ANTARCTICA

There are two options in our Antarctic repertoire. Field Guides' expedition cruises on the classic, full route take you through the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island to the Antarctic Peninsula, offering close encounters with vast colonies of King, Adelie, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Macaroni, and Rockhopper penguins.

It's a chance to marvel at great gatherings of "tubenose" seabirds--Wandering, Black-browed, and Light-mantled albatrosses, Snow and Blue petrels, prions, diving-petrels, and storm-petrels--many of which are rarely seen elsewhere. Each day brings new wonders: Zodiac landings reveal bustling penguin rookeries and dramatic glaciers, while time on deck offers thrilling pelagic birding and the chance to spot whales, Orcas, and seals.

On this route, South Georgia Island is a highlight, with its staggering King Penguin colonies and specialties such as South Georgia Pipit and South Georgia Pintail. The stark beauty of high peaks, glaciers, and icebergs forms a breathtaking backdrop to every outing.

We also offer a more specialized itinerary that runs from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and into the Weddell Sea. Although we will of course see many of the classic Antarctic birds as well as marine mammals, this one is has a a primary goal seeing the majestic Emperor Penguin.

Our Antarctica tours promise not only world-class birding but also a profound sense of discovery in one of Earth's most remote and pristine environments--a true bucket-list adventure for any birder or nature lover.

Photo credit: Our thanks to tour participant Glenda Brown for the image at the top of the page of a magnificent iceberg in Antarctica.

We offer many SOUTH AMERICA birding tours, too!