Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Photo Tour                
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Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands

Ship-Based Photo Expedition
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Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands

Ship-Based Photo Expedition
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Pre-Booking Available For This Trip
Register below if you are interested in this trip from August 22-27, 2025.

Dates:
August 22-27, 2025
Pricing: $7,995
+Single Supplement $1,495
Guide: Grant Ordelheide

Note: This departure will only run if we receive 8 booking requests so please let us know if you are interested.


Note: Pre-booking requests are handled in the order they are received and this trip may be sold out before we get to your request.
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Start/End

Ushuaia, Argentina / Ushuaia, Argentina

Length

21 Days/20 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 9 Guests

Highlights
  • 21-Day Ultimate Polar Adventure: Immerse yourself in a comprehensive journey through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula

  • Dedicated Zodiac for Photographers: Enjoy a private Zodiac for our group of nine photographers, providing great opportunities to capture high-quality images.

  • Unmatched Value: A meticulously planned expedition combining extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes, expert guidance, and small-group camaraderie for an unforgettable adventure.

  • Exceptional Wildlife Encounters: Capture iconic scenes of king penguin colonies, elephant seals, and fur seals in South Georgia, diverse penguin species and albatrosses in the Falkland Islands, and dramatic icebergs, rookeries, and whales in Antarctica.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

Join us on the ultimate polar photography journey to the most remote and breathtaking regions of the Southern Ocean. This 21-day adventure aboard the comfortable Ocean Nova offers an opportunity to explore the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Designed for passionate photographers, this expedition combines extraordinary wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, and the most iconic locations of the Antarctic Region.

With a maximum of just 78 passengers on board, the Ocean Nova is one of the best choices for our polar expedition. It is one of the smallest ships to navigate these waters, and is perfect for maximizing photographic opportunities while providing a safe and comfortable journey across the southern Ocean. We will be bringing a small group of 9 photographers on board and we will enjoy the unique privilege of having a dedicated Zodiac for our group excursions. This allows great for photography opportunities, ensuring you capture great images of penguins, seals, whales, and other wildlife in their polar habitats.

This once-in-a-lifetime expedition takes you to some of the planet’s most remarkable destinations. In South Georgia, witness massive colonies of king penguins, sprawling elephant seals, and playful fur seals on pristine beaches surrounded by snow-draped peaks. The Falkland Islands enchant with their mix of rugged beauty and abundant birdlife, including albatrosses and multiple penguin species. Finally, the Antarctic Peninsula stuns with its otherworldly ice formations and coastal mountains, bustling Adélie and gentoo penguin rookeries, and sightings of whales and seals against a backdrop of towering glaciers and endless white landscapes.

Whether you’re an experienced wildlife photographer or an adventurous beginner, this expedition is carefully curated to inspire and challenge your craft. These locations are some of the most iconic on Earth. Led by seasoned polar expedition guides and photography experts, you’ll enjoy daily excursions, engaging lectures, and the camaraderie of a small group of like-minded travelers. Get ready to create a portfolio of breathtaking images while experiencing one of the most iconic and life-changing journeys on Earth.

Cabin Availability

Aboard the Ocean Nova, you'll enjoy comfortable and practical accommodations designed to maximize your polar experience. For this exclusive expedition, we are offering Twin Cabins featuring two lower berths. These cabins are perfect for room-sharing, providing a cozy and functional space for relaxing after a day of exploration. Each cabin includes an en suite bathroom, desk, and storage for your gear.

For those seeking added privacy, single occupancy is available by booking both berths in a Twin Cabin. Space is limited, so early booking is essential to secure your preferred option.


What's Included
  • All listed meals and some beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices) during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers

  • All permits, park, and admission fees

  • All excursions and lectures

  • BCJ photography guide and 8 polar expedition guides

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

What's Not Included
  • Flights to and from Ushuaia, Argentina.

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Argentina and Chile Tourist Visas (if applicable)

  • Gratuity for crew and photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities.

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (REQUIRED) - see plans here.

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Antarctica and South Georgia Photo Tour Itinerary


Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina (Travel Day)

Arrive in the southernmost city in the world, beautifully surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Enjoy an overnight stay at a centrally located hotel. Explore this quaint "End of the World" town at your leisure.

Day 2: Embarkation and the Beagle Channel (L,D)

After a leisurely morning in Ushuaia, meet your guides and group for lunch. Board the Ocean Nova in the afternoon, setting sail through the scenic Beagle Channel. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of Magellanic penguins swimming nearby.

Day 3: Crossing to the Falkland Islands (B,L,D)

Spend the day at sea, surrounded by seabirds like albatrosses and petrels. Enjoy photography-focused lectures and workshops led by expert guides.

Day 4: West Falklands – Saunders Island (B,L,D)

Visit Saunders Island, where four penguin species—gentoo, rockhopper, king, and Magellanic—nest side by side. Explore the white sand beaches, capture dramatic bird life, and marvel at the isolation of this penguin paradise.

Day 5: Stanley, East Falklands (B,L,D)

Stroll through the historic streets of Stanley, the Falklands’ charming capital. Visit the philatelic museum or photograph the local wildlife near this quiet harbor town.

Days 6-7: Sailing to South Georgia (B,L,D)

Cross the Southern Ocean toward South Georgia. The Antarctic Convergence marks the transition to colder waters teeming with marine life. Keep your camera ready for whales and seals while enjoying engaging onboard presentations.

Days 8-11: South Georgia – Wildlife Wonderland (B,L,D)

Explore South Georgia’s dramatic landscapes, where snowy peaks and pristine beaches are alive with wildlife. Highlights include:

  • King Penguins: Hundreds of thousands in places like St. Andrew’s Bay.

  • Elephant Seals: Witness massive males fighting for harems.

  • Fur Seals and Other Penguins: Gentoo, macaroni, and chinstrap penguins abound.
    Visit Grytviken, a historic whaling station and the resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Days 12-14: At Sea Toward Antarctica (B,L,D)

Enjoy sailing as you approach the Antarctic Peninsula. Capture the first icebergs on the horizon and learn about the daring expeditions of early polar explorers.

Days 15-18: The Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

Explore the Peninsula's stunning scenery, colossal icebergs, and bustling penguin colonies. Possible highlights include:

  • Elephant Island: Learn about Shackleton's legendary survival story.

  • Deception Island: Visit the volcanic caldera and its unique wildlife.

  • Hope Bay or Paradise Harbour: Step onto the Antarctic continent amidst breathtaking ice landscapes.
    Photograph Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, along with seals and whales in their natural habitat.

Days 19-20: The Drake Passage (B,L,D)

Sail back across the Drake Passage, reflecting on your incredible journey and sharing your best photographs during group sessions. Celebrate the trip with a farewell dinner.

Day 21: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina (B)

Disembark in Ushuaia for your return flight or extend your stay to explore more of Argentina.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.

Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.

BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.

I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.

The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.

They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.

We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!

HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
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