Price: $17,070 USD
Departure date: March 19, 2026
Return date: April 11, 2026
Antarctica & Falklands Expedition Cruise - From Punta Arenas to Buenos Aires
A 24-day late-summer odyssey to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and Patagonia's Puerto Madryn. Includes an epic ten days exploring the White Continent. Spot whales and penguins; witness breathtaking, extended sunsets; and join the Expedition Team hiking, kayaking, ice-cruising and perhaps even camping overnight on the Antarctic snow. Land on scenic beaches and follow grassland trails to discover the wildlife of the Falkland Islands, and visit the charming capital, Stanley. The frozen continent. After a flight from Santiago de Chile, you’ll embark in Punta Arenas and head toward Antarctica. You’ll spend 10 days exploring the continent in its late summer months. At this time of year, beautiful sunsets paint the ice and snow in shades of gold, orange, and pink. As always, nature is in charge. We’ll adjust our plans according to the elements to bring you the best possible landing sites and wildlife-spotting opportunities. The Falklands and Puerto Madryn. Your adventure then continues with three days in the Falkland Islands. Visit the capital, Stanley, with its charming red buses, restaurants, and pubs, and discover the variety of wildlife living on the more remote parts of the islands. You’ll then call at Puerto Madryn, known for its stunning beaches and nearby nature reserve, before your adventure comes to an end in vibrant Buenos Aires.
Inclusions:
Hotel
- Overnight in Santiago de Chile before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flight
- Flight in economy class from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas before the expedition cruise
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Santiago de Chile before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Punta Arenas before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Wine, beer, and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks) All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- Fine dining in the restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests (only on MS Fram).
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.
- A wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Please note that streaming is not supported.
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges, and Gratuities included.
- Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated.
- Range of included activities.
Onboard activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Center, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research.
- A professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
Landing Activities
- Escorted landing with small expedition boats
- Necessary equipment for activities, such as trekking poles, will be provided on board on loan. In Antarctica and Svalbard, muck boots are mandatory for all land activities and will be distributed on board free of charge.
- Expedition photographer on hand to assist you
Notes
All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions. Excursions and activities are subject to change. Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements. Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed
Day 1
Santiago, Chile's capital
The sights of Santiago de Chile
Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital. With its colonial-era architecture, award-winning restaurants and fascinating museums, it’s the perfect place to start your expedition cruise. There’s a lot to see, from the Mercado Central to the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace. Check out the Sky Costanera, which offers panoramic views of the city from 1,000 feet up.
With so much to discover in and around the city, you may want to arrive a few days early to join one of our optional Pre-Programs.
Day 2
Depart from Punta Arenas
Begin your expedition cruise in Punta Arenas
You'll have an early start today as we depart Santiago and fly to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost port, where your expedition ship awaits. Once you’ve boarded the ship, get settled in, explore, and meet your Expedition Team.
As well as being your guides, hosts and local experts, they’re also your travel companions for the next three weeks. Friendly and welcoming, they’ll answer any questions you may have during your adventure in Antarctica, the Falklands and Puerto Madryn.
Day 3-4
Get set for Antarctica
Center on science before your Antarctic adventure
On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your expedition cruise.
Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the hot tub and sauna, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travelers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Day 5-14
Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing quite prepares you for the awe of Antarctica. Surrounded by towering glaciers, the continent will fill you with wonder as you spend five magical days exploring its frozen landscape.
Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Migrating whales glide among amazing icebergs as they feed on krill. Bird enthusiasts should look out for some of the many species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, such as skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns.
When we arrive, the Antarctic summer is coming to an end, so you can look forward to seeing the landscape beautifully illuminated by breathtaking sunsets. It’s a great time to see penguins in their final stage of molting, and it’s peak whale-watching season as large amounts of krill lure cetaceans to the area.
Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. You’ll spend an exciting 10 days busily exploring several of the many possible landing sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula based on when and where conditions are at their best. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
You'll go on landings and ice cruises. You may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, giving you a deeper insight into the frozen continent.
Day 15-16
Heading to the Falklands
Relax and prepare for more adventures ahead
As you savor your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as we cruise toward the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Center, you can look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustain so much of the region's wildlife.
Enjoy all the amenities on the ship and get tips on how to improve your images from our professional photographer, or join workshops on topics such as wildlife painting and nautical knot tying.
Day 17-19
Wildlife of the Falklands
Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands
The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.
Landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as we can without disturbing them.
Day 20
The South Atlantic
Relax and get ready for Puerto Madryn
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail toward Puerto Madryn. You’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica and the Falklands that your head will likely be a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and new knowledge.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Or simply relax on deck, recalling the highlights of your memorable adventure.
End the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
Day 21
Puerto Madryn
Visit a UNESCO wildlife haven
Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdes Peninsula, and while we’re here, you can explore a stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no fewer than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat, and browse the local arts and crafts shops.
Day 22-23
Cruise the Argentine Basin
Time at sea to rest and reflect
As we sail the final leg from Puerto Madryn to Buenos Aires, enjoy your final day at sea.
This is the perfect time to go through your pictures and relive your experiences in Antarctica, the Falklands, and Puerto Madryn. Enjoy the onboard comforts one last time. Relax in the hot tubs or sauna, or unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar. And you can join the Expedition Team in the Science Center for further investigations and contribute to Citizen Science projects.
Day 24
Buenos Aires
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires
Your expedition cruise to Antarctica, the Falklands, and Puerto Madryn comes to an end in Buenos Aires.
Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or “people of the port,” Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache. If you have time before your onward journey, enjoy exploring this vibrant city.
