Epic Antarctica with the Falklands & South Georgia
Oct 24 - Nov 13, 2024
21 days | Antarctica | Alumni Expeditions
This expedition is presented by the alumni associations of the University of Alberta, the University of Saskatchewan, Western University, McGill University, York University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Guelph. All are welcome!
Antarctica remains the world’s greatest wilderness realm. On this extraordinary voyage of discovery, we explore three iconic and contrasting regions of the great Southern Ocean surrounding the White Continent.
In the company of a stellar roster of Canadian university study leaders, Worldwide Quest naturalists, and our onboard team of expedition staff, experience the thrill of early season exploration in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Prepare to be astonished by the Falkland Islands’ wild and rugged landscapes, the fantastic variety of bird species, and the chance to see up to five of the world’s penguin species including the King Penguin in this remote location.
South Georgia is one of the most dramatic and least visited places on earth. We’ll wade ashore on the vast beaches to immerse ourselves in the largest colony of king penguins in the world, observe gargantuan elephant seals, and retrace the last leg of Shackleton’s epic journey. For sheer wildlife extravagance, there’s no place like this ‘Serengeti of the South.’
Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula itself, we’ll find springtime conditions of pristine and gleaming white. Massive glaciers and icebergs and imposing mountains surround us. We’ll visit the Peninsula’s highlight locations, home to the greatest collection of Antarctic wildlife and some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.
Our vessel is the M/V Magellan Explorer, a custom-built ship designed for maximum comfort while maintaining an expeditionary feel. We are hosting a maximum of only 88 participants plus our study team aboard this exclusively chartered expedition. We’ll enjoy excellent access to landing sites and Zodiac explorations in very small groups with options for extensive walking and sea kayaking as well.
Little can compare to this small-ship, custom experience for curious and adventurous travellers! Please join us for this magnificent once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Special Offer
Book by July 1, 2023 and save $750 per person
Tour Cost (per person):
US$19,750 - 28,250
Group Size:
Limited to 96 participants
What’s included: One pre-cruise hotel night in Punta Arenas, based on double occupancy; accommodation in selected cabin, based on double occupancy; welcome dinner ashore; all meals onboard: breakfast, lunch, and dinner; house wine and beer with dinner; happy hour beverage at cocktail hour recap sessions; coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board ship; complimentary Expedition jacket to keep; complimentary use of thermal rubber boots; all group Zodiac excursions and landings; educational presentations and tutorials by study leaders and expedition staff; video journal of the voyage; port dues and taxes; special access permits and fees; services of on-board expedition staff; transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport on disembarkation day
Arriving at St. Andrews Bay on South Georgia to watch the sunrise with the cacophony of hundred of thousands of king penguins and their chicks took my breath away! - Quest Traveller
Though penguins are the best and the other birds amazing, I was awestruck by the majesty and beauty of the ice. I was very touched by the staff attentiveness and consideration, all very professional - both World Wide Quest and the A21 personnel. - Quest Traveller
[Favourite moments] Sea kayaking, hiking through incredible colonies of penguins, albatross, fur seals, elephant seals etc Walking in the footsteps of Shackleton & visiting his grave etc. Breathtaking scenery! - Quest Traveller
Itinerary at a Glance
Day | Activity |
1 | Meet in Punta Arenas |
2 | Embark the M/V Magellan Explorer, Strait of Magellan |
3 | At sea towards the Falklands |
4 | Saunders Island and Carcass Island |
5 | Bleaker Island |
6-7 | Towards South Georgia, cross the Antarctic Convergence |
8 | Towards South Georgia, cruising at Elsehul Bay |
9 | Grytviken and Fortuna Bay / Stromness |
10 | Salisbury Plain and Prion Island |
11 | St. Andrews Bay and Cooper Bay |
12-13 | Cruising towards the Antarctic Peninsula |
14 | Cruising, Elephant Island |
15-18 | Antarctic Peninsula |
19-20 | Cruising North to South America |
21 | Disembark at Ushuaia |
Download Itinerary
Ship Information
With a maximum of 96 passengers and 60 crew, the M/V Magellan Explorer is a new and modern vessel custom-built for Antarctic expedition cruising up to the latest Polar Code specifications. All cabins (except Porthole cabins) feature private balconies with seating. Most cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors.
The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a professionally designed fitness centre, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a state-of-the-art mudroom and a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats and that are well suited for quick disembarkation and wildlife watching.
Your Tour Leaders
Philippe Tortell is a Professor of Oceanography at UBC, and Head of the
Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. He has conducted
oceanographic research expeditions around the world from the Arctic to
the Antarctic, measuring marine biological productivity and the oceanic
concentration of dissolved ‘climate-active’ gases, including carbon
dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. His work focuses on the development
of ship-board automated sensors, field experiments and the use of
satellite-based remote sensing observations.
Professor Bruno Tremblay, McGill University, is an associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. His current research focuses on the presence of sea ice and snow at high latitudes and their effect on global climate and climate change. Bruno will discuss Antarctic ice sheet history and sea ice trends.
Justin Peter is a Principal of Worldwide Quest and Director of its Quest Nature Tours branch. Prior to joining the company, Justin was the senior naturalist at Ontario’s world-renowned Algonquin Park, where he coordinated the park’s interpretive program and acted as lead howler for the celebrated Public Wolf Howl events.
Catherine Jardine is a staff ornithologist and data analyst with Birds Canada, based at the organization’s National Data Centre in Delta, B.C. She has conducted field projects in remote locations around the world and is the Bander-in-Charge at the Iona Island Bird Observatory.
Email Us
Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!
Special Offer
Book by July 1, 2023 and save $750 per person
Tour Cost (per person):
US$19,750 - 28,250
Group Size:
Limited to 96 participants
What’s included: One pre-cruise hotel night in Punta Arenas, based on double occupancy; accommodation in selected cabin, based on double occupancy; welcome dinner ashore; all meals onboard: breakfast, lunch, and dinner; house wine and beer with dinner; happy hour beverage at cocktail hour recap sessions; coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board ship; complimentary Expedition jacket to keep; complimentary use of thermal rubber boots; all group Zodiac excursions and landings; educational presentations and tutorials by study leaders and expedition staff; video journal of the voyage; port dues and taxes; special access permits and fees; services of on-board expedition staff; transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport on disembarkation day
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