Solar Eclipse 2021: Totality in Antarctica, with South Georgia and Falkland Islands

You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary.
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich
European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the
airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon
arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown
location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port
town before making your way to the pier. Embarkation will occur in the
late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle
Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme
south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart!

Your days at sea are filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team
who will prepare you for the wildlife, glaciology and history that will greet
you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time on deck looking
for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.

The most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of
reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, since few places
are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica.You will discover that Antarctica
is a land of extremes. At one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of
complete isolation and silence, and at the next moment you’ll be inspired
by nature as a calving glacier crashes into a brilliant blue sea or a penguin
waddles by to inspect your footwear.Your Expedition Team will take care of
you at each excursion, whether you are Zodiac cruising, visiting a historical
site or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Adélie and Gentoo
penguins are found here, along with Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard
seals. Keep a lookout for Antarctic whales, such as Minkes, while on a Zodiac
cruise. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of
creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.

Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula, as your next destination is the
Scotia Sea, between the South Orkney Islands and South Georgia, where
you’ll witness a rare natural phenomenon: an eclipse of the sun in
Antarctica! Our Expedition Team will prepare you in advance with expert
presentations and workshops on astronomy, meteorology and other related
topics to help prepare you for that once-in-a-lifetime event: total solar
eclipse in Antarctica. Joining you for the eclipse is world-renowned eclipse
expert Fred Espenak. Known as “Mr. Eclipse,” Fred is a retired NASA
scientist and has participated in 29 eclipse expeditions around the world.

Early this morning, you will be summoned on deck to witness an extraordinary,
much-awaited moment: a solar eclipse, the very brief period (1 minute, 40
seconds) when the moon blocks the sun’s light, plunging the Polar regions
into darkness. Every guest will be provided with a pair of eclipse glasses
before the momentous event. You’ll savour the stillness of this magical
moment with your fellow umbraphiles (eclipse chasers), knowing you’re among
the few to have witnessed this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.As with all
eclipse sightings, visibility is influenced by the weather and cloud
conditions. Unique to this experience will be its location at sea, and the
more extreme latitude which places the eclipse low on the horizon, making a
successful sighting that much more difficult, and more rewarding should all
the stars align for the eclipse to be visible. After the eclipse concludes
around breakfast time, feel free to celebrate the unforgettable moment or
return to your bed.In addition to the eclipse glasses, guests will also
receive an invitation to a special evening celebration to commemorate their
special total eclipse voyage.

South Georgia is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for
sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches blanketed with penguins. It won’t take
you long to realize that you are in a bird paradise, as burrowing seabirds,
albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.You’ll find that South
Georgia, once a popular base for whalers and sealers, is also scattered with
abandoned relics and evidence of human activity from centuries gone by. Your
Expedition Team will help bring those days to life while you visit old
whaling stations and enjoy presentations on the South Georgia of then and
now.One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is
Grytviken. This settlement is one of the first whaling stations established
in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travellers find that this place has a special
appeal, as it is home to the remains of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the
most famous Antarctic explorers.

After more than two weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable
landscapes, your journey home begins. Spend time on deck watching for
seabirds and whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply
relax and reminisce about your incredible experiences.

Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first
real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this
sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East
Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily Zodiac
excursions and landings.Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a
favoured landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel,
complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the
local pub or visit numerous churches and museums.In terms of wildlife, the
archipelago is home to Magellanic, Gentoo and southern Rockhopper penguins.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot King penguins here as well! You can
expect to see Black-browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the
flightless Falkland Steamer duck and possibly the elusive Cobb’s wren.Your
team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local
flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands.

After more than two weeks of endless wildlife encounters, your journey home
begins. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales, enjoy
presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about
your experiences.

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after
breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a taste of Patagonia
with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour before transferring to the
airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.