HIGHLIGHTS
- Departing
Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route for
the South Shetland Islands, making Zodiac landings at penguin
rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way
- Continuing
southward, we will explore the Antarctic Sound with its mighty tabular
icebergs and enter the Weddell Sea in search for wildlife
- Sailing
onwards between Elephant Island and South Georgia offers a small
glimpse into the passage made famous by Shackleton 100 years ago, when
he navigated the 1300 km course through open seas of Drake Passage in
an effort to save his stranded crew
- South
Georgia is one of World’s greatest natural wonders
- Wildlife-packed
beaches, active research stations, former whaling stations and a visit
to Shackleton's final resting place are on our agenda
- On
our last leg towards back to Ushuaia in Argentina, we will pay a visit
to the fascinating Falklands
- Port
Stanley with its quaint English architecture will be our first call
before venturing further west for Zodiac landings and wildlife
observations on pristine and sheltered beaches
- After
leaving Falklands, the last seadays can be spend bird watching from top
deck and attending lectures, work shops and photo re-caps in one of our
vessel's lounges
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
DAY
1: ARRIVAL AND EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA.
Arrive
and embark in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost
town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively,
consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago
of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped
mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the
afternoon, we board our ship, (Ocean Atlantic / Ocean Victory - see
departure dates).
Our
journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a
strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
DAYS
2-3: AT SEA. DRAKE PASSAGE, KING GEORGE ISLAND
Sailing
onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks
the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy
sea, and its nickname ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While
this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our
expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful
engines and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider
Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick
it off on the list yourself!
In the
Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with
our first sight of seals, penguins and albatrosses. Having
crossed the Drake, we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the
South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we
will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, we hope to make our
first landfall on King George Island before continuing further south to
the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
DAYS
4-6: ANTARCTIC SOUND AND WEDDELL SEA
Over
the coming days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience at the
very tip of the Continent. During these days in the Antarctic Sound,
named in 1902 after the Swedish vessel Antarctic, the Captain and the
Expedition Team will keep a watchful eye on the mighty tabular
icebergs, born from the floating Larsen Ice Shelf further south. We aim
to have both continental and island landings on the shores of Antarctic
Sound and Weddell Sea, always on the lookout for some of the unusually
large penguin colonies, which have recently been observed.
The
itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and
ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the
Captain and Expedition Leader and communicated to the guests through
regularly scheduled briefings.
DAYS
7-12: DRAKE PASSAGE AND SOUTH GEORGIA
From
the Weddell Sea we continue our journey into the open sea, just as
Ernest Shackleton and his men did more than hundred years ago. Having
lost their ship Endurance deep south in the Weddell Sea they moved
slowly north on ice floes and later in open lifeboats until they
reached Elephant Island. From here started one of the most remarkable
boat journeys in the polar history, when Shackleton and five of his men
for two weeks navigated the 720 nautical miles to South Georgia to call
for recovery of the stranded crew on Elephant Island. After passing
Elephant Island at close distance we on the other hand will reach the
mighty South Georgia after just a few days at sea!
South
Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding
penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this
oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history pops
up in most of fjords we will explorer – not least in
Grytviken the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island.
Grytviken is also the last resting place for Ernest Shackleton, after
he died on yet another Antarctica voyage in 1922. We will explorer the
fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings
as time and the swelling sea will allow us.
DAYS
13-14: SOUTH ATLANTIC, APPROACHING FALKLAND ISLANDS
Days
at sea are great for participating in lectures, photo sessions and
recaps, reading books in the ship library and watching the ubiquitous
storm petrels and albatrosses from top deck. Or just to relax.
DAYS
15-16: PORT STANLEY AND FALKLAND ISLANDS
During
the morning we approach Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon
Ocean Atlantic will cast anchor the sheltered natural harbor of Port
Stanley. Utilizing our Zodiacs, we will land in town center, and take a
leisurely stroll through the streets of Stanley.
On
the following day we will make landings – weather permitting
– at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife
spots.
DAYS
17-18: AT SEA TOWARD SOUTH AMERICA. USHUAIA AND DISIMBARKATION
We
are now into the last leg of this adventurous voyage, heading back
towards Ushuaia.
After
a hearty farewell to vessel and crew, we disembark in the morning after
breakfast.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
- 18-day
cruise with accommodation in a shared double cabin featuring ensuite
facilities
- All
Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
- Expedition
parka
- Rubberboots
provided for entire voyage
- Guiding
and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
- English-speaking
expedition team
- Free
photo workshop from experienced photographer onboard
- Full
board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
- Free
tea and coffee 24 hours daily
- Welcome
and farewell drinks
- Online
visual journal access after your voyage with photos, species list, log
and more!
- Taxes
and port fees
EXCLUSIONS
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 13.5 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Anything
not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking
- USD 235
- Lectures
- Photography
- Wildlife
Observations
- Zodiac
Cruises