South Georgia, Falkland Islands & Antarctica Photo Workshop
- 21 Days
From $16,995 - Interests
- Birds, Landscape, Wildlife
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 20
An extraordinary wildlife expedition in the remote Antarctic and Subantarctic wilderness
Special Offer: Save $2,000 - Book before Sep 1, 2026
Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps as we explore the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Remote and unlike any other destination on Earth, our Southern Ocean expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure.
Photographing in the Falkland Islands offers a rare opportunity to capture dramatic landscapes, thriving wildlife, and intimate moments with penguin and albatross colonies in their natural habitat.
South Georgia is home to a mind-blowing array of wildlife and spectacular scenery. The beaches teem with jousting elephant seals, raucous fur seals, seabirds, and hundreds of thousands of King Penguins.
Continuing south, the Antarctic Peninsula has no rival for its beauty. Jagged mountain ranges covered in snow and glaciers with floating icebergs of every shape and size set the scene. Plentiful wildlife inhabits these grand polar landscapes, with penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds.
This journey will be one of exploration and learning. Our photo workshop has chartered space for 20 photographers and three photography instructors, ensuring you’ll get personal attention. We’ll host daily photography lectures and image reviews where you will learn how to improve your photography and post-process your images. Our experienced instructors will accompany you during landings and zodiac cruises, helping with camera settings and composition advice. The ship’s expert biologists, naturalists, and polar experts will lecture daily about wildlife, geology, and history.
Join us for a photography journey you will never forget.
Highlights
- Unparalleled access to iconic locations – Experience multiple landings and zodiac cruises across three of the world’s most breathtaking photographic destinations: South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and Antarctica.
- Top-tier accommodations and service – Enjoy exceptional comfort, dining, and hospitality aboard one of the most stable and well-equipped expedition ships navigating these remote waters.
- Expert photography instruction –Hone your photography skills with daily photography presentations tailored for our group and one-on-one instruction, including guidance on camera settings, composition, post-processing, and image reviews.
- In-depth naturalist insights – Learn from engaging lectures and historical presentations delivered by biologists, naturalists, and polar experts who bring the landscapes, wildlife, and history of South Georgia, the Falklands, and Antarctica to life.
- Personalized pre-expedition support – Receive one-on-one consultations before departure to help you prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime photographic journey.
Your Guides
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Kevin Lisota
Nov 9–29, 2026 -
Kevin Pepper
Nov 9–29, 2026 -
Ray Hennessy
Nov 9–29, 2026
Activity Level
You must be able to embark and disembark zodiacs in possibly rough waves, and you must be able to walk in snow and on possible slippery and uneven ground.
This tour has an activity level of Moderate. Read more about the Activity Levels for our trips.
Itinerary
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Important Notice: Itinerary, landings, and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the expedition leader and the captain of the vessel. Passenger safety is always the priority during our journey.
This tour offers opportunities to photograph wildlife. We'll maximize our chances of encountering wildlife, but we want to remind you that we don't control wildlife and cannot guarantee encounters with particular species. Itineraries for wildlife trips are subject to change based on wildlife activity.
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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Arrive at Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) before 2:00 PM on this day. Air travel delays are possible, so please consider arriving early, possibly the day prior. We don't want you to miss out on trip activities. Airport transfer is included on arrival.
Arrive in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the starting point for our expedition. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
We will host a welcome reception and meet-and-greet, where you can connect with your fellow travelers and get a preview of the expedition that awaits.
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Day 2: Welcome Aboard
After breakfast, the morning is yours to enjoy Ushuaia.
In the afternoon, you will transfer to the pier, where we will welcome you aboard the expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your suite and explore the ship that will be your home during our adventure. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After dinner, step out onto the open decks to photograph the scenery and gorgeous evening light as we pass through the Beagle Channel.
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Day 3: South Atlantic Ocean
After transiting the Beagle Channel and passing the islands of Tierra del Fuego, we head northeast toward the Falkland Islands. We keep a lookout for dolphins and whales. Presentations on photography and wildlife will prepare you for our arrival.
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Day 4–5: Falkland Islands
The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. We anticipate spending two days in the remote outer islands where large colonies of penguins and albatross are easily accessible. The Falklands are also a great place to observe marine mammals. The waters around the archipelago are home to cetaceans such as Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins.
We also intend to visit the port of Stanley, the charmingly British capital of the Falkland Islands. Attractions within pleasant walking distance along the waterfront promenade include the Falkland Islands Museum, the governor’s house, a cathedral with an impressive whalebone arch outside, a war memorial, quality gift shops, pubs, and views of shipwrecks in the harbor.
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Day 6–7: Southern Ocean
From the Falkland Islands, we head east toward South Georgia. We will cross the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary of the Southern Ocean. Naturalist briefings, bio-security procedures, and photography lectures prepare you for our arrival in South Georgia.
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Day 8–12: South Georgia Island
South Georgia is an unrivaled paradise for wildlife viewing. Situated within the Antarctic Convergence yet beyond the sea ice, this remote 3,755-square-kilometer island teems with life—tens of millions of penguins, seals, and seabirds thrive against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and colossal icebergs. Imagine standing amidst hundreds of thousands of King Penguins, photographing the raw power of massive elephant seals and the territorial clashes of fur seals along rugged beaches. Albatross, petrels, and gulls dance on Antarctic winds, offering dynamic flight opportunities for your lens.
South Georgia also has a rich history. Explore the weathered remnants of Grytviken Whaling Station, the haunting Norwegian Seaman’s Church, and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting place, where you can pay tribute to the spirit of exploration. Every scene—whether the golden glow of light on towering peaks or the intricate textures of tabular icebergs—presents an opportunity to capture images of profound beauty.
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Day 13–14: Southern Ocean
We continue west toward the Antarctic Peninsula. Pelagic seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and petrels, are common in these waters and can readily be viewed from panoramic open decks or exterior stateroom windows and balconies. We may also encounter enormous tabular icebergs drifting north from the Weddell Sea.
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Day 15–18: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Penninsula
Our expedition leader and captain will design a flexible itinerary that adapts to weather, ice conditions, and the best opportunities for exploration. Approaching the Antarctic Peninsula from the east, we’ll cross into the Weddell Sea, where massive tabular icebergs drift north, carried by cold currents bringing nutrient-rich waters teeming with life. This abundance attracts large gatherings of whales and vibrant seabird populations, making the region a hub for marine activity.
We’ll navigate the most picturesque bays and channels, stopping at penguin rookeries, seal haul-outs, and prime whale-feeding areas. Penguins are always a highlight of Antarctica, and we’ll observe the antics of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie Penguins. We’ll also encounter Weddell, crabeater, and elephant seals. Watch for the elusive leopard seal, energetic fur seals, and frequent sightings of minke, humpback, and orca whales. The stunning landscapes and extraordinary wildlife promise an unforgettable experience for photographers and explorers alike.
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Day 19–20: Drake Passage
As we depart Antarctica, we head north across the Drake Passage toward South America, though the adventure is not quite over. We are always looking for marine mammals and seabirds.
We’ll also have festivities to celebrate our journey, such as the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and the end-of-voyage slideshow. Finally, as we enter the calm Beagle Channel, we enjoy a night of smooth sailing toward Ushuaia.
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Day 21: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
After breakfast we say farewell to new friends and the M/V Sea Spirit.
Departure from Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH). Book your departing flight no earlier than 2:00 PM on this day. Airport transfer is included on departure.
About the Ship
Our ship, the M/V Sea Spirit, is the ideal size for an Antarctic photography expedition. Regulations in Antarctica limit the number of visitors ashore at each landing site, and traveling on a large ship means not everyone gets to go ashore. The Sea Spirit is designed for up to 114 passengers, but it runs with ~100 passengers to Antarctica so that everyone can go ashore simultaneously at every landing site, a huge benefit compared to cruises on larger ships. Our photography workshop will charter space for 20 guests.
The smaller ship allows it to navigate into protected bays and channels inaccessible to large cruise ships. Yet, it is large enough to offer spacious accommodations, large public areas, and excellent deck space for wildlife viewing and photography. It also has stabilizers that make sailing in rough seas more comfortable.
Food is a highlight, with buffet-style breakfasts and lunches followed by multi-course dinners. Various meal options are always available, and dietary needs can be met.
The public areas include the reception area, restaurant, bar, outdoor bistro, club lounge, library, presentation lounge, infirmary, gym, and bridge.
Staterooms are located across five decks, with cabins of varying sizes, some with balconies. If you are traveling alone, we can match you with a cabinmate of the same gender. All rooms include en-suite bathrooms, an in-room safe, a refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hairdryer.
Triple Suite
Oceanus DeckThese staterooms, averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins can also convert to a king if desired. These suites have a picture window and two wardrobes.
Main Deck Suite
Main DeckAveraging 23 square meters/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a king-size bed. They have a minimum of two portholes for exterior views.
Single Suite
Oceanus DeckThese cabins average 21 square meters/226 square feet and feature a picture window (which may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a king-size bed.
Classic Suite
Oceanus DeckThese cabins average 21 square meters/226 square feet. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes, two twin beds, or a king-size bed.
Superior Suite
Club DeckAveraging 20 square meters/ 215 square feet, these cabins feature two twin beds or a king-size bed. The picture window overlooks an outside walkway on the Club Deck. Includes a walk-in closet or wardrobe.
Deluxe Suite
Sports DeckDeluxe Suites average 24 square meters/ 258 square feet. Choose from either two twin beds or a king-size bed. A sliding glass door leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe.
Premium Suite
Sun DeckPremium Suites average a generous 30 square meters/ 323 square feet, with two twin beds or a King Size bed. Access the private balcony by a sliding glass door.
Why Travel With Us
Our small-group trips are designed for photographers, with guides who know the best locations and offer instruction to help improve your photography. Read more about why you should travel with us.
Testimonials
What I love about Akari Photo Tours is I’ve gotten to go on unique photo tours that aren’t something everyone offers. They find the best local guides that provide not just fantastic photographic opportunities, but opportunities to get to know the culture and people of the area(s) visited. The “two Kevins” are some of my favorite people to photograph with, and I learn something each and every time,,, all while giving us a good laugh in the process!
INCREDIBLE! Kevin Pepper and Kevin Lisota knocked this one completely out of the park. Everything was so perfectly organized and so efficiently communicated the entire trip.
Akari’s level of performance is outstanding. From identifying unique locations, securing ideal venues and providing precise advice to maximize the unique experience is the hallmark of Akari’s work.
Dates & Prices
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Nov 9–29, 2026Last Minute Discount:Save $2,000Group Size: 20
Cabin USD
Per PersonDeposit Additional PaymentDue: Mar 1, 2026FinalDue: Jul 12, 2026Triple SuiteTriple OccupancySold Out$16,995$18,995$5,699 $6,648 $4,648 Main Deck SuiteDouble OccupancySold Out$22,995$24,995$7,499 $8,748 $6,748 Classic SuiteDouble OccupancyInquire$24,495$26,495$7,949 $9,273 $7,273 Superior SuiteDouble OccupancyInquire$25,495$27,495$8,249 $9,623 $7,623 Deluxe SuiteDouble OccupancyInquire$27,995$29,995$8,999 $10,498 $8,498 Premium SuiteDouble OccupancySold Out$29,995$31,995$9,599 $11,198 $9,198 Single SuiteSingle OccupancySold Out$35,995$37,995$11,399 $13,298 $11,298
Terms & Conditions
Due to the deposits made to the expedition ship on your behalf, all payments for this workshop are non-refundable. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation benefits to protect your travel costs if you cancel your trip. Emergency evacuation insurance with minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 per person is mandatory.
While unexpected, this tour may incur a surcharge for increased fuel costs. We will notify you of any fuel surcharges as soon as reasonably possible.
All of our Terms & Conditions also apply. Be sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
What's Included
- All transportation during the tour.
- Airport transfers at arrival/departure.
- All meals, soft drinks, water, and snacks during the tour.
- English-speaking local guides.
- Waterproof boots for shore excursions.
- A parka to wear on our expedition, and it is yours to keep.
- Hotel night on November 9, 2026 in Ushuaia, with the same occupancy as your ship cabin. Single rooms may be available for an additional payment.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Instruction, guidance, and image reviews from our expert photography guides.
- Personal pre-trip phone consultation.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable.
- Travel medical & evacuation insurance (required).
- Trip cancellation insurance (optional but recommended).
- Optional kayaking in Antarctica.
- Any additional hotel nights in Ushuaia, beyond the night of November 9, 2026.
- Gratuities for local guides & crew.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any accommodations or meals before or after the tour dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
Prepare for Your Trip
Please review our photography travel resources, including know your camera and our camera gear list, to help you plan your trip. Before your trip, we’ll contact you with more detailed gear recommendations specific to your trip.
Also, get a head start on your workshop learning experience with our wildlife photography tutorials.