Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Ushuaia, the most southern city on earth is located in this town. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city or go for a stroll in nearby forests. Consider a trip into Tierra del Fuego's raw, natural landscape. Tierra del Fuego is a great hiking destination because of its glaciers and rugged mountains. There are also flower-filled meadows, boggy wetlands and bogs. The vessel is waiting in the port for our arrival.

After our safety drill, we begin the expedition. The Beagle Channel is named after Charles Darwin's vessel. This steep-sided Strait, which divides Tierra del Fuego from southern Argentina to Chile, has been the beginning of thousands of expeditions. Keep an eye on dolphins and other marine life as we approach the Drake Passage.

The South Atlantic Ocean currents take us to the rarely visited Falkland Islands.

Although the indigenous Yaghans from Tierra del Fuego may have lived on the Falklands, there were no natives in the islands at the time of European settlement. This was the start of the 16th Century. The sovereignty of the islands has since been challenged by Spanish, French, and British historical claims. In 1840, the islands became a British colony. Tensions between Britain and Argentina led to an island dispute in 1982. Conflicts can have long-lasting effects. The United Kingdom, while providing much-needed development aid to many islands, also mined heavily. Since the war, these islands have flourished and sold lucrative fishing rights to their rich waters. De-mining will be completed in 2020. On the last patch of de-mined ground, the islands' governor and the Zimbabwean football team who have made Falklands their home played an friendly match.

Binoculars should be carried at all times! Falklands' waters are home to some of the best wildlife on the planet. Whales, penguins and seals are found in large numbers where cold Antarctic water meets warm South Atlantic waters. Learn about these fascinating islands' history, biology, and culture from your Expedition Team Lecturer, or take a guided tour.