Across the Southern Ocean with Richard Polatty

The ultimate Antarctic wildlife voyage

Witness wildlife like you’ve never seen it before. Hundreds of thousands of king penguins converge on South Georgia to nest and breed. Explore the Falkland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula where whales, seals and more penguins gather.

Richard Polatty will host an exclusive select group of INCA guests on an Abercrombie & Kent cruise aboard the luxury polar expedition ship Le Lyrial to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula.

Follow the footsteps of Shackleton and chart a course to the epicenter of Antarctic wildlife. Leading experts and passionate guides will help you discover some of the world's most unspoiled wildlife and terrain. 

Richard has been an expedition leader on four different ships and is a veteran of over 60 round trips to the Antarctic. Additionally, he has done research with the Antarctic Site Inventory for Oceanites (funded by the National Science Foundation).  More about Richard »

Wildlife on an epic scale

Discover the greatest biodiversity in the Southern Ocean as you follow in the footsteps of great explorers.

Step ashore on South Georgia and observe the largest King penguin rookery on the planet as well as the largest Southern Elephant seal colony.  Visit the final resting place of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton. Continue onward to Antarctica spotting whales and seabirds along the way. In between excursions, enjoy informative talks and lectures aboard Le Lyrial by Richard and the rest of the expedition team.
Learn more about South Georgia »

The luxury polar expedition ship Le Lyrial

Operated by Le Ponant under charter by Abercrombie & Kent

Boasting spacious staterooms with private balconies, Le Lyrial is the ultimate in style and comfort

Sophisticated design and innovative marine technology are hallmarks of the luxury expedition ship Le Lyrial. A single-seating restaurant, outdoor heated pool and theater are just some of the features of this all-balcony ship.  More about Le Lyrial »

Your Itinerary

January 5th 2025 | Arrive Buenos Aires

Arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel. 

An optional pre-tour extension to Iguazu Falls is available from January 2nd to January 5th. See details »

As complex as it is energetic and seductive, this port city has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries, bringing many porteños (as locals are known) into its heart. Although it is reminiscent of a European city, the spirit of Buenos Aires is evident in its diverse and distinctly local neighborhoods. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy.

Hotel:  Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt, B

January 6th | Buenos Aires

Explore Buenos Aires with your local guides, choosing from excursions that include a guided tour with a tango demonstration or a tour of the city’s vibrant street art scene. In the evening, join Richard and your fellow guests for a welcome cocktail reception. Meet some of the experts who complete your expedition team, including renowned photographer Michelle Valberg.

Hotel: Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt, BL

January 7th | Ushuaia and embarkation 

This morning, you'll fly to the port city of Ushuaia, located at the southern tip of South America. On arrival, you'll enjoy lunch at the Arakur resort and, time and weather permitting, take a guided trek in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve or simply relax with a cappuccino and enjoy the views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.

In the late afternoon, you'll board Le Lyrial and settle into your cabin, where you can enjoy the views from your own private balcony. Explore the common spaces as you familiarize yourself with your luxury home for the next 15 nights at sea. Join your fellow guests in the bar to toast the adventure that lies ahead.  

Ship: Le Lyrial, BLD

January 8th | At sea

As you sail east toward the Falkland Islands, your host, Richard Polatty, along with the expedition team, begin their informal series of enlightening daily discussions on the flora and fauna, geology, and history of the region. These expert lectures span diverse topics, such as seabirds and penguins of the Southern Ocean, the formation of sea ice over thousands of years, and personal accounts of living and working in Antarctica.

Photography enthusiasts especially enjoy time with your resident photo coach, who is on hand to share tips and answer questions. The cool waters in these parts are rich in krill, making them a favorite with local wildlife searching for food. Alongside Richard and the other naturalist guides, spot various species of whales and seabirds from Le Lyrial’s deck.

Ship: Le Lyrial, BLD

January 9th - 10th | Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Today, you'll arrive at the remote Falkland Islands. Disembark to visit Port Stanley, the tiny, quaint capital with its small shops, brightly painted houses and friendly locals. Weather permitting, Richard will lead our INCA group to visit a gentoo penguin colony as well as explore the diversity of flora and fauna to be found on the island. 

Ship: Le Lyrial, BLD

 January 11th - 12th | Cruising the South Atlantic

As you approach South Georgia, deck-side sightings of whales and other wildlife become more frequent. Time spent cruising is again filled with informative lectures and casual talks with Richard and the A&K expedition team. Scan the seas to spot marine mammals and seabirds as the ship cruises the nutrient-rich waters past the islands of Shag Rocks.

Ship: Le Lyrial, BLD

January 13th - 15th | South Georgia

South Georgia is home to the largest colonies of king penguins and Southern elephant seals on the planet.  Your days here are spent exploring glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. While weather and ice conditions determine the schedule, stops may include Eleshul Bay to see nesting, wandering albatrosses, as well as Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbour.  You may also have the opportunity to visit Ernest Shackleton’s gravesite in Grytviken and learn more about the moving story of heroism and survival during the ill-fated voyage aboard the Endeavor.

Ship: Le Lyrial, BLD

January 16th - 17th | Scotia Sea

During your time cruising the Scotia Sea — rich with marine mammals and fish — Richard will recap your adventures in South Georgia as well as present what is to expect when you reach the Antarctic Peninsula, from the terrain to the hardy wildlife that inhabits this dramatic environment.

Ship: Le Lyrial, BLD

January 18th - 20th | Antarctica

Always subject to weather conditions, you will cruise the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands, which may include Half Moon, Penguin, and Deception. You will go ashore whenever possible, and shore landings may include Deception, Cuverville, and Goudier islands, and sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, also known as “Kodak Alley” for its picture-perfect beauty. Further adventures may include visiting Wilhelmina Bay, noted for its prolific humpback whale activity. As you cruise along Antarctica, scan the seas daily for these gentle giants, all from the comfort of your private balcony and the outer decks of your ship. 

Ship: Le Lyrial, BLD

January 21st - 22nd | The Drake Passage

Bid farewell to Antarctica as ‘Le Lyrial’ points north for your return to Ushuaia. Enjoy more opportunities to observe marine and birdlife while reflecting on an incredible journey with fellow guests and new friends.

Ship: Le Lyrial, BLD

January 23rd | Depart Ushuaia

After breakfast, disembark your luxury expedition ship in Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires, where you connect to your flight home.

Note: The above itinerary is subject to weather, wildlife, ice, and other conditions beyond our control.

Dates & Prices

January  5 - January 23, 2025

All prices are per person.

Special Promotion

• Above pricing reflects $4000 savings per person, subject to availability, and may be withdrawn without notice.

Inclusions

• Internal flights (as quoted separately above) according to the itinerary

• Pre-cruise hotel and welcome reception

• Ship accommodations with full board & open bar, 24 hour room service, complimentary stocked mini-bar

• Exclusive guests of Richard Polatty for shore excursions and private lectures

• On-board gratuities for ship staff, port charges, shore excursions, lectures and on-board entertainment

• Guests will also receive complimentary expedition parkas and backpacks, as well as a post-cruise logbook

Exclusions (costs subject to change without prior notice)

• International airfare, airport taxes and fees

• Premium wines and champagnes

• Excess baggage charges, or other items of a personal nature

• Gratuities for specialist INCA guide Richard Polatty (at discretion, suggested amount $300-$500 per guest)

• Any insurance coverage for trip cancellation-interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft (we recommend you obtain coverage for these items), medical or hospitalization expenses

Deposit, Payment & Cancellation Schedule

Deposit

• A non-refundable deposit of $3500 per person is due at time of booking

Payment

• The balance is due 150 days before departure

• Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at time of booking those services

Cancellation

• 151 or more days prior to departure or more: $1,000

• 150-121 days prior to departure: $3500

• 120-91 days prior to departure: 25% of program price

• 90-61 days prior to departure: 50% of program price

• 60 days prior to departure or less: 100% of the program price

Charter Flight Cancellation

• 120 days prior to departure or less: 100% of the charter flight cost

Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible.

Optional Extension

PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION TO IGUAZU FALLS: January 2nd to January 5th.

January 2nd 2025 | Arrive Buenos Aires

Arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt

January 3rd 2025 | Iguazu Falls
Fly to Iguazu Falls and experience the Argentine side of the park, walking the trails above and along the falls. Choose to venture out onto a suspended platform that extends 1,300 yards over the lush tropical basin at the very brink of the ‘Garganta do Diabo’ (Devil’s Throat).
Hotel: Hotel das Cataratas, BLD

January 4th 2025 | Iguazu Falls

Today, explore the Brazilian side, with its cascading waterfalls along a gulf. Join your guide on a tour through the national park to a catwalk within arm's reach of the falls.
Hotel: Hotel das Cataratas, BLD

January 5th 2025 | Return to Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires. Begin your main program.
Hotel: Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt, B

Price
4 days from $5,795 per person
Single Supplement from $2,795 per person
Internal air from $685

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go?

The Antarctic season runs from late November through early March, with the best weather during December, January and February, which also coincides with breeding season for most penguin species.  Of course weather in Antarctica can be unpredictable, but routes are flexible to maximize your time at the destination.

What will I will see? 

You will get your first glimpse of penguins when you arrive in the Falkland Islands. Colonies of Rockhopper, Gentoo and King Penguins nest throughout the Falklands. Nothing however can prepare you for your arrival at South Georgia, where you will encounter the largest King penguin rookery on the planet.  Tens of thousands of King penguins are spread across Salisbury Plain - as far as the eye can see.  South Georgia is also home to one of the largest Southern Elephant Seal colonies.   All along the way, you'll also encounter a variety of sea birds including several species of Albatross, Petrel and Skua.  Entering Antarctic waters, whales abound with the possibility of sighting Southern Right, Minke, Humpback, and if you're lucky, Blue and Sperm whales.

How can I be sure this is the right trip for me?

Antarctica is the trip of a lifetime. Shore excursions are designed for anyone with reasonable mobility.  Walks with small uphill sections are optional, but a reasonable level of fitness will guarantee greater enjoyment. For the more active, sea-kayaking is also available.