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Sea Spirit
Santiago to Port Stanley
Overview
The islands of the Southern Ocean, like solitary gemstones, reflect a dazzling abundance of life usually hidden from our view. BIRDERS’ PARADISE The windswept and treeless Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. The archipelago boasts a great diversity and abundance of birdlife including 80 percent of the world’s population of black-browed albatross, five species of penguin, and a variety of waterfowl such as the endemic Falkland steamer duck. In addition to innumerable penguin pairs, South Georgia hosts a wide range of bird species in staggering abundance. The island is home to petrels, skuas, prions, shags, terns, and the carnivorous South Georgia pintail duck. This is also an amazing place to see the breeding behavior of the world’s largest seabird: the wandering albatross. MARINE MAMMAL HAVEN On the remote island of South Georgia, marine mammals are counted in the millions. Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals can be seen everywhere jostling for space on the island’s legendary wildlife beaches. This voyage coincides with the season when elephant seals are likely to be seen engaging in ferocious battles. In the Falkland Islands, breeding populations of South American fur seal and South American sea lion frequent the islands’ many beaches. The waters all along our route are home to various cetaceans including southern right whales, killer whales, and Peale’s dolphins, as well as various large baleen whales no longer hunted. LIFE OF THE EDGE In the harsh and unrelenting subantarctic environment of the Falklands and South Georgia—and on the tempestuous waves of the Southern Ocean—the endurance of settlers and explorers has been repeatedly tested. Historical events such as the Falklands War have also tested the inhabitants’ resolve and resourcefulness. Meanwhile, man’s presence on these islands has tested the limits of Nature’s resilience in the face of overexploitation. Throughout our journey we see historical and contemporary evidence of mankind’s precarious and evolving relationship with the elements in a perilous yet fragile environment.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
We suggest that our tourists arrive in Santiago de Chile a day earlier to have a good rest after a long flight before our Subantarctic adventures begin. A pre-cruise night is not included in the price of the itinerary, but we highly recommend the Holiday Inn Hotel due to its most favorable location right in the airport terminal.
Our expedition will start in the early morning in the airport of Santiago de Chile where we will take a transfer flight to the Falkland Islands. Minimal days at sea means more days for photography with World Photo Travels Guides Mike Reyfman, Dimitry Arkhipov, Marco Grassi, Svein Wik and Jens Wikström. After a short landing in Punta Arenas in Patagonia, we'll arrive at the starting point of our cruise. Welcome to Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands! Take your time to explore this amazing city. Visit the Falkland Islands Museum, the Governor’s house, a cathedral with impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs and views of shipwrecks in the harbor. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come.
As we sail east towards South Georgia, we will be able to witness incredible wildlife. We will also cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Don’t lose your time aboard! Attend the most interesting briefings and lectures from our expert staff and prepare yourself for the arrival in South Georgia. This cruise was designed for amateur photographers of all skill levels, so use this chance to make new friends, exchange your photo experience and attend our photography master classes. Discussing ISO and exposure is always better in our cozy bar, restaurant, or lounge.
South Georgia is the best place on Earth for wildlife and landscape photographers. We will take you to great locations for the best light. The archipelago is the home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins, which makes South Georgia the best spot to photograph these wonderful creatures. Our plan is to visit the most picturesque sights such as Gold Harbour, Cooper Bay, Drygalski Fjord and other great places. For example, the beaches such as those at Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay, where over 100,000 elephant seals and three million fur seals jostle for space among innumerable penguins. The bountiful waters surrounding South Georgia are also inhabited by an increasing number of whales. The historical whaling station of Grytviken is now home to the excellent South Georgia Museum managed by the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This is also the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer. However, our route and exploration opportunities in South Georgia are heavily dependent on the weather conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the world. We take every safe opportunity to go ashore in this amazing place and take the best wildlife photos.
It is time to head back towards the Falkland Islands. However, our adventures are not over yet. We will pass the remote, seabird-covered pinnacles known as Shag Rocks on the way (get your cameras ready!) There is also time for festivities such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slide show. We will share our impressions, review all the great photos we’ve taken and enjoy good company of new friends.
Our adventure finishes in Port Stanley. We disembark after breakfast and provide transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight to Santiago. We recommend you to explore the wonderful capital of Chile and spend more time here. Now when the first emotions have subsided you will have time to look back to your unforgettable Subantarctic experience and maybe to make plans for your next polar adventure?
Itineraries are subject to change.
Sea Spirit
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2016 Like some of the birds we see in the Arctic and Antarctica, our m/v Sea Spirit is migratory and follows the sun, northbound in the summer and southbound in the winter, always ready for spontaneous discoveries – a pod of whales, a family of polar bears or a glaciated mountain vista. She is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating the narrow fjords of East Greenland and entering the small bays of Spitsbergen. Onboard, we create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests. They are united by one goal – to have a memorable wilderness experience and to become real polar adventurers. We believe that first-hand travel to such places makes one an ambassador for conservation, and helps strengthen our resolve to protect these natural environments for future generations. Public areas include: Reception, Restaurant, Bar, Outdoor Bistro, Club Lounge, Library, Presentation Lounge, Infirmary, Gym, Bridge. We have open Bridge policy. Talk to the Captain and officers. Watch landscapes from this special angle of view. Fix your location at a map of your expedition.
Highlights
• Explore South Georgia • Enjoy the Falkland Islands
Map
