HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover
the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands, where dramatic landscapes
meet charismatic wildlife
- Get
up close and personal with the amazing nature of South Georgia, from
adorable penguins to majestic albatrosses
- Experience
the thrill of visiting the rarely seen South Sandwich Islands, where
stunning scenery and rare wildlife await
- Cruise
through the awe-inspiring Antarctic Sound, where towering glaciers and
shimmering icebergs create a breathtaking backdrop
- Marvel
at the bustling penguin colonies of the Antarctic Peninsula and witness
the raw power of nature at the South Shetland Islands
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Category F | Category G | Category E | Category D | Category C | Category B | Category A | Polar Premium Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Category F | (Mid-range)
Category C | (High-end)
Polar Premium Suite |
|---|
DAY
1: ARRIVAL AND EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
Arrive
and embark in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost
city. Explore bustling downtown, or the laid-back local countryside.
Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw,
untamed nature of Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is a hiker's paradise with
rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and
ancient forests.
Albatros
Expeditions’ modern expedition vessel Ocean Albatros awaits
in port, and guests will embark the ship by mid-afternoon. Albatros
Expeditions arranges transfers from the city center to the ship. After
being shown to your stateroom you will be given the mandatory safety
briefing, while the captain gets ready to steer out into the South
Atlantic Ocean.
Our
journey begins as we navigate through the tranquil Beagle Channel, the
strait marking the Chile-Argentina border in the Tierra del Fuego
Archipelago.
DAY
2: AT SEA, APPROACHING FALKLAND ISLANDS
During
our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board
which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with your
passionate fellow travelers. Enjoy the fascinating lectures by our
onboard Expedition Team, visit our shop, or indulge in the
vessel’s purpose-built leisure facilities, designed to
provide a comfortable, relaxing day whatever you choose to do.
DAY
2-3: FALKLAND ISLANDS AND PORT STANLEY
As
we arrive in the Falkland Islands we will deploy our Zodiacs for the
first landing of our voyage, landing in the sparsely inhabited and
nature-rich western part of the archipelago.
On
the following day we will cast anchor and Zodiac ashore in the
sheltered natural harbor of Stanley, a quaint and very British outpost
in the south Atlantic. The city is walkable, with colorful houses and
cozy pubs lining the streets. This tiny capital has plenty on offer to
visitors, from rugged scenery, local history and culture to excellent
shopping and locally brewed beers. Wildlife watchers could encounter
the endemic flightless steamer duck in the harbour, as well as the
delicate dolphin gull, while fur seals are often found snoozing on our
landing pier.
DAY
5-6: AT SEA, APPROACHING SOUTH GEORGIA
Heading
due East, expect the vessel be followed by numerous black-browed
albatross and giant petrels. As we cross the Antarctic convergence the
quantity of wildlife will increase; a variety of whale and dolphin
species and a plethora of seabirds can be expected in these cold
nutrient-rich waters. We will pass Shag Rocks on our way to South
Georgia where huge flocks of seabirds feed on krill in between large
packs of fur seals. Join your onboard Expedition Team to hear about the
species and ecology of this unique region.
DAY
7-10: SOUTH GEORGIA, WILDLIFE PARADISE OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC
The
forbidding glacier-clad peaks of South Georgia will be the setting for
the next days of our expedition. Lying in the Southern Ocean below the
Antarctic convergence, these frigid seas are teeming with life. The
island, often referred to as “The Galapagos of the
Poles”, can only be reached by ship. There is no permanent
human settlement (other than visiting scientists and conservationists),
but penguins, seabirds and seals breed in the millions. The difficulty
of accessing this remote outposts and the regulations in place to
protect the delicate environment makes South Georgia one of the
least-visited tourist destinations in the world. Once a global whaling
capital, today the island has been left to recover from human
over-exploitation, and intensive conservation efforts have resulted in
dramatic increases in whale, and bird populations. The itinerary and
activities over the next couple of days are largely dependent on the
weather and the sea conditions, which dictate all aspects of life here;
your onboard team will work hard to ensure you can experience the best
of South Georgia’s unparalleled nature.
Potential
landing sites include Salisbury Plain, home to one of the largest king
penguin colonies on the island, estimated to number up to half a
million birds. At this time of the year the beaches will also be
crowded with plenty of young and very curious Antarctic fur seals as
well as hulking southern elephant seals.
Another
possible landing site is Prion Island, a reserve for the wandering
albatross. The site is closed until the end of January to protect the
breeding birds, and visiting late in the season allows us unique
access. This is one of the few sites where one can observe these gentle
giants (with the largest wingspan of any bird) up close. Gentoo
penguins, giant petrels and Antarctic prions also breed on the island.
The
British administration at Grytviken is also a popular stop. Once a
Norwegian whaling station specializing in industrialized slaughter,
Grytviken now serves as the hub of island conservation, and the
preserved ruins of the whaling station and the excellent South Georgia
Museum offer a unique glimpse into the island’s industrial
past. Legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton (whose heroism is synonymous
with the island) is buried in the small graveyard – a fence
keeps out the ever-present penguins and seals. The endemic South
Georgia pipit and South Georgia pintail may be seen around the
buildings; once almost eradicated, these birds have benefitted hugely
from the eradication of rats on the island, and these endemic birds are
now once again a common sight.
DAY
11: AT SEA, APPROACHING SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS
Leaving
the jagged peaks of South Georgie behind, we venture further East
towards the South Sandwich Islands, the least visited part of the
British Overseas Territory of South Georgia. While these remote seas
can be rough, the unique backward sloping bow of Ocean Albatros and her
efficient stabilizers reduces vibration and wave action, ensuring a
comfortable crossing. En route to the next set of remote islands, you
will have plenty of time to edit your photos of the wildlife and
stunning landscapes from the first half of the voyage. Our onboard
photographer will offer you help, tips and tricks to improve your
picture taking and editing skills. Guests can attend high quality
lectures on geology, meteorology, ornithology, marine mammals as well
as the exploration history of the Southern Ocean. From the upper decks
you can study the albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters taking advantage
of the ship to hunt for food in the vast emptiness of the South
Atlantic.
DAY
12-14: SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS
DAY
15-16: AT SEA, APPROACHING ANTARCTICA
Leaving
the South Sandwich Islands behind we will the 60th parallel south,
signaling our departure from British Overseas Territories and into the
jurisdiction of the Antarctic Treaty. While we have been in the
Antarctic region for several days, we now enter true Antarctic waters.
Expect to see brutal steel-grey seas, soaring giant petrels, and vast
icebergs studding the sea on our journey to the Antarctic Peninsula.
During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on
board, providing the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow
travelers. As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the
volume of wildlife will increase tenfold with lively penguins,
inquisitive seals, and the plumes of whales inviting us on towards the
ice.
DAY
17-20: ANTARCTIC SOUND, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Over
the coming days, we will begin our exciting Antarctic experience at the
very tip of the Continent. The itinerary and activities over the next
few days will 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.
Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur, crabeater
and Weddell seals are common throughout the peninsula; humpback whales
come to feed in the rich waters of the Gerlache Strait; penguin
colonies cling to rocky outcrops warmed by the sun, and orcas hunt for
prey in the frigid depths. Our program in Antarctica will aim to
include a mixture of sites to give guests the best possible range of
experiences; these may include historical sites, wildlife colonies, or
areas with particularly spectacular scenery.
DAY
21-22: AT SEA, APPROACHING USHUAIA
Today,
we depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the
calmer waters of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En route,
we will cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary
maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. During our
time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board
providing the perfect opportunity to dwell on some of the fantastic
moments we have witnessed during this exceptional voyage.
DAY
23: ARRIVAL IN USHUAIA AND DISEMBARKATION
After
a hearty farewell to the vessel and crew, we disembark Ocean Victory in
Ushuaia, departing with memories of the voyage of a lifetime across the
Southern Ocean.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 23-day/22-night
cruise with accommodation in a shared outside double stateroom with
private facilities
- Ushuaia
shuttle transfers to ship from city centre (embarkation) / from the
ship to city centre or airport (disembarkation, morning)
- All
Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
- Expedition
parka
- Rubber
boots in assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings (loan)
- Guiding
and lectures by our expedition leader and team
- Special
Photo Workshop
- English-speaking
expedition team
- Visual
Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps, species
list and more!
- Full
board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
- Complimentary
house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served
at our a-la-carte dinners)
- Free
tea and coffee 24 hours’ daily
- Welcome
and farewell cocktails
- Port
fees, IAATO fees, taxes and tariffs
EXCLUSIONS
- Flights
- Travel
and Cancellation insurance
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and stateroom upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than mentioned under "included")
- Tips
for the crew (approx. USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Anything
not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE OPTIONS - Snowshoeing - USD 225 (Subject to Snow conditions Nov - Jan )
- Kayaking - USD 345
- Photography - USD 1,095
- Zodiac Trips
