EXTENDED FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

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Ocean Albatros

The Ocean Albatros had her maiden voyage in 2022 with a revolutionary X-bow design for more stability and comfort along with being environmentally considerate in all aspects. A total of 93 cabins can accommodate up to 189 guests, all featuring ocean views, 90% with their own balconies. Two restaurants serve up high-quality cuisine along with a Nordic inspired bar to spend your nights enjoying the incredible Antarctic scenery passing you by. Fill in your time at sea with visits to the wellness area (with a gym and a spa), listen to lectures in the modern lecture lounge and soak up the sun (with your coat on) on the open deck dining facility. The Ocean Albatros is part of a new generation of low-energy vessels with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimise speed and fuel consumption.

Days 1 – 2 Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 3 At Sea

As you sail south, important briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will be held, and you won’t want to miss the scientific and environmental experts as they begin their deeply knowledgeable, and always entertaining talks about the wildlife, history, and geology of the areas you will soon be exploring.

Days 4 – 5 Falkland Islands

Welcome to a wildlife lover’s dream. As you approach this ruggedly beautiful archipelago, keep the camera ready to capture the abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery of this fascinating part of the world. Here, you’ll find the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of breeding penguin. Bird lovers, stay on the lookout for kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. East and West Falklands provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinarily diverse landscapes, and rich history of the southern islands. Weather permitting, explore Saunders Island, the second-largest island in the Falklands, and The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces, where the mighty black-browed albatross build their nesting colonies.

Days 6 – 7 At Sea

Things continue ramping up with plenty of birdlife sightings as you make your way east across the Antarctic Convergence and officially enter Antarctic waters. See if you can identify the world’s largest bird, the Wandering albatross. From soaring giants like the Southern Giant petrel to the tiny Wilson’s Storm petrel, a range of impressive bird species will be hitching a ride on the updrafts created by ocean swells and waves. Be on the lookout for whale blows and your very first iceberg sighting.

Days 8 – 10 South Georgia

South Georgia is often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and it’s easy to see why as you take in tens of thousands (not a typo!) of breeding penguins, seals, and seabirds. Breathtaking mountain scenery, majestically sculpted icebergs, glaciers in every direction, and a rich historical tapestry are all here to complement the incredible array of wildlife on view as you travel down South Georgia’s leeward coast. Visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, featuring the tiny graveyard where the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried.

Days 11 – 12 At Sea

Heading farther south, continue attending the informative presentations and wildlife spotting as the icebergs become bigger and more plentiful.

Days 13 – 17 Antarctic Peninsula

With twice-daily outing as your goal, explore any number of picturesque bays and famed landing sites, manoeuvring through iceberg-rich channels as you travel alongside an array of wildlife. There are opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites as you take in the wide range of penguin species, seals, and whales along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. Four days give you plenty of time to explore, discover, and be forever changed by the power of the last wild place on earth.

Days 18 – 19 Antarctic Circle

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to cherish, as not all expeditions venture this far south. You’ll take your time time gliding through the famed Lemaire channel, accompanied by icebergs of every dazzling shape and size, with the anticipation of reaching latitude 66°33’S. Along the way, you’ll marvel at one of our planets most spectacular 360 landscapes, ushering you towards to the legendary Antarctic Circle. Quietly marvel the sheer rawness of the surroundings and revel in the moment. A toast and celebration awaits should the Circle welcome you. While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle will leave you breathless, and with one of life’s greatest memories.

Day 20 South Shetland Islands

Test your newfound penguin expertise and sharpen your wildlife-spotting skills as you identify fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and shore landings will continue, offering ample opportunities to encounter the region’s diverse wildlife and capture stunning photographs of your adventure.

Days 21 – 22 At Sea

Leave this magical place and make your way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. Have one last hurrah and celebrate the conclusion of your expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Day 23 Ushuaia, Argentina

With huge smiles on weary, content faces, disembark in the morning. Catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.