FALKLAND ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA
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FALKLAND ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTICA
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ushuaia | Embark on your expedition |
| Day 2 | At Sea | The waters here hold huge whale, seal and penguin populations. Enjoy lecturers about these islands' fascinating history, biology and unique culture |
| Days 3 & 4 | Falkland Islands | West Point, Carcass and Saunders Island are known for their spectacular wildlife. Southern Rockhopper Penguins, Black-Browed Albatross and King Cormorants, Striated Caracara, commerson's dolphins and South American sealions |
| Days 5 & 6 | At Sea | Enroute South Georgia enter the Furious Fifties, the stretch of powerful waters marking the entry to Antarctic waters |
| Days 7- 9 | South Georgia Island | Icebound peaks loom over storm-washed beaches, while glaciers peek from the head of deep fjords, King Penguins, Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals, Tiny South Georgia Pippits and Pintail Ducks |
| Days 10 -11 | At Sea, The Drake Passage | Enjoy days at sea as you make your way to explore South Georgia with breeding penguins, sea lions, and seals |
| Days 12 - 15 | Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands | Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin, abundance of large seabirds such as predatory Giant Petrels, black steaming sands and rusting ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater) |
| Days 16 & 17 | At Sea, The Drake Passage | During your time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged to provide you with the chance to reflect on your voyage |
| Day 18 | Ushuaia | Disembark this morning in Ushuaia |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Ocean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros, set for completion in 2022 has 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.
Day 1 Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.
Your expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin’s ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map into the tempestuous Drake Passage.
Days 2-3 At Sea – Cross Drake Passage
Sailing onward, 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 rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard your expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilisers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, catch your first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.
Having crossed the Drake, explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes you will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, hope to make your 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, 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. 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 continue your 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 you 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 the fjords you will explore – 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. You will explore 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 the top deck. Or just to relax.
Days 15-16 Port Stanley and Falkland Islands
During the morning approach the Falkland Islands and in the early afternoon, Ocean Victory will cast anchor in the sheltered harbour of Port Stanley. Utilising the zodiacs, you will land in the town centre and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Stanley. On the following day, make landings, weather permitting at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots.
Days 17-18 At Sea toward South America, Disembarkation
You will now be on the last leg of this adventurous voyage, heading back towards Ushuaia. After a hearty farewell to the vessel and crew, disembark in the morning after breakfast.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
