The Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Patagonia: Antarctica
Falklands, South Georgia & the Valdés Peninsula: into the heart of the wilderness
In the warm water on deck while the glaciers drift past outside.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Ushuaia → Buenos Aires
Eighteen nights in the South Atlantic with a wildlife focus: from Ushuaia, Le Lyrial sets a course for South Georgia with its king penguin colonies and Grytviken, then to the Falkland Islands with an extended island loop through Volunteer Point, Carcass Island, Saunders Island, Steeple Jason and West Point Island. By way of Camarones and Puerto Madryn at the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula the voyage ends in Buenos Aires. One of the densest Falkland routes within a South Atlantic format.
Route highlights
- Ushuaia: Beagle Channel harbour, starting point of the South Atlantic voyage.
- South Georgia: King penguin colonies at beaches such as Salisbury Plain, Grytviken with Shackleton's grave.
- Stanley: Capital of the Falkland Islands, Victorian island life.
- Volunteer Point: The most significant king penguin colony in the Falklands, about two hours' drive east of Stanley.
- Carcass Island: Privately inhabited Falkland island with Magellanic and gentoo penguins, free of introduced predators and so home to remarkably approachable birds.
- Saunders Island: Colonies of rockhopper, gentoo, Magellanic and king penguins as well as black-browed albatross.
- Steeple Jason: One of the largest black-browed albatross colonies in the world, in the far west of the Falkland group.
- Puerto Madryn: Gateway to the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for right whales and elephant seals.
- Buenos Aires: Arrival on the Rio de la Plata in the Argentine capital.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Ushuaia
18 nights
Buenos Aires
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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Ushuaia · Embarkation
Ushuaia in Argentina calls itself "the end of the world" and lies on the Beagle Channel, just short of Cape Horn. The town is the most important starting point for Antarctic expeditions and is surrounded by the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park.
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At sea
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Südgeorgien
South Georgia is regarded as the most spectacular wildlife destination in the world. More than 100,000 king penguins nest in a single meadow at Salisbury Plain; fur seals and elephant seals occupy the beaches. Ernest Shackleton's grave at Grytviken is a must-see pilgrimage.
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At sea
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Port Stanley
Port Stanley (Stanley) is the capital of the Falkland Islands. Historic shipwrecks in the harbour, the Falklands War memorial of 1982 and the colourful corrugated-iron houses are all part of the picture of this remote British enclave.
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Volunteer Point
Volunteer Point is a peninsula with a white-sand beach on East Falkland in the South Atlantic, around two hours' drive north-east of Stanley. The remote headland is home to the largest king penguin colony in the Falkland Islands and can be reached only by four-wheel drive across peat moorland.
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The Neck, Saunders Island
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Carcass Island
Carcass Island lies in the north-west of the Falkland Islands and has always been rat-free, which makes its breeding birds remarkably tame. Magellanic and gentoo penguins waddle across the beach among visitors, while on the tussac-grass slopes flightless steamer ducks and tussac birds call.
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West Point Island
West Point Island in the Falklands is known for the joint nesting colony of Rockhopper penguins and Black-browed albatross - two species that breed close together and show little shyness towards visitors.
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Steeple Jason Island
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At sea
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Camarones
Camarones is a sleepy coastal village on a sheltered bay in the Argentine province of Chubut, south of the Valdés Peninsula. In the nearby Cabo Dos Bahías reserve Magellanic penguins breed in one of Patagonia's largest mainland colonies, and Commerson's dolphins frequent the waters offshore.
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Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn is the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula (UNESCO World Heritage), where orcas hunt sea lions in shallow water - one of the most spectacular animal behaviours in the world. Southern right whales, elephant seals and Magellanic penguins make Valdés the most species-rich ecotourism destination in Argentina.
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At sea
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Buenos Aires · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Ushuaia
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Sea °C | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 30 | 38 | 44 | 42 | 32 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 32 | 34 | 40 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Patagonia / Chilean fjords (Punta Arenas)
Disembarkation: Buenos Aires
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 30 | 29 | 27 | 23 | 19 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 29 |
| Sea °C | 23 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 120 | 110 | 120 | 110 | 90 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 110 | 100 | 100 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic South America (Buenos Aires)
Destination
Le Lyrial
Le Lyrial entered service in 2015 as the fourth and final ship of the Odyssée class. 264 guests, proven Ponant equipment and the experience of three predecessors. Particularly sought-after for Antarctic expeditions, where the ice-reinforced hull opens passages available to few ships.
In Antarctica, Le Lyrial is one of the most experienced ships of the Ponant fleet - with an expedition team that has known the waters of the southern continent for years.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Lyrial
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Stateroom - | € 17.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - | € 18.410 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - | € 19.270 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - | € 19.600 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - | € 20.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - | € 28.640 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 29.830 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilu00c3u00a8ge Suite - | € 32.380 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite - | € 39.530 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Privilege Suite - | € 40.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - | € 51.660 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 18 nights from EUR 15.660 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Lyrial?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Ushuaia the best time to sail is November to March (southern summer); for disembarkation in Buenos Aires it is October to April (southern summer).
Travelling to Earth's last untouched continent
Antarctica is the last continent on Earth without permanent human settlement - a unique ecosystem of ice, ocean and wildlife protected by international agreement.
The Antarctic Treaty (in force since 1961) dedicates the continent to peace and science and prohibits any military or commercial exploitation. The IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) translates these principles into practical visitor rules: defined landing sites, maximum group sizes, strict biosecurity, minimum wildlife distances, no souvenirs.
All shipping partners with whom we work in Antarctica are IAATO members and have committed to these rules. Their crews are trained accordingly, expedition teams document each landing, vessels meet ice class and emission requirements.
At the same time, every guest contributes: please follow the briefings, keep your distance from wildlife, leave nothing behind and take nothing - not even a small stone. Only then can we, as visitors, preserve what makes this region unique.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
