Scenic Eclipse
24 Scenic°
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South Georgia & the Falkland Islands Between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula lies an enchanting island chain, fragments of a land bridge that once connected the two continents called the Scotia Arc. Swept by krill-rich waters from the Weddell Sea, the islands boast a greater range of wildlife than the Galapagos and in numbers that show the abundance of the region.
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Imagine king penguin colonies 150,000 strong, or 870,000 breeding pairs of rockhopper penguins. Add fur and elephant seals, sea lions, white sand beaches, soaring glaciated peaks and a thrilling history of whaling, Polar explorers, pioneers and war, all this on just two of the best-known of all Scotia Arc islands – the Falklands and South Georgia. Simply put, if you’re planning a trip to Antarctica, add these destinations for the trip of a lifetime. From Ushuaia, indulge in the ultra-luxury experiences of Scenic Eclipse for just over a day to reach the Falkland Islands. Windswept and scarcely populated, this remote archipelago is a birder’s delight. Enjoy close encounters with magnificent black-browed albatross or ‘mollymawks’, sitting on their mud and straw nests. Delight in penguins, from ground burrowing Magellanics to flamboyant-feathered macaroni and rockhoppers, from gentle gentoos to regal kings. Five species of geese, teals and the antics of the flightless steamer duck will also captivate. From clifftop vantages, spy bull sea lions aggressively defending their harems, moving quickly on their flippers like lumbering bears. Watch fur and elephant seals gambolling on beaches, dolphins and orcas patrolling offshore.
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Spend a day exploring the very-British capital, Stanley. Choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities – a walking tour of the town or a Battlefield Tour detailing the Falklands War. If feeling more active, join a Scenic Discovery excursion and walk a wildlife trail to the Magellanic penguin colony at Gypsy Cove. Whether we approach South Georgia from north or south your first view is unforgettable. It might be waters off Bird Island roiling with penguins, fur and elephant seals; or the south coast’s ice-encrusted Salvesen Range soaring 2,330 glorious metres above. Over the next days, your Discovery team will guide you to the best bays, beaches and mountainsides of this 170 km long island, showing you why this is the world’s most important penguin and seabird breeding area.
A Gold Harbour, South Georgia B Scenic Eclipse, Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia C Rockhopper penguins, Falkland Islands D Whalers Church, Grytviken, South Georgia
