Atlantic Odyssey

In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway, followed by seabirds.

During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage and encounter a variety of seabirds - these can include wandering, grey-headed, black-browed and the beautiful light-mantled sooty albatross, southern fulmars, Wilson's storm, blue, Cape and Antarctic petrels. We also look out for whales and, as we near the South Shetland Islands, we spot our first icebergs.

We aim to visit some of the major king penguin rookeries in the world. The late season offers an outstanding chance to see the king penguins on eggs and with small chicks. The rookeries are packed at this time of year and the movement to and from the beach is amazing. Salisbury Plain is probably the biggest and here we will see the huge king penguin colony along with elephant seals and scores of fur seal pups playing in the surf. On Prion Island in the Bay of Isles we can see breeding wandering albatrosses. We will also find time to visit the old whaling settlement in Grytviken, where now the penguins walk through the streets. Grytviken is home to a small, but highly informative museum and also offers a chance to visit the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton who is buried here alongside his trusted friend and companion Frank Wild. We will attempt to land Gold Harbour and St Andrews Bay with stunningly beautiful scenery and a wildlife density second to none. We end our South Georgia experience in the spectacular Dryglaski Fjord.

In the Westerly’s we have a pleasant tailwind. On both sides of the Antarctic Convergence, we observe many species and great numbers of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds.

Today we plan to approach the unique Gough Island for a zodiac cruise around Quest Bay, as always weather permitting. Gough Island is a strictly protected nature reserve and landings are not allowed. However, the intended Zodiac cruise will offer spectacular scenery and a great abundance of wildlife not easily seen elsewhere in the world. In previous years we managed to circumnavigate all but four miles of the 33 mile circumference of the island by ship. We felt very privileged to be among the few visitors who have been able to experience Gough and in particular, to see it at such close quarters and in such favourable conditions. We hope to be lucky to repeat this unique experience with you.

In the Tristan da Cunha archipelago we plan to call on the settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, at the west side of the main island. We will also try to make landings at Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island where millions of seabirds ranging from yellow-nosed albatrosses, northern rockhopper penguins to brown noddies, as well as the unique Inaccesible rail breed. We allow one day in reserve for bad weather. Please note that we will try and approach for landings, however due to the weather and sea conditions this is not always possible.  

We now enter sub-tropical waters with their own species of seabirds and dolphins.

St. Helena has a good anchorage and landing site at James Town. On this island, we will have ample opportunities to enjoy local culture, pleasant climate, and endemic plants and birds. We will visit Longwood House, the place where Napoleon lived and died in exile. There will be opportunities to explore the Island on your own and for snorkelling in the shallow surf where we can find a multitude of tropical and sub-tropical fish species. Transfer to airport for flight to Cape Town.