Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

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. Afterward, we embark on the ship Ocean Albatros, our home for the coming days.

Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

While we make our way towards the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) there will be plenty of time to get to know the ship as well as participate in the many activities offered on board. Lectures about wildlife and the history of the Falkland Islands will be held, and our experienced expedition team will share stories and lectures that vary based on the locations we visit and their areas of expertise.

As we approach the Falkland Islands we will make landings – weather permitting – at two of the islands’ many magnificent wildlife spots, where penguins and other sea birds gather.

During the following morning we approach the sheltered natural harbor of Port Stanley and cast anchor. Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), a remote South Atlantic archipelago. Utilizing our Zodiacs, we will land in the town center, and take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Stanley.

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. From photography workshops to lectures on the regions we visit by our knowledgeable expedition team and guest lecturers. Additionally, a raffle or auction onboard usually takes place during this time, to raise funds for charitable organizations focused on global issues and local environmental solutions. In this case, for example, South Georgia Heritage Trust, Whale & Dolphin Conservation, and more. Take this opportunity to give back to the world while educating yourself on the subjects that these organizations support in a fun and enjoyable time.

South Georgia has a dramatic setting with glacier-clad rugged mountains. Lying in the Southern Ocean south of the Antarctic convergence, the cold sea is booming 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, but seabirds and seals breed in the millions. The difficulty of getting there and the restrictions to protect the environment make South Georgia one of the least-visited tourist destinations in the world. Today the island has been largely left to recover from human over-exploration, resulting in dramatic increases in the number of whales, seals as well as penguin and seabird populations. The itinerary and activities over the next few days are largely dependent on the weather and the sea.

We will have a chance to visit Salisbury Plain, home to one of the largest king penguin colonies on the island, estimated between 250,000 and 5,000,000. Gentoo penguins, giant petrels and Antarctic prions also breed on the island.

The British administration at Grytviken, a former Norwegian whaling station, is also worth a visit. The famed British explorer Ernest Shackleton died in Grytviken on his second visit, and is buried south of the station. The endemic South Georgia pipits and South Georgia pintails may be seen around the buildings.

The next days are spent traveling on the South Atlantic Sea's southern waters, crossing the 60th parallel south, and from then on, we are in the Southern Ocean's swells.

During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board and it provides the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers.

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds, and the spray of marine mammals.

Over the coming days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience at the very tip of the Continent.

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.

Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas. Days at sea are great for enjoying the seascapes, relaxing, or participating on the program onboard.

Today, we depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. Enroute, 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 and it provides the perfect opportunity to dwell on some of the fantastic moments we have witnessed during our great voyage.

This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our voyage, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.