Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica — Self-Launched Expedition
22 days · Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica
G Adventures charges £14,200
No-markup version: ~£8,900 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched version of the classic Montevideo → Falklands → South Georgia → Antarctic Peninsula → Ushuaia route. The key insight: this isn't a route you can replicate with buses and hostels — the voyage itself is the experience, so the self-launched approach is to book a cabin directly with a small-ship expedition operator (or grab a last-minute "flexi"/standby fare in Ushuaia), pair it with cheap independent travel around Uruguay and Argentina, and do your own wildlife watching, hiking and history-hunting ashore rather than paying for a guided package. Realistic independent cost lands roughly £7,500–9,500 per person depending on cabin grade and how late you book; the headline saving comes from avoiding the packaged markup, using port-city hostels/guesthouses and independent flights. Costs are approximate and highly season-dependent (Oct–Mar only).
Day-by-day
Arrive Montevideo
Montevideo, Uruguay
Fly into Montevideo (Carrasco airport) and check into a hostel or guesthouse in the Ciudad Vieja or Pocitos area. Spend the afternoon walking the Rambla waterfront, the Mercado del Puerto for a chivito, and the Sunday-ish Plaza Independencia. Book your port transfer for tomorrow — the cruise terminal is a short walk/taxi from Ciudad Vieja.
🚌Airport bus or taxi to city centre (~£3–8)
🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Ciudad Vieja/Pocitos, private or dorm room (£25–40)
- →Rambla waterfront walk
- →Mercado del Puerto food stop
- →Ciudad Vieja wander
Board expedition ship in Montevideo
Montevideo / Río de la Plata
Embark your expedition vessel (booked directly with the ship operator) in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin, meet the expedition team, attend the mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, then sail out down the Río de la Plata as dinner is served. From here on, all meals and lectures are included in your cabin fare.
🚌Ship
🛏Expedition ship cabin (included in cruise fare)
- →Embarkation and safety drill
- →Evening sail-away
South Atlantic crossing — lectures
South Atlantic Ocean
Two days at sea heading south-east toward the Falklands. Attend the free onboard lecture programme on seabirds, cetaceans, Falklands history and Antarctic geopolitics. Spend time on deck with binoculars — albatross, petrels and possibly dolphins. Seas can be bumpy; sea-sickness tablets from a Montevideo pharmacy cost a few pounds and are worth having.
🚌Ship
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Onboard lecture programme
- →Deck wildlife spotting
At sea — approach the Falklands
South Atlantic Ocean
Second sea day. Use it to sort camera gear, read up on the 1982 conflict and Shackleton's route, and check the daily landing schedule and Zodiac group allocations. The expedition leader will brief on Falklands biosecurity: boot and clothing cleaning is mandatory before every landing.
🚌Ship
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Lecture programme
- →Biosecurity briefing
- →Wildlife watching
Falkland Islands — first landings
Falkland Islands
Weather decides the landing site, but typical first stops are West Point Island or Saunders Island — home to black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguin colonies you can walk among on marked paths. Landings are included in your fare and guided by the ship's naturalists rather than a paid add-on.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Zodiac landing
- →Albatross and rockhopper penguin colonies
- →Guided nature walk
Stanley — capital of the Falklands
Stanley, East Falkland
Land at Stanley and explore independently: the 1982 Liberation Monument, the Falkland Islands Museum (£5–8), Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, and the red phone box. Grab fish and chips or a pint at a local pub (£10–15). Locals are famously chatty — strike up conversations at the Jetty Visitor Centre rather than paying for a guided tour.
🚌Ship + Zodiac tender
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Falkland Islands Museum
- →Christ Church Cathedral
- →Stanley pub lunch
- →Historic dockyard walk
Falklands — wildlife day two
Falkland Islands
A second day of landings, typically at a site like Sea Lion Island or Bleaker Island depending on conditions — penguin colonies (gentoo, magellanic, possibly king), elephant seals and dramatic tussock grassland. Free time ashore to walk the marked routes at your own pace; bring waterproof boots and layers, wind chill is serious.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Zodiac landing
- →Penguin and seal colonies
- →Coastal hiking
Depart the Falklands for South Georgia
Scotia Sea
Sail east across the Scotia Sea — roughly two days of open water on the Shackleton route. Lectures continue, and the expedition team will brief on South Georgia's landing rules: strict biosecurity, no closer than 5m to wildlife, and no drones without permits.
🚌Ship
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Lectures
- →Seabird watching from deck
Scotia Sea crossing
Scotia Sea
Second sea day. This crossing can be the roughest of the voyage; use the onboard gym, library and hot drinks station. First iceberg sightings are often possible late in the day as you approach the sub-Antarctic convergence.
🚌Ship
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Lectures
- →Library time
- →Possible first icebergs
South Georgia — first landings
South Georgia
Arrive at South Georgia, one of the most wildlife-dense places on earth. Typical first stops are Elsehul or Salisbury Plain — vast king penguin colonies stretching to the horizon, fur seals charging the shoreline (keep distance and walk slowly). All landings included in the fare.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Zodiac landing
- →King penguin colonies
- →Fur seal watching
South Georgia — Grytviken and Shackleton's grave
Grytviken, South Georgia
Land at Grytviken, the old whaling station, now managed by the Government of South Georgia. Visit Shackleton's grave in the cemetery above the station — the traditional toast is a dram of whisky brought from home. The Grytviken museum and post office are free or a couple of pounds, and you can get a South Georgia passport stamp. Walking through the rusting whaling works is eerie and unforgettable.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Shackleton's grave visit
- →Grytviken whaling station
- →Museum and post office
South Georgia — St Andrews Bay / Gold Harbour
South Georgia
Some of the largest king penguin colonies in the world — St Andrews Bay has hundreds of thousands of birds. Also expect elephant seals and reindeer-free tussock valleys after the eradication programme. Walks are self-paced within the marked zones, with naturalists on hand for questions.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →King penguin colony walks
- →Elephant seal beaches
- →Glacier viewpoints
South Georgia — final landings
South Georgia
Last day in South Georgia, often at a site like Prion Island or Fortuna Bay (where Shackleton completed his walk). Say goodbye to the wildlife and prepare for the two-day crossing to the South Shetlands. Optional: the ship's paid kayaking excursion (£700–800 extra, booked in advance) runs on landing days if conditions allow.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Final Zodiac landings
- →Hiking
- →Optional kayaking (paid add-on)
Crossing toward Elephant Island
Scotia Sea
Sail west toward the South Shetland Islands, with a possible passing view of Elephant Island — where Shackleton's men wintered under Frank Wild in 1916. Lectures continue on Antarctic exploration history.
🚌Ship
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Lectures
- →Elephant Island viewing if conditions allow
South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
First Antarctic landings — typically at sites like Half Moon Island, Deception Island (walk into the flooded volcanic caldera at Whalers Bay) or Barrientos Island. Chinstrap and gentoo penguins, and the first real sense of being on the frozen continent.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →First Antarctic Zodiac landing
- →Deception Island caldera walk
- →Penguin colonies
Antarctic Peninsula — landings
Antarctic Peninsula
Enter the Antarctic Peninsula proper — often via the Gerlache Strait to sites like Neko Harbour or Paradise Bay. Twice-daily Zodiac landings (weather permitting) with icebergs, calving glaciers, humpback whales and leopard seals. Photo opportunities are constant; charge batteries every night.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Zodiac landings
- →Glacier walks
- →Whale watching
Peninsula — Port Lockroy and Lemaire Channel
Antarctic Peninsula
Visit Port Lockroy (the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust base — post a card from the world's southernmost public post office, small donation expected) and, conditions permitting, sail the Lemaire Channel, one of the most spectacular passages on earth. Optional polar plunge if your ship offers it — free and bracing.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Port Lockroy post office
- →Lemaire Channel transit
- →Optional polar plunge
Final Antarctic landings
Antarctic Peninsula
Last landings on the peninsula before turning north. Try to get ashore at a continental landing site (there's a running joke/competition among travellers about who has set foot on the actual continent vs islands). Evening briefing on the Drake Passage crossing ahead.
🚌Ship + Zodiac
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Continental landing
- →Wildlife watching
- →Drake Passage briefing
Drake Passage — the return
Drake Passage
Two days crossing the Drake. Could be the infamous 'Drake Shake' or the calm 'Drake Lake' — take sea-sickness tablets proactively. Birdwatching on deck, wrap-up lectures and a slideshow of the voyage.
🚌Ship
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Deck birdwatching
- →Lectures
- →Voyage recap
Drake Passage to Beagle Channel
Drake Passage / Beagle Channel
Final sea day, then enter the sheltered Beagle Channel in the evening. Pack your gear, settle any onboard bar tab, and plan your onward Ushuaia days. Get a photo of Cape Horn if the captain routes close.
🚌Ship
🛏Expedition ship cabin
- →Packing
- →Beagle Channel sailing
- →Possible Cape Horn views
Disembark in Ushuaia
Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast. Check into a hostel or guesthouse in town, then stretch your legs. Walk to the end of the world sign, the old prison/maritime museum (£10–12) and the harbour. Big celebratory dinner: king crab (centolla) at a local parrilla is the traditional post-expedition meal (£20–30).
🚌Walk / local taxi
🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Ushuaia (£25–40)
- →Maritime Museum
- →End of the World sign
- →King crab dinner
Ushuaia — Tierra del Fuego and departure
Ushuaia, Argentina
Morning self-guided walk in Tierra del Fuego National Park (shuttle bus from town, ~£5–8, plus park entry ~£12) or a short hike up to the Martial Glacier. Domestic flights from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (Aerolíneas Argentinas / JetSMART, £80–150 if booked ahead) get you onward, or head overland north if you're continuing the backpacker trail.
🚌Shuttle bus + domestic flight Ushuaia–Buenos Aires (~£80–150)
🛏None (depart) or onward hostel
- →Tierra del Fuego National Park
- →Martial Glacier hike
- →Departure / onward travel
Self-launched vs. G Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | G Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£8,900 | £14,200 |
| Duration | 22 days | 22 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £5,300 per person (37%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more G Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£8,900
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica — Self-Launched Expedition cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £8,900 per person for 22 days in Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with G Adventures?+
Yes — G Adventures charges around £14,200 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £8,900 — a saving of roughly £5,300 (37%) per person.
How long is the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica trip?+
This itinerary runs 22 days, covering 22 day-by-day stops through Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, wildlife, hiking trip through Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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