Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
on the M/V Ocean Victory - M/V Ocean Albatros

19/18 days - 18/17 nights

Day 1 - Ushuaia: Embarkation

In the afternoon, we embark from the port of Ushuaia to begin our adventure to Antarctica. We will complete a mandatory safety drill before setting sail. Our Antarctic expedition begins by sailing through the calm waters of the iconic Beagle Channel, named after the ship used by the famous Charles Darwin. This rugged strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina and is the starting point for many expeditions that have traveled to Antarctica. As we head toward Drake Passage, we are accompanied by whales and dolphins heading south.

Day 2 - At Sea to the Falkland Islands

Following the ocean currents of the South Atlantic, we head towards the rarely visited Falkland Islands (Malvinas). While the indigenous Yahgan people of Tierra del Fuego may have visited the islands, the Falkland Islands had no indigenous population when Europeans arrived in the early 16th century. The sovereignty of the islands has been disputed ever since, with historical claims by the Spanish, French, British, and Argentines; the islands were politically established as a British colony in 1840. Tensions resulted in a conflict over the islands between Great Britain and Argentina in 1982. The conflict left a lasting impact on the islands: while it prompted much-needed development assistance from the UK, it also left large parts of the islands awash with mines. Since the conflict, however, the islands have prospered, selling lucrative fishing rights in their rich waters. The demining operation ended in 2020 and was celebrated with a football match on the last stretch of cleared ground between the islands' governor and the Zimbabwean demining team, which has established the Falklands. The waters surrounding the Falklands are among the richest in the world, with huge populations of whales, seals, and penguins feeding where the cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer South Atlantic, so keep your binoculars handy! Alternatively, join the lecturers from your expedition team to learn about the fascinating history, biology, and unique Kelper culture (as the locals call themselves) of these islands.

Day 3 to 4 - Falkland Islands: Visit to Port Stanley

On our first day in the Falklands, we'll venture out to visit some of the West Falkland Outer Islands—"Camp," as the locals call the area outside Stanley. The Falkland Outer Islands are much more rugged and remote than the mainland, and are home to most of the islands' wildlife. Islands like West Point, Carcass, and Saunders are known for their spectacular wildlife. Southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, and royal cormorants often nest together in extensive cliff colonies; the penguins raise their eggs and chicks in the crevices between the large cylindrical nests where cormorants and albatrosses nest. Don't forget to look up to see bast albatrosses approaching land (often rather clumsily). The islands are home to a host of bird species, such as the charming and mischievous Striped Caracara (beware of unattended possessions!), and several new species can be seen playing in the water, including spotted dolphins and South American sea lions.

The next morning, we'll anchor in the sheltered natural harbor of Port Stanley. We'll disembark in our Zodiacs in the center of this small town. Stanley is the only sizable settlement on the islands, with a population of around 2,000. Behind the colorful buildings in neat rows, if you look closely, you'll notice a distinctly British feel to Stanley: Victorian houses, which could be found on any elegant London terrace, line the waterfront; red telephones and post boxes rise up beside the pier; whitewashed pubs serve fish and chips alongside frothy pints of beer. The Falkland Islanders are proud of their unique homeland and capital, and Stanley is a fantastic place to explore and soak up the local atmosphere. Highlights in the city include Christchurch Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world, as well as excellent shops selling local produce (look out for the high-quality woolens!), cafes and pubs offering a warm welcome, and several excellent museums. Visitors are spoiled for choice! Just a short drive or a pleasant walk from the city are several stunning beaches; once exploited by mining, they are now open, and are frequently visited by locals and foreigners alike to see the abundance of penguins and the spectacular golden-white sands.

Day 5 to 6 - At sea towards South Georgia Island

From the Falklands, we set sail east again, following the rough seas toward South Georgia. Here we enter the Furious Fifties, the rushing stretch of water that marks the entrance to Antarctic waters. Watch the mercury drop as we sail east; we are now truly in Antarctica. Your journey will benefit from our vessels' powerful engines and the stability provided by the specially designed X-Bow, making the trip in just two days!

To protect South Georgia's delicate and rich ecosystem, our dedicated Expedition Team will help you bioprotect your clothing and equipment, while you continue your in-depth lecture program, now focusing on South Georgia's fascinating history, biology, and wildlife. Make sure you bundle up and join your Expedition Team on deck: this section of the South Atlantic is one of the most biologically productive on the planet and a refuge for a wealth of wildlife, from whales and albatrosses to penguins and seals. Keep a close eye on the waves: in this region, subantarctic species (like fur seals) mingle with true polar species (like Adélie penguins), creating a fascinating ecological mix.

Day 7 to 9/10 - South Georgia

We arrive at South Georgia Island: a wildlife paradise in the South Atlantic. A band of rugged mountains pierces the threatening clouds of the Southern Ocean. Icy peaks rise above storm-battered beaches, while glaciers peek out from the heads of deep fjords. Believed to have been landed there by the legendary explorer Captain James Cook, even by modern explorers, South Georgia presents an imposing aura. But look closely and you'll see vegetation among the ice; movement on the beaches; wings in the sky.

Although it may seem hard to believe today, South Georgia was once one of the most degraded environments on Earth. Hearing of the abundant prey, sealers flocked to the island after Cook, slaughtering them relentlessly. Once the seals were nearly exterminated, visiting ships sought larger prey, and South Georgia became the world's largest whaling destination, with several settlements built to carry out this industrialized slaughter. Norwegian whalers introduced reindeer as prey, which soon destroyed the island's native vegetation, while brown rats (accidentally introduced by Europeans and their ships) preyed on seabirds and their eggs, a horror against which these naive birds had no defenses.

Fortunately, extensive conservation (including painstaking reindeer and rat eradication) has returned this magnificent island to its former glory—and glory it truly is. The beaches teem with hundreds of thousands of king penguins, arguably some of the most graceful animals on Earth. They must compete for space with the abundant Antarctic fur seals, all desperately defending their territories and furiously competing for mates, and they themselves must avoid the southern elephant seals, the largest seals on Earth (weighing up to four tons). The tiny South Georgia pipits and pintail ducks (once almost extinct) now abound, and petrels, albatrosses, and shags nest on the steep slopes and soar in the air. At sea, leopard seals stalk for their next meal of penguins, fur seal pups play in the shallows, and offshore, a huge variety of whale species gorge on krill. Nowhere else in the world can boast such a diverse range of wildlife, or in such quantity; South Georgia is truly incredible.

As with Antarctica, our exact itinerary will depend on weather and sea conditions, but especially wind and swell. However, our experienced expedition team and captain will make every effort to maximize exploration opportunities. Options include visiting the vast penguin colonies of Salisbury Plain and St. Andrew's Bay, seeing the old whaling stations of Lieth and Stromness, enjoying the scenery and seal colonies of Gold Harbour, or exploring this island's fascinating exploration heritage at Grytviken (where legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried). South Georgia is one of those places that captures the senses and never leaves. Even long after departure, this gem of the South Atlantic will captivate visitors for years.

Day 10/11 to 11/12 - Crossing the Drake Passage

It's time to cross the famous Drake Passage, the body of water that separates Patagonia from the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for its stormy weather conditions and strong westerly winds—from the furious 50s to the shrill 60s. While this crossing can be challenging, you'll rest comfortably aboard our purpose-built expedition vessels, equipped with stabilizers, powerful engines, and manned by highly skilled crews. The most enthusiastic sailors consider the Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you'll complete the crossing twice!

We'll make the most of our days in the Drake Passage to prepare for our arrival in Antarctica. Your expedition leader will provide you with detailed information on how to stay safe and minimize your impact on this beautiful wilderness, as well as brief you in detail on our exploration plans, including wildlife-watching tips. Our dedicated expedition team will once again assist you with bioprotecting your clothing and gear, as well as provide personalized lectures on the history of Antarctic exploration, wildlife, geology, glaciology, and more!

Day 12/13 to 15/16 - Antarctic Strait, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland Islands

Over the next few days, we'll enjoy a safe and exciting Antarctic experience that explorers of yesteryear could only dream of. Our Antarctic adventure begins in the South Shetland Islands, a rugged rocky range that marks the northernmost point of Antarctica. It's also one of the richest in wildlife, with large colonies of gentoo and chinstrap penguins, and a host of large seabirds, including predatory giant petrels. Landing sites to visit in the South Shetland Islands include the steaming black sands and rusty ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the bustling penguin colonies of Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, and the former fur seal anchorage at Yankee Harbor.

The following days will be spent exploring further south on the Antarctic Peninsula, in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is often icy, so our exact route will be carefully planned by the expedition leader and captain and explained to our passengers during regular evening briefings. However, our goal will be to visit various sites that showcase the best of this astonishingly beautiful region.

Formed by the backbone of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of glacial and mountainous islands, the Gerlache Strait is the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Antarctica. Marvel at enormous icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise through Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly guarding their precious eggs and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch icefalls tumble into the crystal-clear ocean during a hike among the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience Antarctica of yesteryear in historic huts like Damoy Point, painstakingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari through Wilhelmina Bay. Marvel at the stunning landscapes on a cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, fascinating history, and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

In Antarctica, all human activity is subject to the whims of Mother Nature. While we will do our best to maximize opportunities for exploration off the ship, the safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. Therefore, we ask all our guests to embrace the expedition spirit and remain flexible: inclement weather provides an opportunity to expand their knowledge of Antarctica with lectures from our expert Expedition Team or to enjoy the exceptional comfort of our ships, whether with a wine tasting, relaxing in the whims, or replenishing their energy with a soothing massage in our Polar Spa.

Day 16/17 to 17/18 - Crossing the Drake Passage to reach Ushuaia

Finally, we will depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea heading north, crossing back through the infamous Drake Passage to the welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our voyage, various onboard activities will allow our guests to reflect on their journey. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar with new friends, enjoy the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during talks in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply watch the albatrosses fly by as we journey north. During your final evening on board, join the Captain and officers for a farewell cocktail reception, followed by a photo and video presentation by our onboard photographer—the perfect opportunity to relive your Antarctic adventure.

Day 18/19 - Disembarkation in Ushuaia

On the morning of the final day of our voyage, we will arrive back at the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina. Trees, grass, and a bustling city may seem strange after the white wilderness of Antarctica! After a hearty breakfast, it's time to bid a fond farewell to the crew and the Albatross expedition team and descend the gangway back to dry land with the memories of an unforgettable journey.

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