FALKLAND ISLANDS: AN ORNITHOLOGIST’S DREAM
Antarctica at a glance.
Penguins aren’t the only winged species to see in the Falkland Islands. There are 63 breeding bird species and 23 annual migrants, including the inquisitive striated caracara, which are known to steal shiny objects.
While Antarctica’s summer extends all the way from November to April, the month you visit determines what you’ll see and do once you arrive. It’s like three seasons within a season, each time period yielding different weather, wildlife sightings (and behaviors) and conditions on land. Knowing what you want to experience while you’re there will help you work out the best time to visit, so you have a customized adventure that ticks all the right boxes.
CHILE
ARGENTINA
FALKLAND ISLANDS (Islas Malvinas)
Stanley
RETRACE DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS Explore Chile's spectacular network of fjords and channels to see the abundant wildlife species of Patagonia, as well as the glaciers of Tierra del Fuego.
Atlantic Ocean
CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Crossing the infamous 1,300 km (800 mile) wide Drake Passage, between Argentina and Antarctica is a rite of passage for many polar travelers. Rough seas and high winds give it the name “Drake Shake.” When it’s calm, it’s called “Drake Lake.”
NOV 1915–APR 1916 Shackleton and crew drift on ice, then row through rough ocean waters all the way to Elephant Island.
WHALE-WATCHING WEATHER Enjoy fantastic whale-watching as humpbacks arrive back in Antarctica MID-DECEMBER to MID-FEBRUARY when temperatures reach up to 40°F/ 5°C, and there are up to 22 hours of sunlight per day.
SUMMER ROMANCE Penguins begin their courtship rituals (bowing and preening) from NOVEMBER to MID-DECEMBER on the Antarctic Peninsula. Male gentoo penguins sometimes woo their favorite female by giving her a well-chosen rock!
Weddell Sea
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
CROSSING THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE
Journeying south of the equator to 66°33'45.9—the Antarctic Circle, also called the Polar Circle—is a milestone few travelers ever reach.
PENGUIN CHICKS! Wildlife-viewing is excellent in the Antarctic from MID-DECEMBER to MID-FEBRUARY. Especially eye-catching are the penguin chicks which hatch at this time in the sprawling rookeries.
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