Antarctica

from South America

(including The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha)

It is hard to describe the Antarctic in just a few words. It is without doubt the most remote and pristine of all the continents. It harbours some of the most awesome scenery on our planet and is home to some of the most spectacular and tame wildlife to be found anywhere. Fortunately the incredibly harsh climate abates for a few short months, allowing the privileged to visit this awe-inspiring continent during the relatively warm Antarctic summer.

Southern South America is the ideal location to begin a voyage to Antarctica as it lies close to the Antarctic peninsula – the most easily accessible part of this wild continent. Some trips also take the opportunity to visit the Falkland Islands and the incomparable South Georgia where the intrepid explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton was finally laid to rest. The description of South Georgia as resembling the Alps rising straight from the ocean is no exaggeration; huge glaciers tumble down from the high snow-covered peaks and calve into the ocean below.

Besides the scenery and the spectacular blue-tinged icebergs, the Antarctic has a fabulous array of wildlife that captures the imagination of all. Huge whales may breach alongside the ship, several species of penguins amuse and delight, often in vast colonies, and abundant seabirds glide alongside the vessel. It really is a 'once in a lifetime' journey and one that cannot be too highly recommended. A full list of trips offered to the Antarctic from South America is found below: