down-time by participating in one of our included activities. Try your hand at one of the onboard Art classes, or spend your time unwinding in the spa and wellness area, indulging in one of the many specialised treatments on offer. The ship’s excellent gym and running track facilities are also available for passengers to use while onboard.
Day 5-9: A intriguing world of ice and wildlife
You will now be greeted by the frozen wilderness. Covered almost completely in ice and snow, Antarctica’s extraordinary landscape will leave you starstruck as titanic ice-shelves and frozen icebergs beckon you on further. When your expedition arrives, Austral Summer will be nearing its end and so you can anticipate the stunning landscape to be wonderfully illuminated by magnificent sunsets. At this stage of the year, it is the best time to see the native Penguins in their final stage of molting, and to look out for the varied species of whale which lurk in the waters below.
During the next five days, the plan is to visit several possible sites on both the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetlands, with the captain and expedition team continually monitoring the conditions to ensure the safety of the passengers. They will guide you on ice landings bringing you to historic and scenic sites, whilst also observing some of the many Penguin colonies scattered around the frozen continent (Always maintaining a respectful distance). As part of the optional activities included in your expedition, you may get the opportunity to go kayaking amongst the icebergs, depending on the right conditions. Back onboard, the expedition team will host more lectures about the continent, while some guests may wish to participate in the Citizen Science project, cataloguing the abundant wildlife.
The Itinerary for the journey is flexible and can be adapted, mainly because of the fact that the highly experience staff will be able to determine the best possible landing sites and areas to visit, so that they can maximise your experiences during the journey.
Day 10-11: Heading North
Marine Biology, Oceanography, and climate change are just a few examples of the compelling topics that will be covered by the expedition team’s lecture program when you reboard the vessel. Passengers may also be offered the chance to examine some seawater samples taken from Antarctica, while the bar and pool facilities remain open during the day-time for travellers who wish to unwind before the next stage of the expedition. Take in the many variations of bird species whilst on deck as we approach the Falkland Islands, including petrels, gulls, albatross, and fulmars.
Day 12-14: Pubs and Penguins
Familiarity will return as we reach the emerald green grass, white sands and picturesque farms of the Falkland Islands, with Antarctica’s frozen wilderness now seeming a world away. The schedule during the visit to the Islands will be flexible due to the ever-changing conditions, while the Expedition team and the captain will use their experience to navigate the environment safely and efficiently.
A utopia for a wide array of bird species, the Islands are home to ducks, geese, albatross, and wrens, whilst four different species of Penguins are found here: rockhopper, the king, magellanic, and gentoo. The gentoo Penguins will often be seen in large colonies dotted around the Islands, and may be visible from the ship.
Stanley, the islands’ capital, is located on the East Falkland Island and is easily accessible by ship. Travellers will able to explore the Islands on foot due to their small size, whilst taking advantage of the enticing pubs and restaurants the islands have to offer.
Day 15: Enjoy another day at sea
There are so many ways of enjoying your day at sea. Whether that be listening in to the expedition team’s new lectures and presentations, basking in the scenery, or relaxing in the sauna or one of the Hot-tubs as you gaze out at the impressive wildlife, passengers will have many options as to how to spend their time.
Day 16: A UNESCO wildlife haven
Puerto Madryn, the gateway to the remarkable Valdes Peninsula, is the next stop on the expedition. This sun-kissed Patagonian city is home to spectacular beaches and warm temperatures, with guests having the opportunity to explore the city’s stunning nature reserve and UNESCO recognised World Heritage Site.
Immerse yourself in the idyllic natural beauty of the reserve, or try some of the sumptuous local food on offer. With a staggering 180 species of bird living on the Peninsula, bring a pair of binoculars and see how may you can spot during your stay.
Day 17-18: The final days at sea
As you begin to head North and the temperatures start to increase, the expedition cruise is coming to an end. Take time to reflect on your unique memories visiting Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and Puerto Madryn, whilst soaking up the sun by the onboard infinity pool or outdoor gym.
Speak to the expedition team about your experiences and absorb the wealth of knowledge, insights, and interesting stories they have to offer. Enjoy a farewell meal during your final evening, indulging in the sumptuous food and drink at one of the restaurants before you prepare for the last leg of the journey.
Day 19: Back to Buenos Aires
Unfortunately, the expedition has to come to an end at this stage. The 19 days spent in the vastly different locations will give you memories and experiences to remember for a lifetime, as you head back to Argentina’s capital. However, your journey does not have to end here. If you wish to stay for a few extra days, enter onto Hurtigruten’s post-program exploration of the magnificent Iguazu falls, one of the largest waterfalls on the planet.
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Expedition Cruise
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Landing Activities
Notes
What’s not included
Flight inclusive option available, with extra days in Buenos Aires at start and end of expedition (21 days)
Please call us free on 0800 707 6229 for pricing and availability
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