Our Galapagos photo tours are called "Photo/Art/Zen" tours - because it's on a photo tour that the ship's expedition crew and guides ensure that your visits will be slow and that you'll take a lot of time on site to simply contemplate, taking in the sights, sounds, fragrances of the places you'll visit.   

For this reason, photo tours lend themselves to those keen on taking their time, or keen on capturing images on paper.  

This voyage encompasses some of the most spectacular, wildlife-rich places in the world with magnificent scenery, making it the ultimate photographic adventure. Antarctica and South Georgia are truly other-worldly places that every photographer with a keen interest in wildlife, landscapes and adventure should visit at least once in a lifetime.

This voyage is deliberately timed to be early in the season to ensure pristine snowscapes, soft light and greater chances of breath-taking sunrises and sunsets. Nonetheless, you can expect the weather to be unpredictable and fast changing, but this can result in the most dramatic images if used to your advantage.

In terms of wildlife, we hope to encounter displaying albatrosses, courting and nesting penguins in their several thousands, beaches covered in jostling seals and an array of different whales and dolphins. You may even be lucky enough to see some of the enormous Southern Elephant Seal beachmasters duelling for supremacy in South Georgia. One thing is for sure, the photographic opportunities will be endless.

Days will be long with extended landing times, giving photographers ample time to create their master pieces whilst maximising the best photographic light at either end of the day.

The team will be carefully hand-picked to ensure we have the most competent Zodiac drivers who understand photographers’ requirements, whilst being on hand to give photographic guidance at crucial moments.

During our days at sea, there will be photographic tutorials, image review and editing sessions, alongside the regular programs of wildlife, geographical and historical lectures to ensure the most rounded insight into these incredible destinations.

This truly is an expedition like no other, perfect for the avid photographer or wildlife enthusiast alike.

ONLY A FEW SPACES REMAINING ON THIS LAST MINUTE OFFER

DATES: 24 Oct - 13 Nov 2026 (20 nights / 21 days on board)

PRICES (Per person, shared, unless otherwise indicated):

REMAINING CABINS

• Quadruple porthole share: $11,150 
• Triple porthole share: SOLD OUT
• Twin Porthole: $13,700
• Twin window: $14,250
• Twin deluxe: SOLD OUT
• Superior Cabin, (double bed): $16,450 
   

TRIP STARTS:  Puerto Madryn, Argentina

TRIP ENDS: Ushuaia, Argentina.  

BOOKING: We're open for bookings.  Go to our BOOKING FORM HERE.

INCLUDES: 

Complimentary extras provided exclusively to CNH Tours guests:

• Hotel on the night of 23 October in Puerto Madryn and transfer to Puerto Madryn port for embarkation on the 24th of October (if you book by 20 September)
• USS$200,000 complimentary emergency medical evacuation insurance.
• trip carbon emission offsets.

Included in this voyage

GRAND TOUR ITINERARY

(finer itinerary details may vary depending on weather and sea ice conditions)

The sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands and South Georgia are home to some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth. With beaches absolutely covered in fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, it’s one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever experience. We’ll also explore the fascinating history of the area, dating back to the grandiose times of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exploring the remote British outpost port of Stanley
• Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia
• Zodiac cruising amongst colossal icebergs
• Potential encounters with orca, humpback and minke whales
• A visit to Grytviken, a former whaling station, and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton

DAY 1 (24 Oct):  Embarkation and setting off

Mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. The ship's Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, show you to your cabin and will follow that with a safety and orientation briefing. Golfo Nuevo is renowned for its visiting southern right whales, so you have a good chance of spotting one as you sail toward the open ocean.

Day  2 -3 (25-26  Oct):  Southern Ocean

As we sail east, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety are held, and you won’t want to miss our experts as they begin their informative and entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the area.  You’ll be able to enjoy the seascapes look for seabirds and marine life.

Day 4 (27 Oct):  Finding the Falkland Isands

The Falkland Islands offer an abundance of wildlife that is easily approachable, though caution is always advised. These islands are largely unknown gems, the site of a 1982 war between the UK and Argentina (CNH Tours once hosted the commander of the UK battle fleet on one of its Galapagos cruises...). Not only do various species of bird live here, but chances are great you’ll see both Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins in the surrounding waters.

During this segment of the voyage, you may visit the following sites:

Steeple Jason – Home to the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony (roughly 113,000), Steeple Jason is a wild and rarely visited island buffeted by wind and waves. Weather and swell conditions dictate the journey here.

Carcass Island – Despite its name, this island is pleasantly rodent-free and hence bounteous with birdlife and many endemic species. Anything from breeding Magellanic penguins and gentoos to numerous waders and passerine birds (including Cobb’s wrens and tussock-birds) live here.

Saunders Island – On Saunders Island you can see the black-browed albatross and its sometimes-clumsy landings, along with breeding imperial shags and rockhopper penguins. King penguins, Magellanic penguins, and gentoos are also found here. 

Day 5 (28 Oct): The Seat of Falklands Culture

The capital of the Falklands and center of its culture, Stanley has some Victorian-era charm: colorful houses, well-tended gardens, and English-style pubs are all to be found here. You can also see several century-old clipper ships nearby, silent witnesses to the hardships of 19th century sailors. The small but interesting museum is also worth a visit, covering the early days of settlement up to the Falklands War. Approximately 2,100 people live in Stanley. Admission to the museum is included. 

Days 6-7 (29-30 Oct): Southern Ocean

Things really start to ramp up with plenty of wildlife identifying to do as we make our way east across the Antarctic Convergence (see footnote below) and officially enter Antarctic waters. Shipboard presentations continue, featuring topics such as the captivating history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia.

Days 8-12 (31 Oct - 4 Nov): South Georgia

Today you arrive at the first South Georgia activity site. Please keep in mind that weather conditions in this area can be challenging, largely dictating the program. 

Sites you might visit include:

Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – These sites not only house the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, they’re also three of the world’s largest breeding beaches for southern elephant seals. Only during this time of year do they peak in their breeding cycle. Watch the four-ton bulls keep a constant vigil (and occasionally fight) over territories where dozens of females have just given birth or are about to deliver. You can also see a substantial number of Antarctic fur seals here during the breeding season (December – January).

Fortuna Bay – A beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier is home to a large number of king penguins and seals. Here you may also have the chance to follow the final leg of Shackleton’s route to the abandoned whaling village of Stromness. This path cuts across the mountain pass beyond Shackleton’s Waterfall, and as the terrain is partly swampy, be prepared to cross a few small streams.

Grytviken – In this abandoned whaling station, king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do. Here you might be able to see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave.

Days 13-14 (5-6 Feb): Scotia Sea

There may be sea ice on this route, and at the edge of the ice some south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds trailing the vessel south.

Day 15 (7 Nov): Entering the Antarctic

Enormous icebergs and a fair chance of fin whale sightings ensure there’s never a dull moment on this last sea voyage south. Also, your best chance to spot Antarctic petrels is here. Depending on conditions, we aim to begin activities the afternoon of day 15.

Days 16 - 18 (8-10 Nov): Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

Days 19-20 (11-12 Nov Mar): Crossing the Drake Passage

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.

Day 21 (13 Nov): Arrival at Ushuia, disembarkation

You arrive and disembark in Ushuaia, commonly held to be the world’s most southern city. It is located on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, nicknamed the “End of the World.” But despite this stopping point, the wealth of memories you’ve made on your Antarctic expedition will travel with you wherever your next adventure lies.

OPTIONAL: 

Talk to your CNH Tours travel advisor should you wish to consider pre- or post- cruise exploration options in Argentina.  

FOOTNOTE: The Antarctic Convergence is a curve continuously encircling Antarctica, varying in latitude seasonally, where cold, northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet the relatively warmer waters of the Subantarctic.  It’s a zone very high in marine productivity, especially for Antarctic krill. 

Is your travel partner worried about being surrounded by photography aficionados, talking about apertures and focal lengths?

There's no need to worry. Bringing a non-photographer along on a photography-focused Antarctic expedition can work extremely well.

These voyages are not about spending every moment looking through a camera lens; rather, the photography emphasis usually means a slower, more patient and more thoughtful style of exploration. Guests are often given extra time at landings and wildlife encounters so that photographers can wait for the right light or behaviour. For a travelling companion, that translates into something equally valuable: more time to take in the scenery, enjoy the surroundings and experience Antarctica without feeling rushed from one activity to the next.

In many ways, this more relaxed pace is ideal for anyone who simply enjoys being immersed in remarkable places. There is time to sit quietly and watch penguins or seals going about their business, to appreciate the constantly changing shapes and colours of the ice, or simply to absorb the silence and extraordinary scale of the Antarctic landscape. A serious interest in photography is certainly not required to enjoy the voyage — and for someone who values wildlife, scenery and quiet observation, a photography expedition can actually be one of the most rewarding ways to experience Antarctica.

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The M.V. Plancius is a robust expedition vessel originally built in built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and sailed for it until June 2004. It vessel was completely rebuilt and refurbished as a passenger vessel in 2009.  

Perfect for any expedition

M/v “Plancius” accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 25 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds).

Plancius: a vessel with comfort and character

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge.The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation.

M/v “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Its voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets the demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 40 (20 nautical crew and 20 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor. 

Salon / Lecture hall

Dining

Library / Shop

Twin porthole cabin

Twin window cabin

Triple cabin

DECK PLANS

 SHIP SPECIFICATIONS

Length : 89 meters
Breadth : 14.5 meters
Draft : 5 meters
Ice class : 100A1 Passenger ship, Ice Class 1D at a draught of 5 meters
Propulsion : 3× Diesel-Electric
Speed : 10.5 knots average cruising speed
Passengers : 108 passengers in 50 cabins
Staff & crew : Crew 40 | Guides 8 | Doctor 1

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

RATES

Published voyage rates are always quoted in U.S. dollars and are based on passengers sharing a cabin, unless otherwise indicated. Rates for voyages are based on anticipated fuel costs at the time of departure multiplied by a maximum daily usage. There will be no fuel surcharge for voyages if the price of fuel, delivered locally, does not exceed US$1100 per metric ton. Should the price go above this a surcharge, to cover only the increase in fuel costs, may apply. In this case agents will be notified immediately, and passengers will have the right to cancel their reservations within 14 days of notice of increase without penalty.

RESERVATIONS

To confirm a booking a deposit of 20% of the trip price is required.  A 2nd payment of 20% is required 150 days prior to departure with the final balance due 75 days prior to the trip start date. 

CANCELLATION / PAYMENTS / TRANSFERABILITY

While all payments are non-refundable once the date at which they are due has passed, CNH Tours will endeavour to reimburse you to the greatest amount possible should we be able to find someone to take your booking - though we make no guarantees in this regard.  All payments may be made via cheque, wire transfer or credit card (a credit card transaction fee applies).   

Should you need to cancel your trip, you may propose someone else to take your place.  There may be a small administrative cost involved in transfering your booking.  

ELIGIBILITY

In general there are no specific physical requirements for travel in Antarctica. However, we are traveling to the most remote region of the world and we are traveling on a ship which, at times, may be in rough seas and which has limited facilities. Passengers with unstable medical/health issues may not be appropriate for this type of expedition and are advised to exercise appropriate caution.

CHILDREN

In general, our policy is that children must be at least 12 years old to join a voyage. However, we may on a case-by-case basis accept children between the ages of 7-11 with additional screening and prior approval before booking, and the completion of our Child waiver by the parents/guardians.
 

GUEST MEDICAL INFORMATION

We may require all passengers to submit basic medical information prior to departure. Upon receipt of that basic medical information, significant disabilities or unstable medical conditions may necessitate additional documentation from a passenger’s physician certifying fitness to travel on a voyage to Antarctica. If additional medical confirmation is requested, boarding will not be allowed absent receipt of that confirmation. PLEASE NOTE: please review our medical form at time of booking, and if there is any question regarding your eligibility contact your agent immediately to begin a dialog with us. While we cannot dispense medical advice, we reserve the right to deny passage to any passenger whose individual situation is deemed to be a safety risk, or who has not disclosed accurate information as to their physical or mental condition. In such a case CNH Tours cannot be responsible for any expenses incurred. This includes non-refundable cruise fees, airfare or any other miscellaneous expenses. If you have any questions, please contact us for further clarification.

CNH Tours places the highest value on the safety of our guests.  As such we maintain strict health and safety protocols prior to boarding and throughout our operation. All passengers will be required to comply with all of our safety protocols as well as with all local, national, international and industry laws, rules, regulations and protocols, and to provide proof of same prior to embarkation.  Additionally, we may require passengers to undergo health screenings or other precautions prior to embarkation, and/or enhanced safety protocols onboard. Should a passenger fail, refuse, be unwilling or unable to comply, we must deny boarding, or if a passenger has already boarded, we must insist the passenger disembark, and as circumstances dictate, we may invoke standard cancellation terms.

CNH Tours has a pregnancy policy that women who will be in the 13th through 22nd weeks of pregnancy during the entire voyage are welcome with explicit doctor’s permission and having signed a specific waiver. Pregnancy policies of carriers (airlines, bus companies, hotels, etc.) may also apply. Please note that medical information will, of necessity, be available to designated ship staff.

Please note that regardless of general eligibility there may be instances where environmental conditions require a level of fitness/mobility. In these cases, individual participation in the landing(s) in question may be restricted by the Captain, Expedition Leader, or ship’s doctor.

INSURANCE

All passengers must carry a Travel Insurance Plan. While all CNH Tours guests are covered by a complimentary US$200,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance policy, guests must acquire a travel insurance plan that covers other eventualities, including personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and pre-existing medical conditions.

CNH Tours may require information as to carrier, policy number, and a 24-hour contact number. Additionally, passengers are strongly advised to carry a Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plan which should also include coverage for cancellation, curtailment, trip interruption, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to or otherwise involving a passenger. Please also note: Travel to Antarctica carries with it a slight but inherent risk that a voyage may be interrupted after the voyage has begun. In such matters the Master of the vessel has full authority to make decisions that can affect itineraries and trip length. In such a case, CNH Tours cannot be responsible for situations outside its control, and in the event of financial losses, your travel insurance may be your only recourse for recovery of funds. Should you elect to travel without comprehensive insurance you are accepting this risk.

ITINERARIES

The ship’s captain and expedition team will do everything possible to complete the voyage as outlined in the voyage itinerary. However, itineraries in polar regions are heavily dependent on weather and ice conditions. Occasionally conditions and or safety concerns require itinerary changes. The Captain and expedition team will accordingly make every effort to find the best alternative to the original itinerary while keeping passengers informed and updated. Itinerary changes are not subject to passenger approval/consent, and in the event of such a change no refunds or price adjustments are possible. Placement of a booking with CNH Tours amounts to an acknowledgement that itinerary changes are possible.

VOYAGE CANCELLATION

In the unlikely event that an expedition is cancelled by the ship operator prior to sailing, passengers will be offered preferential booking on alternative voyages of similar itinerary based on availability. Please note that CNH Tours will not be responsible for travel arrangements or other expenses outside the voyage cost.

ACTIVITIES

All activities, whether on board or ashore, conducted during a voyage are permitted by authorities and must comply with strict guidelines and regulations. As such, no one may conduct unauthorized activities during a voyage. 

ON-BOARD LANGUAGE

All voyages are conducted in English as the principal language. Our on-board staff will do their best to make the voyage as enjoyable as possible for our non-English speaking guests. However, if safety is an issue, guests not fully understanding briefings may be excluded from an activity at the discretion of the Expedition Leader or Captain.

ON-BOARD AUTHORITY

All passengers are subject to instructions or regulations given by the Captain or the Expedition team.

PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO

The ship operator reserves the right to use photographs and/or videos taken during the operation of the voyage for promotional purposes for the company and/or its sales agents. Passengers who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to the ship representative prior to embarkation.

SMOKING

Our ships offer a smoke-free environment. Smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking area. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship (including the balcony areas). The Expedition Leader will discuss this policy with anyone known or suspected to be smoking in a non-designated area so that there is no misunderstanding as to the proper location and protocol for smoking. Repeated non-compliance will result in a $1,000 penalty to be added to your shipboard account. The Expedition Leader and Captain also reserve the right to disallow participation in off ship activities.

ALCOHOL

The ship operator reserves the right to refuse alcohol to anyone deemed to be intoxicated.

ON-BOARD PAYMENTS

All payments are in US dollars. Passengers may run a tab which must be paid prior to disembarkation. Payments can be made in cash or with a credit card.

RESPONSIBILITY

The ship operator is a qualified tour operator that organizes and administers its polar voyages. It will provide services in conjunction with local operators and air and sea operators. The designated operator(s), in turn, acts only as an agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with these tours (“other providers”), and the other providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time participants are not aboard their conveyances. 

CNH Tours, the ship operator and its designated service providers shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider; and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against CNH Tours or its service providers for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. 

By accepting passage on a CNH Tours voyage, the participant acknowledges these terms and conditions and certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. CNH Tours and its designated tour operator reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant from a voyage.  The ship operator reserves the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. The Captain and Expedition Leader have the right to restrict the activities of any passenger who repeatedly violates onboard or on shore protocols. 

Neither CNH Tours, nor its service providers shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non – refundable ticket to or from the participant’s departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

SHIP OPERATOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Beyond the terms and conditions noted above, the ship's operator also applies its own terms and conditions.  These can be consulted here.