FALKLANDS
& SOUTH GEORGIA
OCTOBER 7-23, 2027
Expedition Cruise aboard the brand new Magellan Discoverer
Discover the wildlife meccas of the South Atlantic aboard deluxe Magellan Discoverer, with a brilliant expedition team.
In October 2027, we return to the Falklands and South Georgia aboard Antarctica21’s brand-new Magellan Discoverer, a luxury expedition ship bringing impressive comfort and world-class polar capabilities to these remote waters. After three exceptional Falklands and South Georgia voyages aboard her sister ship, Magellan Explorer, we have every confidence that Antarctica21’s expedition leaders and guides will deliver an outstanding experience.
The ship provides a superb base for exploring shores crowded with king penguins and elephant seals, hillsides alive with nesting albatrosses, and glacier-lined bays beneath rugged mountains. Few travelers reach this remote corner of the South Atlantic. To experience it in spring, aboard a ship of this caliber and at highly competitive rates, makes our 2027 return particularly exciting.
Download the 2027 Trip Brochure to view the full details for our upcoming departure to Falklands and South Georgia.
In this PDF Brochure, you will find:
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Our introduction to the trip & the islands.
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Why this trip to the "Galapagos of the South of the Atlantic"
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Day-by-day itinerary for the trip from October 7-23, 2027 starting/ending in Punta Arenas, Chile (or from October 5/6-October 24, 2027 including travel from the U.S.)
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Info on Antarctica21's top notch expedition staff & the Education Program they offer
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Overview of potential trip extensions in Chile, a country we know intimately
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Introduction to the Magellan Discoverer, Antarctica21's state-of-the-art expedition vessel
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Trip rates & inclusions (also here)
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Planning notes from Antarctica21
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Terms & Conditions
Why Travel to the Galapagos of the South Atlantic with Open Sky Expeditions?
Our expedition dates are purposely selected for early austral spring season - the most ideal time of year to experience the region's landscapes and wildlife, among many other timing-related bonuses. Additionally, our ship selection, photography opportunity, and pricing make this trip an unmatched offer.
1. The Perks of Early Season Arrival
October has far less human company than the more heavily trafficked high-season months that follow. In the Falklands, spring is generally half as rainy as summer. In South Georgia, variable weather usually results in dramatic light that delights photographers. Plus see points #2 & #3....
2. Exquisite Time for Wildlife
Wildlife is booming & particularly excellent in the spring. See here for a more detailed overview of expected wildlife in each island group mid-spring. In addition, landing sites are more pristine (less penguin guano) and far more photogenic early in the season.
3. Access to More Locations
Even without considering avoiding summer crowds, spring means access to more locations in South Georgia. Later in the season, aggressive fur seal behavior prevents landing on many beaches. Prion Island (the renowned wandering albatross sanctuary) also closes in the summer.
4. Top-Notch Ship and Crew
Antarctica21 could not have wowed us more with their onboard expedition team on our previous 10+ trips with them. With expertise spanning various fields, they’ll not only keep you safe & comfortable, but you’ll learn more than you thought possible about the land, history, and wildlife of our destinations.
5. Less Time at Sea
For those wary of motion in the ocean, note that we spend less time at sea than other trips that include South Georgia. Compare our trip to the usual routes of ~95% trips that do South Georgia later in the season together with Antarctica via a lot of time at sea + two major passage crossings including the Drake.
6. An Unbeatable Price
We challenge you to find a better-priced trip that includes South Georgia. We haven’t found one yet. You'll be traveling on the deluxe Magellan Discoverer at a fraction of the daily cost of its Antarctica trips.
A TASTE OF THIS EPIC EXPERIENCE
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
Experience up-close encounters with jaw-dropping penguin colonies, marine animals, and more wildlife.
South Georgia's Salisbury Plain has one of the most remarkable and vast King penguin colonies in the world. Our trip takes you there for a front row seat. Other destinations such as Gold Harbour and Saunders Island will give you the opportunity to witness and photograph giant elephant seals and beautiful sea birds.
Explore stunning harbors, beaches, and glacial landforms via zodiac rides to and from the ship.
Experience the pristine blue waters and white sands of Saunders Island in the Falklands and relish in the incredible beauty of glaciated mountains towering over Elsehul Bay in South Georgia. Our zodiac landings allow you to explore these remarkable places by foot.
Visit historically significant sites including Shackleton's grave, a remote shipwreck, and ghost towns of the whaling industry.
The history of human habitation in this remote region is often a forgotten aspect. Our experience integrates this education into the itinerary throughout. See the final resting place of the great polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, and explore whaling harbors, churches and shipwrecks dotted along the islands' shores.
Workshop your photography alongside Antarctica21's staff of excellent wildlife and landscape photographers.
Antarctica21’s expedition team includes excellent wildlife and landscape photographers. Our pre-departure photography resources include a techniques guide, gear recommendations, and practical tips. If our group reaches 12 participants, we will also bring our own photo pro to provide personal photography support throughout the trip.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
With significantly less time spent at sea than most Falkland + South Georgia expeditions that also include Antarctica and even longer southern ocean crossings (and cost a lot more), our itinerary focuses on the two South Atlantic island groups. Here’s a day-by-day overview.
Day 1: Embarkation in Punta Arenas, CHILE
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Saunders & West Point Islands, FALKLANDS
Day 4: Port Stanley, Falklands
Days 5–6: At Sea
Day 7: Elsehul Bay, SOUTH GEORGIA
Day 8: Grytviken & Fortuna Bay, S.G.
Day 9: Gold Harbour & Drygalsky Fjord, S.G.
Day 10: St. Andrews Bay & Ocean Harbour, S.G.
Day 11: Salisbury Plain, S.G.
Days 12–14: At Sea
Day 15: Bleaker Island, FALKLANDS
Day 16: At Sea
Day 17: Disembark in Punta Arenas, CHILE
THE MAGELLAN DISCOVERER
Launched in November 2026, Magellan Discoverer is Antarctica21’s newest expedition ship, purpose-built in Chile to the latest Polar Code standards. Accommodating just 96 guests in five cabin categories, all with private balconies, she combines the intimacy of a small expedition vessel with spacious, thoughtfully designed interiors. From panoramic viewing areas to comfortable cabins, every space brings you closer to the Southern Ocean’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.
Luxury amenities meet the expedition experience aboard the Magellan Discoverer.
Magellan Discoverer features a panoramic observation lounge, a dedicated presentation room with advanced audiovisual equipment, a spacious dining room, bar, library, gym, and sauna with an open view. A 360° walking track on the top deck offers outstanding vantage points for wildlife watching and photography, while private balconies provide a sheltered setting to enjoy the passing scenery. A fleet of 12 Zodiacs makes getting ashore efficient, with capacity for all guests to explore at once. Between outings, inviting shared spaces and attentive service make the ship a welcoming place to return.
Elevated comfort in five unique cabin styles
All cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower.
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Deluxe Veranda - King bed or 2 twins. [280 sq ft]
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Grand Veranda Suite - King bed or 2 twins, with seperate living area. [409 sq ft]
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Family Veranda Suite - Two connecting cabins with two bathrooms, accommodating up to 4 guests. [560 sq ft]
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Single Veranda - King bed for single occupancy. [280 sq ft]
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Triple Veranda Suite - Two connecting cabins with two bathrooms, accommodating up to 3 guests. [560 sq ft]
ANTARCTICA21'S EXPEDITION TEAM
Antarctica21’s experienced expedition team will be our group’s leaders and guides throughout the voyage, leading shore excursions and Zodiac outings while sharing their knowledge of the Falklands and South Georgia’s wildlife, landscapes, and history. Their polar experience and expertise across scientific disciplines help us explore safely and comfortably, adapting each day’s activities to local conditions. Having traveled with Antarctica21 on more than ten previous expeditions, we have every confidence in their expertise, warmth, and thoughtful approach to exploration.
Engaging onboard presentations, field interpretation, and informal conversations bring each destination into focus, with the ship’s small scale allowing frequent personal interaction. Whether watching seabirds from the deck or discussing the day’s discoveries over dinner, there are many opportunities to learn from the team. A professional photographer also offers instruction to interested travelers and creates a visual log to share at the end of the voyage.
FEATURES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photography tours have been our top speciality since 2012, and this trip was carefully selected to ensure it was a "right fit" for photographers—from novices to professionals. Our recent trips with Antarctica21 could not have affirmed this choice with more conviction.
From vast king penguin colonies to nesting albatrosses and glacier-lined bays, the Falklands and South Georgia offer remarkable subjects for photographers of every experience level. We selected this voyage with photography in mind.
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Spring timing: Active wildlife, fewer visitors, and dramatic light make this a rewarding season to photograph the islands, with access to some South Georgia landing sites that become restricted later in the summer.
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A small ship built for exploration: With just 96 guests and 12 Zodiacs, Magellan Discoverer makes getting ashore efficient. Spacious outdoor decks, a 360° walking track, and private balconies provide additional vantage points for photography.
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Photography support onboard: Antarctica21’s expedition team includes experienced wildlife and landscape photographers, with a professional photographer offering instruction to interested travelers and creating a visual log of the voyage.
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Preparation with Open Sky: Our Photography in the Southern Ocean guide, gear recommendations, practical tips, and pre-trip briefing help you prepare. You’ll also have access to recorded photography presentations from our past voyages and opportunities to ask questions before departure.
If our group reaches 12 participants, a dedicated Open Sky trip leader and photo pro will also join the voyage, providing personal photography support throughout the trip.
Trip Extensions in Chile
This trip starts and ends in Chile, a country we know very well and can help you explore. Open Sky owner Alex Ros lived in Chile for seven years, and has been taking folks there since 2004 (with Open Sky since 2011). Reviews from our past pre- or post-expedition cruise extensions have been excellent. You can pick from one of pre-designed options below, or let us help you build one, either by adding to the pre-designed extensions, or doing something entirely customized. Feel free to ask us for more details when you inquire.
Patagonia
Spend three nights in Southern Patagonia focusing on stunning Torres del Paine National Park | 1 night in Puerto Natales and 3 nights within park itself | Enjoy world class hiking, and/or choice of activities, and/or opt into a schedule designed around photography.
Easter Island
Spend 3 nights on fascinating Easter Island, with days spent exploring its mysterious sites along with excellent guides | 1 night also included in Santiago, before or after depending on final flight
schedules.
Atacama Desert
Experience beautifully dramatic contrast from Antarctica with a 3 day trip extension to the Atacama Desert. Stay in luxury hotels within one of Chile's most unique desert landscapes with world renowned stargazing and wildlife.
Bespoke Travel
Or, let us design something 100% bespoke. The Lake District and Valparaiso, for example, are both worth considering. Please don't hesitate to reach out with your trip extension ideas. We are excited to craft the experience you desire!
Wildlife Notes For A Trip In Austral Spring
Falkland Islands:
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Gentoo penguins: Adults return in September and begin building nests. Egg laying is usually in October but is highly variable +/- 3 wks) with 34-36 incubation period.
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Magellanic penguins: Adults return in September, lay eggs mid-October.
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Rockhopper penguins: Males return in late September/early October & females one week later.
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King penguins: They are on a 14-to-18-month breeding cycle, so rather ever-present. In late September/early October, large/small chicks & eggs are at various stages simultaneously.
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Black-browed albatross: Males return in late September. Females return in early October, with eggs usually laid in mid-October.
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Southern Giant Petrel: Adults return late September to colonies.
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Rock Shag: Nest building commences in late September.
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White-tufted Grebe: Nest building commences in late September, eggs laid up until late December.
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Black-necked swan: Breeding between August & September; hatching in October.
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Yellow-billed Teal: Egg laying starts mid-August.
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Red-backed Hawk & Turkey vulture: Nesting can commence in September.
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Elephant seals: Early spring top time to see them as young are born and suckled.
*Above are historically typical time periods. With climate change, some of these dates have been moving earlier than usual.
South Georgia:
To begin with, we'll see a jaw-dropping number of king penguins. Like in the Falklands, they are on a 14 to 18-month breeding cycle, so are rather ever present. Large & small chicks will be at various stages simultaneously.
South Georgia has half the world's population of elephant seals. In the spring, they start to establish control of beaches, which can result in dramatic confrontations as they fight to become beach masters—a wild spectacle to witness. On a more endearing note, baby elephant seals are born towards the end of winter, and in the spring, the young pups (known as "weaners") are everywhere. They are not only much smaller than adults at the time, but when just weeks old they also tend to be incredibly curious of humans, and you may even find one approaching you.
Early season also means that female fur seals haven't yet returned to the beaches—which is exactly what we want because once they do, the males become extremely aggressive, making it impossible to land on many beaches in South Georgia.
It's also an ideal time for seabirds, and in particular the majestic wandering albatross, the bird with the largest wingspan on the planet. The most impressive place to see them is Prion Island, a Special Protected Area that's open only early & late in the season (it closes in the summer when albatrosses are mostly having their babies to minimize human harm to them). Spring is an ideal time to be there.
[And all of the above is not to mention the other benefits of being around early in the season with fewer ships around resulting in less competition for landing sites, and also more pristine landing sites, more snow left on the majestic mountains, etc.]
Rates, Inclusions, and Booking
TRIP RATES
Trip cost corresponds to cabin category once aboard ship.
DELUXE VERANDA CABIN - $15,995
FAMILY VERANDA SUITE - $15,995
GRAND VERANDA SUITE - $17,495
SINGLE VERANDA CABIN - $29,595
TRIPLE VERANDA SUITE - $20,995
The above rates are per person, double occupancy—except for the Triple which is triple occupancy, and the Single Veranda, which is for one person.
For full rate details and terms and conditions, please review the trip's full PDF Brochure.
READY TO BOOK THIS TRIP?
REGISTRATION FORM - Book now by filling out the trip's registration form with the button below, and pay a $4000 per person deposit to confirm participation on the trip.
FYI ONCE YOU BOOK - Once you are confirmed for the trip, we'll provide helpful pre-departure information including a pre-trip timeline & insurance recommendations. Flight booking guidelines and a private portal for participants will follow at the appropriate time. See more details about our pre-trip prep on this dedicated webpage.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? - We're happy to assist! Please contact us at info@openskyexpeditions.com, or call us at 1.884.OPENSKY or +1.212.441.0024
INCLUDED IN THE RATE
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Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
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For guests visiting Punta Arenas, special access to Explorers House.
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Ship cruise to the Falklands and South Georgia as indicated in the program.
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Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
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Dinner served daily aboard ship offering a choice of three main courses.
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Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
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Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout.
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All guided shore excursions.
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Lectures and entertainment on board.
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Loan of waterproof boots for landings.
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Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee.
Plus, exclusively for participants traveling with Open Sky Expeditions:
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A private trip portal presenting everything you need to know before departure in a thoughtful, organized way.
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Open Sky Expeditions’ dedicated guide on Photography in the Southern Ocean.
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Access to recorded pre-trip briefings & photography presentations from our past Falklands & South Georgia journeys.
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The opportunity to ask questions before departure of Open Sky trip leaders who have traveled this route.
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Our insider, experienced knowledge on Chile and availability to design customized pre- or post-trip extensions.
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Assistance with flight bookings & obtaining travel insurance that meets polar expedition travel standards.
*And, if our group onboard reaches 12 travelers, a dedicated Open Sky trip leader and photo pro will also join the voyage.
These last inclusions are exclusively for our group (our participants pay the same rates as other travelers on the same departure, but other travelers don't get these).
NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE
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Accommodation, meals, excursions & transfers other than those included in the itinerary.
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Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar
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Personal travel insurance (see here for recommendations)
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Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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Gratuities onboard
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Visa for Chile should it be required for you (U.S. citizens don't need it), passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
TRIP REQUIREMENTS
To participate on this trip, you will need:
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Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after the trip ends
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Have travel insurance that at least covers emergency medical evacuation. This can be obtained after booking the trip. Click here to view details on the options offered via our partners Travel Insured International
FAQs
