Antarctica & Falklands Expedition
Northbound
17-day all-inclusive Antarctica expedition cruise from Buenos Aires
Embark on a late-summer Antarctic expedition, marveling at its stunning wildlife and breathtaking sunsets, before sailing north to the Falkland Islands.
Spot whales and penguins and join the Expedition Team hiking, kayaking, ice-cruising and perhaps even camping overnight on the Antarctic snow.
Explore the remote Falkland Islands and see the rich wildlife there before heading to Puerto Madryn in Patagonia.
The frozen continent
Set sail through icy waters as we journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica. When we arrive in the thrilling and otherworldly Seventh Continent, we’ll enter expedition mode. Monitoring the conditions to give you the best adventure possible, we’ll attempt kayaking, ice-cruising, wildlife watching, hiking and more.
Lush green landscapes of the Falklands
Explore the rolling green hills and white sands of the picturesque Falklands archipelago. You’ll enjoy a visit to the charming capital Stanley and see the penguin and albatross colonies that populate the shores. Continuing north to Puerto Madryn, warm sandy beaches and a tranquil nature reserve await you.
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires
An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure.
Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.
There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.
Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer.
Fly to Ushuaia and start your adventure
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where we'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for exploring polar waters.
This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city.
After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.
Centre 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 polar expedition cruise.
Visit the onboard Science Centre 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 spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
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.
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 moulting and its peak whale-watching season as large amounts of krill lure cetaceans to the area.
You'll join the Expedition Team 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, helping you grow in your insights into the frozen continent.
Discover more about the Falkland Islands
As you savour your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as we cruise towards the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Centre, you can look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustains so much of the region's wildlife.
Get tips from our professional photographer to improve your images or join workshops on wildlife painting and nautical knots. You can also book a spa treatment, visit the gym, and enjoy the locally sourced, regionally inspired dishes in our restaurants.
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. You'll also enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.
Our 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.
Relax and get ready for Puerto Madryn
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards 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 Centre to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a 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.
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 the stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no less 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.
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.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, recalling the highlights of your memorable adventure. And don't forget to contribute your findings to Citizen Science projects.
End the evening in the Explorer Lounge with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires
As your expedition to Antarctica and the Falklands comes to an end in Buenos Aires, take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced on this incredible journey. Your mind will be swirling with memories of icy landscapes and the resident wildlife, and your camera will contain images you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Dates and times will be confirmed closer to departure, you’ll just need to reserve your spot after booking.
What else is included?
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our Antarctica ship
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
Offers
Enjoy limited-time savings on selected sailings. Combinable on select offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to complete a Medical Screening Form?
Due to the remote nature of our expeditions to Antarctica, it’s important for us to be aware of any health concerns. To prioritise the health and safety of our guests and crew, a Medical Screening Form is required for expeditions to Antarctica. For more detailed information on this topic, click here.
What is the Medical Screening Form Promise?
Our promise to you is that if your Medical Screening Form is declined for medical reasons as determined by Vikand Solutions, we will refund you of all bookings made by HX up until the date of declinature. This includes all applicable flights, hotels and ground transportation. Rebookings can be made at no additional cost, subject to applicable booking conditions.
For more detailed information on this topic, click here.
How do I complete the Medical Screening Form?
We require all guests (including children) to submit and complete the Medical Form prior to departure to Antarctica.
Complete the form online through the Vikand Medical portal. It includes sections for both you and your doctor to fill out. You can begin the process up to 120 days before your sailing start date. Group bookings: access opens 90 days before your sailing start date. To start, Vikand will verify your name against our passenger list. If your name isn’t found, please contact HX or your local travel agent(if you booked through one) to ensure your name has been added to the booking exactly as it appears on your passport. For Doctor’s section - if your doctor can't sign the form, please consult an alternative or use Vikand’s online doctor service.
To make sure you receive important updates about your Medical Screening Form, we’ll send a verification email to the address you provided. Please check your inbox (and Spam/Junk folders) and click the verification link to continue. Once verified, you can complete the Guest Section of the form. If you don’t receive the email, try using an alternative address for future updates.
Please note: We only accept the Medical Screening Form available through Vikand portal and has been specially designed for HX sailings to remote destinations.
What is included when I book a suite?
À la carte dining option | On the ships that have a Lindstrøm restaurant, suite guests are offered the chance to have all their meals here. Reservations must be made on board and are offered upon availability.
Room service | Room service is available only aboard MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen in these selected suites: MF-700, MD-701, MC-749, MC-756, MA-800, MA-801, MC-849, MC-856, MC-919, MC-932. Free of charge, room service is available only from the Lindstrøm menu during the restaurant’s opening hours.
Suite check-in | Are first to check in as per our timeslot system. An exclusive welcome area in Lindstrøm is available for suite guests, where they may meet and greet some of the ship officers.
Welcome greeting | On embarkation day, all guests receive a Galápagos Big 15 wildlife book and a reusable water bottle. Turn-down service | Suite guests will receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.
Laundry service | This service is free of charge for all suite guests. One laundry bag limit per day per suite.
Minibar | Daily replenishment of the minibar is included for suites (The first round is included, any additional refills will charged ).
Beverages | House wine, beer, soft drinks, and still and sparkling water are available and complimentary at lunch and dinner. For cabin guests, premium drinks and signature cocktails are not included; for suite guests, signature cocktails, premium beers and wines by the glass are included (premium wines including sparkling by the bottle at extra cost). Coffee, tea, and potable water that has been purified on board are included throughout the day.
For those on Santa Cruz II, only guests who book a suite will receive:
Welcome greeting | On embarkation day, all guests will receive a complimentary Galapagos wildlife book and a reusable water bottle. Suite guests will receive an additional welcome gift in their cabin.
Turn-down service | Guests will receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.
Wi-fi | Guests will receive limited complimentary Wi-fi access. Additional Wi-Fi is available for purchase, but due to the Galapagos’ remote location, please be aware that the internet connection is intermittent and low-bandwidth.
Wetsuit rental | Wetsuit rental is complimentary for all guests on request.
What is a solo supplement?
A solo supplement is an additional cost for occupying a cabin alone. At HX, we actively work to reduce or remove this wherever possible. We offer two kinds of solo offers, (1) no solo supplement offers and (2) reduced solo supplements offers (e.g., 25% instead of a 100%).
