Festival of Wildlife Falklands & South Georgia

Join us for 2025’s Festival of Wildlife to experience the incredible wealth of wildlife that resides in the sub-Antarctic islands of The Falklands and South Georgia.

Here, amidst breathtaking scenery, we find a range and density of marine mammals and birds to rival anything on the planet. Travelling on board the superb Magellan Explorer and in the company of an expert Festival Team, this 16-night Wildlife Worldwide exclusive voyage promises to be the trip of a lifetime.

Leaving Punta Arenas, we set sail for The Falklands, sailing first through the Magellan Straits before crossing the open waters of the Southern Ocean. Arriving in The Falkland Islands, we encounter our first penguins, with no fewer than five species possible, alongside colonies of black-browed albatross, curious striated caracaras, endemic flightless steamer ducks and stunning long-tailed meadowlarks. Less showy, but equally fascinating, snowy sheathbills can often be seen scavenging along the shoreline and will be unlike anything you have seen before!

We leave The Falklands and begin the 1,500-kilometre crossing to South Georgia. Travelling through these remote waters, we have a range of pelagic bird species for company, including several albatross species, with the added excitement of whale and dolphin sightings. When not on deck, we have a programme of talks and workshops to enjoy.

Arriving in South Georgia, we find a rugged landscape filled with wildlife. King penguin colonies numbering half a million strong sit alongside thousands of enormous southern elephant and feisty fur seals. Inquisitive leopard seals patrol the shallows hoping to snatch an unsuspecting penguin, all under the watchful eye of brown skuas and giant petrels, which are quick to profiteer from the plunder. Amongst stands of tussock grass, the world’s largest flying bird, the wandering albatross nests, engaging in elaborate courtship displays with mates they could conceivably partner with for over 60 years.

Though sometimes separated by only a few kilometres, every landing in this remarkable part of the world offers a different experience, and with our expert team of naturalists, photographers, and artists, we aim to provide the complete wildlife experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Board the Magellan Explorer, depart Punta Arenas.

Day 2: At sea.

Day 3: Excursions in the Falklands Islands.

Day 4: Port Stanley & leave for South Georgia.

Days 5-6: At sea.

Day 7: Eslehul Bay.

Day 8: Grytviken & Fortuna Bay.

Day 9: Gold Harbour & Cooper Bay.

Day 10: St Andrews Bay & Ocean Harbour.

Day 11: Prion Island & Salisbury Palin.

Days 12-14: At sea.

Day 15: Bleaker Island, Falkland Islands.

Day 16: At sea.

Day 17: Arrive Punta Arenas.

17 days, from £9,995 (voyage only)

Departure date: 13 Oct 2025

Embark/Disembark: Punta

Arenas/Punta Arenas

Vessel: Magellan Explorer

Festival Team: Mark

Carwardine, Nick Garbutt, Sean Weekly, Nick Mackman, Jonathan Truss, Chris Breen & Dan Free

Why book Festival of Wildlife Falklands & South Georgia?

Travel in the company of an expert Festival Team of naturalists, photographers and artists on this Wildlife Worldwide exclusive charter to arguably the most impressive wildlife destination on the planet.

Wildlife Highlights

ཀྵ Experience huge king penguin colonies

ཀྵ The drama of beach master elephant seals defending their harems

ཀྵ Incredible birdlife, including six species of albatross

Activities

Landings, Zodiac trips and expert-led photography, art & sculpture workshops

The Falklands & South Georgia should be on every wildlife enthusiasts' bucket list. Nowhere in the world will you experience such huge concentrations of wildlife in such a spectacular setting.

Dan Free, Wildlife Worldwide General Manager