Antarctica - South Georgia & Falklands (New Trip!)

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Special Payment Schedule

Deposit: 25% payment due at time of booking (with a completed online Trip Registration Form - see link).

             Second payment: 25% payment due October 15, 2021

Final payment: 50% payment due April 01, 2022

Why Wild Focus Expeditions?

Join us on an Antarctic adventure like no other and on one of the best ships that sails the Antarctic waters, the ice-strengthened M/V Ortelius. We have assembled a team of naturalists, scientists, expeditions leaders and professional photographers to provide personalized photography instruction, south pole early exploration history and natural history education. Wild Focus has chartered 50% of the M/V Ortelius making us the primary charterer for this expedition.  What this means is that Wild Focus has its own expedition team separate from the other guests on the ship. We have created a customized unique itinerary with the charter company and we have the freedom to work with the Captain and expedition team en route to control the itinerary ice and weather permitting. We will be able to make adjustments for light,  extraordinary wildlife viewing,  landscapes, ice conditions and unique situations as we go. This will allow us to maximize our Antarctic experience, our shore landings, zodiac excursions and photography opportunities. Unlike other Antarctic expeditions, we will be flexible in order to adjust for extraordinary experiences and viewings. We will be flexible with mealtimes and other on-ship activities based on our shore and zodiac excursions - photography and wildlife comes first! On this all-inclusive 22 day expedition, we will experience the best that this region has to offer including encounters with diverse and abundant wildlife, expansive landscapes, and historic sites that make the days of early exploration a reality for us during our journey. The M/V Ortelius is a small ship that can go where the larger ships cannot. We will be able to access all of the potential landing sites (weather permitting). The M/V Ortelius captain, officers, crew and expeditions staff are highly experienced in Antarctic navigation. Our captain maintains an open bridge policy in order to share the navigation teams' enthusiasm for this stunningly pristine region of the world. Antarctica - the name alone sounds magic and mysterious. It is one of the last unspoiled wildernesses on earth, a naturalist's and photographer's paradise. The most amazing fact is that most animals or birds do not run or fly away from you unlike animals on the northern hemisphere. Antarctica lacks land predators, so don't be surprised when penguins are checking out your boots or pecking at your tripod legs! The island of South Georgia was probably discovered in 1675 by Anthony de la Roché, a London merchant. However James Cook was the first person who made the first landing, survey and mapping of the island in 1775. With mountain peaks extending above 9,000 feet, towering glaciers and rugged canyons, it is a remote island that is famous for its final stage of one of the greatest survival stories of all time: Ernest Shackleton's voyage to the Antarctic aboard the Endurance. Historians speak of South Georgia Island in hushed, almost reverent terms. During this expedition, you will walk into the past in a literal sense and experience the mystery and remoteness of one of the most ill-fated expeditions in history.  In 1915, Ernest Shackleton and his crew had become trapped in pack ice that stayed firmly in place until October of that year. The tremendous pressures of the ever-shifting ice sheets cracked the hull of the Endurance, sending her to the bottom of the sea. You will learn about Shackleton and much more during your Wild Focus Expedition! We have chosen this time of year because of the wildlife. By November, most of the Falklands’ and South Georgia's penguin and albatross species are incubating their eggs. The weather can be quite unpredictable, and it is not unusual to experience snow. The changing weather, coupled with the light conditions and ensuing colours, make for stunning photo opportunities. Spring in South Georgia brings the rare treat of witnessing huge elephant seal males as they consolidate their harems. The beaches become inundated with females and the massive males during mid-November and with this comes a lot of action and interaction.  Spring also brings the greatest gathering of seabirds on earth. Wandering Albatross chicks are now testing their wings and shedding their down, ready to head off to sea for their first few years of life. At this time of year, not only are the early breeding king penguins laying their eggs, but Gentoo, Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins have returned to begin the laying and incubation of their eggs as well. King penguins are the second largest penguin species and the most colorful. The sheer number of these penguins breeding behind the beach of Salisbury Plain on South Georgia is enough to truly challenge belief. South Georgia has one of the largest king penguin colonies and rookeries worldwide. Some 60,000 king penguin pairs are all gathered here into one very popular hangout. It is hard to imagine that there is another place that has an even greater population of king penguins, but there is - St. Andrews Bay! It hosts a breeding colony numbering more than 150,000 king penguin pairs with a stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountains - a sight you will never forget. And the beaches of St. Andrews Bay are also occupied by relaxed fur seals and feisty southern elephant seals. Keeping in mind that when penguins are present, so are the third largest seal in the world: the leopard seal. We hope to see these predators of the south pole as they have an acquired taste for Gentoo, Chinstrap, King, Rockhopper and even Emperor penguins. They can reach up to 1300 lbs (590 kgs) in weight and grow up to 10 feet/3 meters. Their bodies are long and slender and their heads appear to be too large for their thin, serpent-like bodies. Because their body is streamline-shaped, it is excellent for propelling through the water at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. They are solitary except until breeding time which occurs from November until March. They have few predators and can be dangerous to humans. The island of Steeple Jason extends off the far northwest side of the Falkland Islands into the Atlantic Ocean. Over 70% of the global population of Black-browed Albatross breed here. According to a recent aerial survey, about 183,000 pairs of Black-browed Albatrosses nest along one side of the island—one elevated nest after another spanning for miles.  It is a noise-filled place of continuous Albatross chatter competing with the squawking of Rockhopper Penguins who have elected to nest on the ground directly beneath the elevated Albatross nests.  In addition,  a screeching chorus is often heard from attacking Striated Caracara.  Steeple Jason is the largest nesting colony of these aggressive birds of prey who continually patrol above and around the Albatross and Penguins searching for food for themselves and their chicks. Every day on shore is packed with unforgettable eye-to-eye wildlife experiences. It is not possible to adequately describe all of them here. And during our time at sea cruising from island to island, we may be lucky to spot several different whale species. This is an incredible adventure that you don't want to miss. And go as soon as possible because Antarctica is experiencing global warming with a devastating impact on the natural environment. At the time of writing this text, Antarctica was experiencing the highest temperatures recorded in history -   +70ºF/+20ºC during their fall season. Join Wild Focus Expeditions as we explore the Antarctic together for yet another once-in-a-lifetime experience. Help us make unforgettable memories on this exciting and fun voyage.

  • Duration
    22 Days
  • Group Size
    50 people
  • Price

    $14,950.00 – $22,950.00

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M/V Ortelius

Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598), who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theater of the World. At that time his atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. Ortelius is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.

The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefor suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. Ortelius can accommodate up to 108 passengers and has an abundance of open-deck spaces. It is manned by 22 highly experienced nautical crew members, 19 hotel staff, eight expedition specialists (one expedition leader, one assistant, and six lecturer-guides), and one doctor. Wild Focus Expeditions is chartering one half of the ship with 50 passengers, will have a separate expedition team and will have a different itinerary than the other charter passengers. Wild Focus will work with the captain and crew of the Ortelius to find the most exciting wildlife possibilities during the entire trip.

Though our voyages are primarily meant to offer our passengers an exploratory wildlife program with as much time ashore as possible, Ortelius offers all the comforts of a standard hotel ― along with a bar and lecture room. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. As such, Ortelius carries 10 Zodiacs with 60hp Yamaha engines.

In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

You will receive pre-trip information and a handbook prior to the trip.

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The M/V Ortelius offers 5 different kinds of cabins to passengers. One half of the ship's available cabins are allotted to our 50 passengers so cabin availability is limited. We urge you to book early to get the cabin of your choice. The cabins available to the passengers of Wild Focus are: 

  • Two (2) Quadruple Porthole Cabins (2 people per cabin): $14,950 (Fully booked)
  • Fourteen (14) Twin Porthole Cabins: $18,350 (One full cabin, and one berth sharing with a man available)
  • Six (6) Twin Window Cabins: $19,250 (Fully booked)
  • One (1) Twin Deluxe Cabins : $20,950 (Fully booked)
  • Three (3) Superior Cabins: $22,950 (Fully booked)

Costs are per person depending on cabin type and occupancy. All cabins are priced on twin share basis. If you are a single traveler, we will be happy to match you up with a roommate. If we cannot find you a roommate, we will not charge you a single supplement.

If available and upon request, some cabins can be booked for a single occupant by adding 70% over the listed cabin cost. They are limited and subject to availability.  In order to secure the cabin of your choice please book soonest possible.

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Quad

Quad

Twin Porthole

Twin Porthole

Twin Window

Twin Window

Twin Deluxe

Twin Deluxe

Superior Cabin

Superior Cabin

Letters correspond to points on the map in the map tab.


  • Day 1: October 24

     

    Arrive in Puerto Madryn

    Arrive in Puerto Madryn from your international flight. We would like our guests to arrive at least one day prior to embarkation to allow for late or missed flights. We are unable to hold the ship from launching due to travel complications.

    (Lodging and Meals while on land are on your own)

  • Day 2: October 25

    Sandy Argentine Beaches

    You embark from Puerto Madryn in the afternoon, your prow aimed for the Falkland Islands. Golfo Nuevo is renowned for its visiting southern right whales, so you have a good chance of spotting one as you sail toward the open ocean.
     
     

    Day 2: October 25

  • Days 3 - 4: October 26-27

     

    Sea Life, Sea Birds

    Though you’re now at sea, there’s rarely a lonesome moment here. Several species of bird follow the vessel southeast, such as albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels.

  • Days 5 - 6: October 28-29

    The Falklands

    The Falkland (Malvinas) Islands offer an abundance of wildlife that is easily approachable, though caution is always advised. These islands are largely unknown gems, the site of a 1982 war between the UK and Argentina. Not only do various species of bird live here, but chances are great you’ll see both Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins in the surrounding waters.

    Steeple Jason – Home to the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony (roughly 113,000), Steeple Jason is a wild and rarely visited island buffeted by wind and waves. Weather and swell conditions dictate the journey here.
     Carcass Island – Despite its name, this island is pleasantly rodent-free and hence bounteous with birdlife. Anything from breeding Magellanic penguins and gentoos to numerous waders and passerine birds (including Cobb’s wrens and tussock-birds) live here. 
     
    Other sites that we may offer as an alternative:
     
    Saunders Island – On Saunders Island you can see the black-browed albatross and its sometimes-clumsy landings, along with breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. King penguins, Magellanic penguins, and gentoos are also found here. 
    West Point Island – Thick with black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins.
    Grave Cove – Nesting gentoo penguins and excellent hiking opportunities abound here.
     
     

    Days 5 - 6: October 28-29

  • Days 7 - 8: October 30-31

     

    On to South Georgia: Days at Sea

    En route to South Georgia, you now 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.

    You will have engaging presentations and workshops onboard during our days at sea. Workshops will cover topics such as photography techniques, polar and sea ice, navigation, astronomy, geology, and botany. In-depth presentations that explore the life of polar whales, land mammals, penguins and all of the animals that call these regions home will also be offered during our expedition.

  • Days 9 - 12: November 01-04

    South Georgia

    Today you arrive in South Georgia. It is a jewel to be treasured as it is extremely beautiful. No one can fail to be stirred by the sight of the rugged grandeur of the mountains and glaciers set in a sea that may be so calm that the surface reflects every detail of the landscape, or so rough that mere survival is the only thought. Its colonies of penguins, other birds and seals provide some of the greatest, and most approachable, concentrations of wildlife in the world. Please keep in mind that weather conditions in this area can be challenging and so will largely dictate the program.
     
    The locations that we hope to visit include:
     
    Prion Island – The home of the great wandering albatrosses. The previous summer’s wandering albatross chicks are almost ready to fledge, and adults are seeking out their old partners after a year and a half at sea.
     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. 
     Fortuna Bay – Near beaches inhabited by various penguins and seals, you 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 – Those sites remember on 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.
    Cooper Bay – Offers the largest chinstrap penguin population and gentoo and also macaroni penguins are present. Antarctic terns, white-chinnes petrels, blue-eyed shags and light-mantled sooty albatrosses can be spotted too.   
     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.     
     
     

    Days 9 - 12: November 01-04

  • Day 13 - 14: November 05-06

     

    Southward bound the the Antarctic Peninsula

    There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels trailing the vessel south. Depending  on sea conditions and weather, you might be able to visit Orcadas Base, an Argentine scientific station on Laurie Island in the South Orkney archipelago. The science staff will be happy to show you the facility, where you will have expansive views of the surrounding glaciers.

  • Days 15: November 07

    Last Push to Antarctica

    Antarctica is renown for one thing in particular: ice. We will start to see enormous ice bergs and will also have a fair chance of spotting fin whales.  There will not be a dull moment on our voyage south. This is also an excellent place to see Antarctic petrels flying around our ship.

     

    Days 15: November 07

  • Day 16 - 19: November 08-11

     

    Awe-inspiring Antarctica

    Weather and sea-ice permitting, we hope to enter the Weddell Sea. Here, colossal tabular icebergs welcome our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Paulet Island, with its large population of Adélie penguins is a hopeful stop for us. You might also visit Brown Bluff, located in the ice-clogged Antarctic Sound, where you could have your first chance to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself.

    If due to ice conditions, it is not favorable to enter the Weddell Sea from the east, our ship will set course for Elephant Island and head into Bransfield Strait, between South Shetland Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. Since we will be in the Antarctic early in the season (by design), the ice will dictate our movements. We hope for big ice bergs that will provide us with breathtaking beauty, but at the same time, they will control our itinerary. So from this point, we will attempt to access the Antarctic Sound from the northwest.

    The volcanic islands of the South Shetlands are windswept and often cloaked in mist making for moody landscapes. Gentoo penguins, chinstrap penguins and southern giant petrels live here. Chinstrap penguins and Weddell seals often haul out onto the beach near Càmara Base, an Argentine scientific research station on Half Moon Island.

    On Deception Island, the ship plunges through Neptune's Bellows, a channel on the southeast side of Deception Island,  and then makes its way into the flooded caldera. Here you can find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, and thousands of cape petrels. A number of kelp gulls, brown skuas, south polar skuas, and Antarctic terns are found here as well.

    This extended expedition gives us the chance to sail even farther south down the icy coast of the western Antarctic Peninsula. In the Gerlache Strait are several opportunities for great landings where you might set foot on the Continent, surrounded by brilliant landscapes of alpine peaks and mammoth glaciers calving at sea level. Gentoo penguins, leopard seals, Weddell seals, humpback whales, and minke whales are often seen here.

  • Days 20 - 21: November 12-13

    Days on Familiar Seas with Familiar Friends

    Conditions at sea will determine our exact departure. We will have two days at sea where we will escorted by the vast array of seabirds that we saw during our passage south. Our two days at sea will be busy with presentations onboard ship. We will finally have time to review our photographs and videos taken during the expedition. You can work with the photographers onboard to help you with your editing and processing techniques. You will finally have time to take in all that you saw and experienced on your Antarctic expedition.

     

    Days 20 - 21: November 12-13

  • Day 22: November 14

     

    Arrive in Ushuaia, the World’s Southernmost City

    Sadly, our expedition has come to an end and it is time to disembark from our home for the last three weeks. We will arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina,  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".  Your adventure to the South Pole is at an end, but its memories will travel with you to wherever your next adventure lies.

Included

  • All leaders, transport, landing fees, permits, port taxes, passenger fees including the IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) passenger fee
  • Accommodations during the voyage
  • Coffee and tea throughout the voyage
  • Voyage aboard the M/V Ortelius for 20 nights in twin share rooms
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship
  • Assistance on arrival and departure at each destination
  • All shore excursions and activities by Zodiac
  • Onboard lectures by noted naturalists and photographers during sea days
  • Wild Focus trip leaders, experienced guides, zodiac drivers and expedition staff
  • Expedition log after your voyage
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes during landings
  • Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
  • Comprehensive pre-departure materials

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • All airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
  • Pre- and post-voyage land arrangements (Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia)
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Meals ashore
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended)
  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, *beverage charges and telecommunications charges
  • Gratuity at the end of voyages for stewards and other ship staff aboard. We suggest budgeting about $10 - $15 per participant per day for ship crew.
  • Emergency medical, evacuation and cancellation insurance - required. Please visit our page on travel insurance: https://wildfocusexpeditions.com/travel-insurance/
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, and alcoholic beverages.

*Beverages including soft drinks and liquor can be purchased in USD on the ship during the voyage.

Our Antarctica expedition does not require a high level of fitness. You should be able to walk up and down stairs on the ship and on the gangway that we use to load and unload zodiacs (with the assistance of expedition crew and staff). During landings on shore, you must be able to walk on rocky and uneven terrain. You can choose to walk for short or longer distances. Some landings may offer short or longer hikes on sometimes steep and uneven terrain. These hikes are optional and details will be provided in advance of each landing. Please contact us if you have any health concerns or questions regarding your health that may make this trip challenging. for you.
If you have concerns with seasickness, please consult your doctor. We highly suggest bringing medication that treats seasickness. Doctor prescribed medication such as scopolamine patches (Transderm Scop) is the best way to prevent nausea associated with motion sickness. They require a prescription and should not be used with people who have or had glaucoma. They are much more effective than the motion sickness antihistamine meclizine (Antivert or Bonine) in our experience as they don't cause extreme drowsiness. But again, please contact your physician.
Travel insurance is required for this expedition: (https://wildfocusexpeditions.com/travel-insurance/)

Expedition Leaders

Photographer Jami Tarris with king penguis
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Jami Tarris

The polar regions are the ultimate adventurer’s adventure. For centuries, explorers have been drawn to these remote and icy locations. The massive blue ice bergs and the density of wildlife  throughout the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula are beyond any adventurers’ dreams. The first time I sat quietly in the midst of a King penguin colony stretching for miles from the shore to the mountains, I was absolutely awe struck. This is a true expedition in every sense of the word and is one of the most exciting places on earth.

Theo Allofs

Few places on earth can compete with the Falklands and South Georgia when it comes to wildlife density. Nothing can compare to the mind blowing sights of tens of thousands of Albatrosses breeding on Steeple Jason, or the vast colonies of 100,000 king penguins on South Georgia! The majesty and the beauty of the landscapes in the Antarctic are second to none and photographers and adventurers alike will find that they are enveloped in an icy paradise with endless photographic possibilities. My wife, Jami and I co-own Wild Focus Expeditions, and we can both attest to the incredible power that both poles, north and south hold over us both.

Daryl Balfour

Daryl has been a full-time professional wildlife photographer since the mid-eighties. He lives in Nelspruit, South Africa, bordering Kruger National Park and travels around the world for almost 10 months each year leading trips as a photographic expedition guide. While he does consider himself to be an "African specialist", his travels each year take him from Alaska and the Arctic to Antarctica, as well as to much of the world in between. He is looking forward to returning to the Antarctic on this exciting expedition and to joining Theo, Jami and the expedition team on the M/V Ortelius.

Himanshuu Sheth

Himanshuu lives in the bustling city of Mumbai and has a love of the great outdoors which has inspired him to travel extensively abroad with his camera. His travels have helped him gather a wealth of knowledge about nature, wildlife, people, cultures, and landscapes. He has been conducting photo safaris since 2009 and has continued to do so in locations such as Great Rann of Kutch, Gir National Park, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Kaziranga in India. He has been to Africa, South America and more and is very excited to be a part of this expedition team going to one of the remotest places on our planet - the Antarctic.
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