Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: Self-Launched Expedition
22 days · Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands
G Adventures charges £10,400
No-markup version: ~£8,200 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
This is one of the most remote and awe-inspiring journeys on Earth — and while you can't exactly "DIY" an Antarctic expedition ship, you absolutely can book it independently, cutting out the group tour premium entirely. This self-launched version follows the same Montevideo → Falklands → South Georgia → Antarctica → Ushuaia route, but replaces the G Adventures group tour package with a direct-booked expedition cruise (many of the same ships, same routes), independent accommodation in Montevideo, and self-arranged transfers. Antarctica expedition cruises are run by a handful of specialist operators — booking directly with the ship operator or via a last-minute Antarctica specialist can save thousands. Costs below are estimated per person based on independent booking of an equivalent 20-night Antarctic expedition cruise in a shared cabin, plus independent land arrangements. All figures are approximate.
Day-by-day
Arrive Montevideo
Montevideo, Uruguay
Fly into Montevideo's Carrasco International Airport (MVD). Take the public bus (Cutcsa line, ~£1.50) or a taxi (~£18) into the city centre. Check into a budget guesthouse or hostel in the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) neighbourhood — a great base for exploring. Wander the rambla waterfront, visit the Mercado del Puerto for a taste of Uruguayan grilling culture, and grab dinner at one of the many parrillas. Get an early night — embarkation is tomorrow.
🚌Public bus from airport (~£1.50) or taxi (~£18)
🛏El Viajero Montevideo Hostel & Suites or similar (~£25–35/night in a private room)
- →Explore Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) on foot
- →Walk the Rambla waterfront promenade
- →Visit Mercado del Puerto for food and atmosphere
- →Self-arrange transfer to port area for next day
Embark — Montevideo Port
Montevideo, Uruguay
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hostel. Check out and make your way to the port — a short taxi ride (~£10) from the city centre. Embarkation on your independently booked Antarctic expedition vessel typically begins in the afternoon. Most direct-booked expedition ships (e.g. Quark Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions, or Hurtigruten) follow the same route. Get familiar with the ship, attend the mandatory safety briefing, and enjoy your first dinner on board as you sail out of the Río de la Plata.
🚌Taxi to port (~£10)
🛏Aboard expedition vessel — shared/quad cabin (included in cruise cost)
- →Check out of Montevideo accommodation
- →Transfer to port by taxi (~£10)
- →Board expedition vessel — attend safety and equipment briefings
- →Explore the ship and meet fellow passengers
- →Departure from Montevideo into the South Atlantic
South Atlantic — Day at Sea
South Atlantic Ocean
The first of three sea days heading southeast towards the Falkland Islands. Expedition ships include daily lectures from onboard naturalists, ornithologists, and historians — attend as many as you can. These are included in your cruise fare. Watch for albatrosses, petrels, and other seabirds following the ship. All meals are included aboard the vessel.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Attend onboard naturalist lectures (included in cruise)
- →Seabird spotting from the deck
- →Visit the ship's library and resource centre
- →Socialise with fellow expedition members
South Atlantic — Day at Sea
South Atlantic Ocean
Another full day at sea. Continue attending lectures on Antarctic history, wildlife, and ecology. The ship's expedition team will brief passengers on Zodiac safety and landing protocols — essential preparation for the days ahead. Keep binoculars handy for whale and dolphin sightings.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Zodiac safety and landing briefings
- →Whale and dolphin watching from deck
- →Photography workshops (often offered by onboard photographers)
- →Onboard lectures on Antarctic history and ecology
South Atlantic — Approaching the Falklands
South Atlantic Ocean
Final sea day before reaching the Falkland Islands. Anticipation builds as you approach. Lectures shift to focus on the Falklands' unique human and natural history, including the 1982 conflict and the islands' remarkable biodiversity. The ship's expedition leader will outline plans for tomorrow's landings.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Falklands-focused lectures and Q&A sessions
- →Deck watching for first signs of the Falklands coastline
- →Review landing and Zodiac protocols with expedition staff
- →Evening briefing on Day 6 landing plans
Falkland Islands — Stanley & Wildlife Landings
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Arrive at the Falkland Islands. Zodiac landings are typically made at Stanley — the islands' colourful capital — and at wildlife sites such as Volunteer Point or Bluff Cove (subject to weather and ship itinerary). Stanley is a walkable town: visit the historic whalebone arch, the 1982 war memorials, and the cathedral. Penguin colonies of rockhopper, Magellanic, and gentoo penguins are accessible via Zodiac landings at nearby beaches. All Zodiac excursions are included in independently booked expedition cruise fares.
🚌Zodiac boats (included in cruise)
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Zodiac landing at Stanley — explore on foot
- →Visit the 1982 war memorials and historic whalebone arch
- →Wildlife Zodiac landing — rockhopper and Magellanic penguins
- →Spot black-browed albatrosses at their nesting colonies
Falkland Islands — Further Exploration
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
A second day around the Falklands, with the expedition team selecting landing sites based on wildlife activity and weather conditions. Common stops include Carcass Island, Sea Lion Island, or Saunders Island — all renowned for extraordinary concentrations of penguins, seals, and albatrosses. The black-browed albatross colony here is the largest in the world. Evening departure towards South Georgia.
🚌Expedition vessel and Zodiac boats
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Zodiac landings at outer Falklands islands (Carcass, Saunders, or Sea Lion Island)
- →Observe world's largest black-browed albatross colony
- →Wildlife photography from Zodiac and on shore
- →Evening lecture: Introduction to South Georgia
Southern Ocean — Crossing to South Georgia
Southern Ocean
Two days of open ocean sailing to reach South Georgia. The Southern Ocean can be rough — sea sickness tablets are strongly recommended (bring your own). Continue attending lectures from the onboard naturalist team, who will prepare you for the extraordinary wildlife and history of South Georgia. Keep watch from the deck for wandering albatrosses — the largest flying birds in the world.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Onboard lectures: South Georgia history and wildlife
- →Wandering albatross and petrel spotting from deck
- →Rest and preparation for South Georgia landings
- →Photography preparation sessions
Southern Ocean — Approaching South Georgia
Southern Ocean
Final sea day before reaching South Georgia. Attend the briefing on Shackleton's incredible 1916 journey across this very ocean in an open lifeboat — the context will make your arrival at South Georgia deeply moving. The expedition team will outline the landing schedule and wildlife protocols for the days ahead.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Shackleton history lecture and documentary screening
- →South Georgia landing and wildlife briefings
- →Deck watch as South Georgia's dramatic peaks come into view
- →Camera equipment preparation
South Georgia — Grytviken & Shackleton's Grave
South Georgia
Arrive at Grytviken — the most historically significant site in South Georgia and once a major whaling station. Visit the South Georgia Museum (entry included on most cruises), explore the haunting ruins of the abandoned whaling station, and pay your respects at the grave of Ernest Shackleton. It is tradition to raise a tot of whisky at his graveside — the expedition team will explain the custom. King penguins and elephant seals wander freely around the settlement.
🚌Zodiac boats (included in cruise)
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Zodiac landing at Grytviken whaling station ruins
- →Visit South Georgia Museum
- →Pay respects at Ernest Shackleton's grave
- →Observe king penguins and southern elephant seals at close range
South Georgia — King Penguin Colonies
South Georgia
One of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on the planet: landings at St Andrews Bay or Salisbury Plain, home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins. The noise, smell, and sheer scale of these colonies is overwhelming. Southern elephant seal pups (born October–November) loll on the beaches. The expedition team will guide you through the colony while maintaining responsible wildlife distances.
🚌Zodiac boats (included in cruise)
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Zodiac landing at St Andrews Bay or Salisbury Plain
- →Observe mass king penguin colony (250,000+ birds)
- →Watch southern elephant seal pups on the beach
- →Wildlife photography in extraordinary conditions
South Georgia — Prion Island & Fortuna Bay
South Georgia
Weather permitting, landings at Prion Island (nesting wandering albatrosses — a truly humbling encounter with the world's largest flying bird) and Fortuna Bay, near the site of Shackleton's legendary mountain crossing finish point. Fur seals are abundant throughout South Georgia and can be feisty on the beach — follow expedition staff guidance carefully.
🚌Zodiac boats (included in cruise)
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Landing at Prion Island — nesting wandering albatrosses
- →Visit Fortuna Bay — Shackleton crossing endpoint
- →Observe Antarctic fur seal colonies
- →Evening recap lecture with the naturalist team
South Georgia — Final Exploration & Departure
South Georgia / Scotia Sea
A final morning of South Georgia exploration — possible landings at Gold Harbour or Cooper Bay, both offering extraordinary concentrations of king penguins, elephant seals, and light-mantled albatrosses. In the afternoon, the ship departs south and west across the Scotia Sea, beginning the journey towards Antarctica. Attend a review lecture on what you've seen and what lies ahead.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Final South Georgia landing — Gold Harbour or Cooper Bay
- →Observe light-mantled albatrosses in flight
- →Departure lecture: What to expect in Antarctica
- →Begin crossing the Scotia Sea towards the South Shetlands
Scotia Sea — Retracing Shackleton's Route
Scotia Sea
Two days of sailing across the Scotia Sea, retracing — in reverse — the route of Shackleton's legendary open-boat journey. Lectures focus on the Antarctic Peninsula's ecology, the history of Antarctic exploration, and the science being conducted in the region today. Weather in the Scotia Sea can be dramatic — this is the Southern Ocean at its most raw.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Lecture series: Antarctic Peninsula ecology and exploration history
- →Seabird and whale watching from deck
- →Antarctic science presentation from onboard researcher (where available)
- →Evening film screening: Antarctic exploration documentary
Approaching South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
The dramatic silhouette of the South Shetland Islands comes into view — volcanic, windswept, and starkly beautiful. The expedition team will brief passengers on the plan for the next four days of Antarctic exploration. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the first Antarctic landing may be possible today. Deception Island — a still-active volcanic caldera — is a frequent first stop, with its eerie flooded crater and abandoned whaling station.
🚌Expedition vessel and Zodiac boats
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →First sighting of Antarctic landmass — a landmark moment
- →Possible landing at Deception Island volcanic caldera
- →Briefings for Antarctic Peninsula landing schedule
- →Zodiac cruising among icebergs if conditions permit
South Shetland Islands — Penguin Rookeries
South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula
Full day of Antarctic exploration. Zodiac landings at gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin rookeries — three of the four penguin species you've been promised on this expedition. Half Moon Island and Elephant Island (where Shackleton's stranded crew sheltered) are common stops. Keep eyes peeled for leopard seals hauled out on ice floes, and orca and humpback whales in the bays.
🚌Zodiac boats (included in cruise)
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Zodiac landing at chinstrap penguin rookery (Half Moon Island)
- →Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals on ice floes
- →Zodiac cruising among spectacular Antarctic icebergs
- →Possible visit to Elephant Island — Shackleton's shelter site
Antarctic Peninsula — Pushing South
Antarctic Peninsula
The ship attempts to push as far south as ice conditions allow on the Antarctic Peninsula — the goal is a landing on the continent of Antarctica itself. Common landing sites include Portal Point, Neko Harbour, or Paradise Bay. A landing on the continent (not just the islands) is a profound experience. Zodiac cruising among ancient blue icebergs in Paradise Bay is one of the most visually extraordinary experiences available to travellers anywhere on Earth.
🚌Zodiac boats (included in cruise)
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Attempt continental Antarctic landing (Neko Harbour or Portal Point)
- →Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay among ancient icebergs
- →Observe humpback and minke whales feeding in Antarctic waters
- →Photography in Antarctica's extraordinary clear light
Antarctic Peninsula — Lemaire Channel
Antarctic Peninsula
If conditions allow, transit the Lemaire Channel — nicknamed 'Kodak Gap' for its impossibly photogenic cliffs and ice. The ship navigates this narrow passage between towering rock faces, often threading through brash ice. Zodiac landings at Petermann Island or Pléneau Bay offer encounters with Adélie and gentoo penguins. Optional kayaking (if pre-booked, ~£825 equivalent) offers an unparalleled close-up experience.
🚌Zodiac boats (included in cruise)
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Scenic transit of the Lemaire Channel
- →Zodiac landing at Petermann Island — Adélie and gentoo penguins
- →Optional kayaking among Antarctic icebergs (pre-book with operator)
- →Zodiac cruising at Pléneau Bay iceberg graveyard
Antarctic Peninsula — Final Landings
Antarctic Peninsula / Drake Passage
Final day of Antarctic landings before turning north into the Drake Passage. The expedition team will make the most of available time with morning Zodiac operations. In the afternoon, the ship points north towards Cape Horn and Ushuaia. Attend the farewell recap lecture — a chance to process everything you've witnessed over the past two weeks. The Drake Passage crossing begins.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Final Antarctic Zodiac landings — morning operations
- →Ceremonial 'turning north' as ship departs Antarctica
- →Farewell expedition recap lecture and certificate ceremony
- →Drake Passage crossing begins — watch for albatrosses again
Drake Passage — Heading North
Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is notorious for rough seas — though it can also be glassy calm (the so-called 'Drake Lake'). Either way, it's two days of open ocean sailing between Antarctica and Cape Horn. Use the time to attend final lectures, review your photography, write a journal, and begin processing the extraordinary experience you've just had. Meals, lectures, and all facilities remain available on board.
🚌Expedition vessel
🛏Aboard expedition vessel
- →Attend final series of naturalist lectures
- →Photo editing and journal writing sessions
- →Cape Horn seabird spotting (albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters)
- →Reflect and debrief with fellow passengers
Drake Passage — Approaching Ushuaia
Drake Passage / Beagle Channel
The ship enters the Beagle Channel — the stunning waterway that leads to Ushuaia. The transition from rolling Southern Ocean swells to sheltered, mountain-flanked waters is a remarkable moment. Final packing, settling of any onboard accounts (drinks, tips), and farewells to the expedition team and fellow travellers. Arrive in Ushuaia in the evening or overnight.
🚌Expedition vessel into Ushuaia port
🛏Aboard expedition vessel (final night) or Ushuaia hostel if disembarkation is evening
- →Scenic Beagle Channel transit — mountains and glaciers on both sides
- →Final packing and settling of onboard accounts
- →Farewell dinner with expedition team and passengers
- →Arrive Ushuaia — the world's southernmost city
Disembark Ushuaia
Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark in the morning in Ushuaia — 'the end of the world'. After breakfast on board, say your final goodbyes and head into this fascinating frontier city. Ushuaia has excellent restaurants, a worthwhile Museo del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Museum, ~£5), and stunning views of the Martial Glacier and the Beagle Channel. Arrange your own onward travel: the bus to Punta Arenas (Chile) takes ~12 hours (~£25), or fly from Ushuaia's Malvinas Argentinas Airport (USH) to Buenos Aires (~£80–140). No transfer is included — this you arrange yourself, saving money vs the group tour.
🚌Self-arranged: taxi from port to town (~£8), onward flight or bus independently booked
🛏Freestyle Hostel Ushuaia or similar (~£20–30/night) if staying over
- →Disembark expedition vessel after final breakfast
- →Visit Museo del Fin del Mundo (~£5)
- →Explore Ushuaia town centre and waterfront
- →Self-arrange onward transport: fly Buenos Aires (~£80–140) or bus to Punta Arenas (~£25)
Self-launched vs. G Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | G Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£8,200 | £10,400 |
| Duration | 22 days | 22 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £2,200 per person (21%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more G Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£8,200
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 £8,200 per person for 22 days in Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands. 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 £10,400 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £8,200 — a saving of roughly £2,200 (21%) per person.
How long is the Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands trip?+
This itinerary runs 22 days, covering 22 day-by-day stops through Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands.
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, culture trip through Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, 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?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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