Few places on Earth can match the raw, untamed beauty of the Southern Ocean — and this extraordinary 19-day expedition takes you to its most spectacular corners. Aboard the intimate and elegantly appointed M/V Sea Spirit, you’ll venture deep into the subantarctic wilderness of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, two of the most wildlife-rich destinations on the planet.
This is a journey for those who seek something truly extraordinary — where king penguins number in the hundreds of thousands, elephant seals loll on pristine beaches, and wandering albatrosses soar overhead against a backdrop of glaciers and dramatic mountain scenery. With a highly experienced expedition team on board and a flexible itinerary designed to follow the best wildlife and weather conditions, every day brings something new and unexpected.
Daniel Kordan will be on hand throughout the voyage to share his expertise, guide you through every shooting session and help you capture the magic of the Southern Ocean at its finest.
Expedition Highlights
Birder’s Paradise
The windswept Falkland Islands are home to an extraordinary diversity of birdlife, including 80% of the world’s population of black-browed albatross, five species of penguin, petrels, skuas and the endemic Falkland steamer duck. For bird and wildlife photographers, this is as good as it gets.
Marine Mammal Haven
South Georgia is the world’s premier destination for subantarctic wildlife viewing. Its beaches are packed with fur seals and elephant seals jostling for space alongside vast colonies of king penguins — an almost overwhelming spectacle of nature at its most abundant and dramatic.
Life on the Edge
Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter the extraordinary evidence of human endurance in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments — from the historic whaling station at Grytviken to the grave of the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton, whose spirit of adventure feels very much alive in these waters.
Photography at Every Turn
With Daniel Kordan as your photography guide, every landing and Zodiac cruise becomes a masterclass in composition, light and storytelling. From albatrosses gliding beside their downy chicks to bull elephant seals battling against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains — once-in-a-lifetime photographic moments come continuously throughout the voyage.
We don’t follow a fixed itinerary
We believe a true expedition should be guided by nature, not a strict schedule. That’s why we don’t follow a fixed itinerary. Instead, we embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity the ice, weather, and wildlife present. The thrill of exploring the unknown is always more rewarding than a journey set on rails.
Our published itinerary serves only as a guide. Daily activities may change depending on conditions, site availability, and permits. All landings are carried out responsibly and in full accordance with IAATO regulations.
Day 1 — Arrival in Ushuaia
Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina — the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to the great wilderness of the Southern Ocean. Arrive at your leisure and settle into your included hotel for the night, with time to explore this charming frontier town nestled between the mountains and the Beagle Channel.
Day 2 — Embarkation
Step aboard the M/V Sea Spirit and get acquainted with your home for the next 19 days. As the ship sets sail, your expedition team will brief you on everything ahead, and you’ll feel the first stirrings of excitement as Ushuaia disappears behind you.
Day 3 — At Sea
A day to settle in, attend expert lectures from your onboard naturalists and join your first photography session with Daniel Kordan. Prepare your equipment and mindset for the extraordinary wildlife encounters ahead — and keep an eye on the horizon.
Days 4–5 — Falkland Islands
Your first landfall brings you to the wild and windswept Falkland Islands. Penguins crowd the shoreline, black-browed albatrosses nest on dramatic clifftops, and the colourful capital of Stanley offers a fascinating slice of subantarctic history. Multiple landing sites across the archipelago set the tone for the wildlife spectacles ahead.
Days 6–7 — Southern Ocean Crossing
As the ship heads east towards South Georgia, the open ocean becomes a stage of its own. Albatrosses, petrels and other seabirds follow in the ship’s wake, while Daniel leads photography workshops and image review sessions to prepare you for what’s to come.
Days 8–14 — South Georgia Island
Seven full days in South Georgia — the undisputed highlight of the voyage and one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on Earth. Salisbury Plain and St. Andrews Bay are home to some of the largest king penguin colonies in the world. Elephant seals and fur seals haul out on the beaches, while wandering albatrosses breed on the hilltops above. A visit to the historic whaling station at Grytviken and the grave of Ernest Shackleton adds a profound layer of human history to this remote and deeply moving place. With seven days here, there is ample time to photograph, explore and simply soak in the atmosphere of one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Days 15–16 — Return Crossing
Heading back across the Southern Ocean towards the Falklands, these days at sea offer time to reflect, review your images with Daniel, and attend final presentations from the expedition team.
Day 17 — Falkland Islands
A final day in the Falklands for additional wildlife encounters, hiking and photography — one last chance to make the most of this remarkable archipelago before the voyage draws to a close.
Day 18 — Farewell at Sea
The final evening at sea is a time to celebrate — a farewell dinner, a slideshow of the voyage’s highlights curated by Daniel, and the chance to swap stories and images with fellow travellers.
Day 19 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia
After a final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the M/V Sea Spirit and the Southern Ocean. Disembarkation takes place in the morning, with flights recommended from 12:00 PM onwards.
About the Ship — M/V Sea Spirit
Built to explore the world’s most remote and spectacular destinations, the M/V Sea Spirit is a boutique expedition vessel that perfectly balances comfort, intimacy and expedition capability. With a capacity of just 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit offers a small-ship experience that larger cruise vessels simply cannot match — more flexibility, more personal attention, and more time in the places that matter most.
Key Specifications
- Length: 90 metres
- Passenger capacity: 114 guests
- Crew & staff: 72
- Ice class: 1B — built for polar waters
- Stabilisers: Yes, for a smoother ride in open ocean conditions
On Board
The Sea Spirit has been thoughtfully designed with the expedition traveller in mind. Public spaces include a spacious observation lounge with panoramic views — perfect for wildlife spotting and image editing — a well-stocked library, a dedicated lecture hall for expert presentations and photography workshops, and a fitness room. A dedicated mud room with individual storage makes gearing up for landings quick and easy.
Dining
All meals are served in the main dining room, with a varied and high-quality menu reflecting the international nature of the voyage. A bar and lounge area provides a welcoming space to unwind, review the day’s images and share stories with fellow travellers over a drink.
Zodiacs & Landing Equipment
The ship carries a full fleet of Zodiac inflatable landing craft, enabling access to remote shorelines and wildlife areas that larger vessels cannot reach. Rubber boots are provided for all passengers for shore landings.
Wellness
A small but well-equipped wellness area includes a sauna and fitness room — the perfect way to unwind after a full day of wildlife encounters and photography in the field.
What’s Included
- One night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia before embarkation
- 18 nights aboard M/V Sea Spirit in your chosen cabin category
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee on board
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Expert expedition team including naturalists and lecturers
- Photography programme led by Daniel Kordan
- Expedition parka
- Rubber boots for loan during landings
- Port taxes and fees
- Emergency evacuation insurance
Price
$22,995 per person in a Triple Suite (based on triple occupancy)
$27,995 per person in a Deluxe Suite (based on twin occupancy – twin beds or king bed)
$28,995 per person in a Premium Suite (based on twin occupancy – twin beds or king bed)
$31,995 per person in a Superior Suite (based on single occupancy) – sold out
$39,995 per person in a Deluxe Suite (based on single occupancy) – sold out
$41,995 per person in a Premium Suite (based on single occupancy)
Triple Suite
Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Price: $22,995 per person
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suites with balconies are located on the Sports Deck. Averaging 24 square metres/ 258 square feet means plenty of room. Choose from either two twin beds or a King Size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.
Price: $27,995 per person
Price for single occupancy: $39,995
Superior Suite for Single Use
Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck. Averaging 20 square metres/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.
Price: $31,995 per person
Premium Suite
The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck. Averaging a generous 30 square metres/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Price: $28,995 per person
Price for single use: $41,995
What’s Not Included
- International flights to/from Ushuaia
- Travel insurance (mandatory — comprehensive coverage required)
- Optional sea kayaking (additional fee)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Tour leaders:
Daniel Kordan
Landscape and travel photographer based in Bali, Indonesia. Partner with Iceland photo tours, instagram @Danielkordan with 1.8 Million followers, Nikon and Gitzo ambassador.
