STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACABOVSG
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
SHIP: Ocean Victory
Antarctica, Falkland Islands and South Georgia
06/03/2025
All meals on board the ship including Complimentary house wine, beer & soda at dinner (selected labels & brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
Group Transfers To/From The Ship From Downtown Ushuaia (or airport after disembarkation)
Cabin on board ship
Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Get an insight into the area’s fascinating history and reveal some of the haunting relics and memorials of war. The colourful seaside town and capital, Port Stanley, boasts many reminders of its British heritage including a selection of traditional English-style pubs, old red phone boxes and numerous Land Rovers.
Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
Embark on an incredible 19 day journey following the wake of the renown explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. As you cross the might Drake Passage you will explore sights of the South Shetland Islands, before exploring the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Undertake zodiac landings among vast penguin rookeries, search for sightings of unique wildlife as kayak through the icy waters and enjoy the incredible amount of activities on board your expedition vessel, The Ocean Victory.
*Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change based on availability, currency exchange and other factors. Please contact us for live availability and prices.
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. In the afternoon, you will board your ship.
Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - the body of water separating Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, nicknamed the Furious Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest comfortably aboard our expedition vessels, which are purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and manned by a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement - and you will complete the crossing twice!
Our days in the Drake Passage will be put to good use preparing for our arrival in Antarctica - your Expedition Leader will brief you comprehensively on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on this precious wilderness, as well as briefing you thoroughly on our plans for our time spent exploring, including hints and tips for wildlife watching. Our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment (a vital process to protect Antarctica's delicate ecology), as well as sharing tailored lectures on Antarctic exploration history, wildlife, geology, glaciology and more!
Over the next days, we will enjoy a safe and exciting Antarctic experience explorers of yesteryear could only dream of. Our Antarctic adventure begins in the South Shetland Islands, a chain of rugged rocks marking the northernmost point of Antarctica. It is also one of the richest in terms of wildlife, with large Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, and an abundance of large seabirds such as predatory Giant Petrels. Landing sites which may be visited in the South Shetland Islands include the black steaming sands and rusting ruins of Deception Island (an active volcanic crater), the bustling penguin colonies of Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or the old sealers' anchorage of Yankee Harbour.
The following days will be spent exploring further south on the Antarctic Peninsula in the Gerlache Strait region. This region is typically icy, so our exact route will be subject to careful planning by the Expedition Leader and Captain, and explained to our guests through regular evening briefings. However we will aim to visit a range of sites which showcase the best of this staggeringly beautiful region.
Consisting of the 'spine' of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of glaciated and mountainous islands, the Gerlache Strait is what comes to mind when most people think of Antarctica. Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all. Feel the spray of water from the blow of a humpback whale on a Zodiac safari in Wilhelmina Bay. Wonder at awe-inspiring scenery on a ship cruise through the Lemaire Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.
From Antarctica, we set out again into the mighty Drake Passage, this time following the furious seas towards South Georgia, mirroring the route of Sir Ernest Shackleton onboard the James Caird. His voyage took an agonizing seventeen days in the tiny wooden lifeboat - still considered one of the greatest ever feats of navigation and seamanship. Your crossing will benefit from our vessels' powerful engines, and the stability provided by the specially-designed X-Bow, making the journey in just two days!
In order to protect the extremely delicate and rich ecosystem of South Georgia, our dedicated Expedition Team will again assist you to biosecure your clothing and equipment, while continuing with their in-depth lecture program, now focussing on the fascinating history, biology and wildlife of South Georgia. Be sure to wrap up warm and join your Expedition Team out on deck - this section of the Scotia Sea (of which the Drake Passage constitutes the western portion) is one of the most biologically productive on Earth, and is a haven for vast quantities of wildlife - from whales and albatross to penguins and seals. Watch the waves carefully - in this region, sub-Antarctic species (such as fur seal) mingle with true polar species (such as Adelie Penguins), creating a fascinating ecological mix.
A strip of jagged mountains pierce the brooding clouds of the Southern Ocean. Icebound peaks loom over storm-washed beaches, while glaciers peek from the head of deep fjords. First believed to have been landed on by legendary explorer Captain James Cook, even to modern explorers, South Georgia presents a forbidding aura. But peer closer, and you will see greenery among the ice; movement on the beaches; wings in the skies above.
While it seems hard to believe today, South Georgia was once one of the most degraded environments on Earth. Hearing of the rich pickings, sealers flocked to the island after Cook, slaughtering wantonly. Once the seals had been almost exterminated, visiting ships sought larger prey, and South Georgia became the world's largest whaling destination, with several settlements built to carry out this industrialised slaughter. Whalers from Norway introduced reindeer as game, which soon destroyed the islands native vegetation, while brown rats (accidentally introduced by Europeans and their boats) feasted upon seabirds and their eggs - a horror against which these naive birds had no defence.
Thankfully, extensive conservation (including a painstaking eradication of reindeer and rats) has restored this magnificent island to its former glory - and glory it truly is. Beaches throng with hundreds of thousands of King Penguins, arguably some of Earth's most elegant animals. They must vie for space with the abundant Antarctic fur seals, all desperately defending territories and competing furiously for mates - and they themselves must avoid the southern elephant seals, Earth's largest seals (weighing up to a staggering four tonnes). Tiny South Georgia Pippits and Pintail Ducks (once almost extinct) are now abundant, and petrels, albatross and shags nest on the steep hillsides and wheel in the air above. In the sea, leopard seals stalk for their next penguin meal, fur seal pups play in the shallows, and offshore, a huge variety of whale species gorge on krill. Nowhere else on Earth can boast such a diversity of wildlife, or in such quantities; South Georgia truly has to be experienced to be believed.
Leaving the icy peaks of South Georgia behind, we continue onwards towards the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). While South Georgia and the Falklands are separate British Overseas Territories, the two are intimately linked - South Georgia was administered from the Falklands for most of its history, and continues to be supported logistically entirely by the Falklands. Unlike South Georgia (which only hosts visiting government officials and scientists), the Falklands has its own unique system of government, society and culture.
While the indigenous Yaghan people of Tierra del Fuego may have visited the islands, the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) had no indigenous population when Europeans arrived in the early 16th Century. The islands' sovereignty has been contested ever since, with historical Spanish, French, British and Argentine claims; the islands were established politically as a British colony in 1840. Tensions resulted in a conflict over the islands between Britain and Argentina in 1982. The conflict left a lasting impact on the islands - while it spurred much-needed development assistance from the United Kingdom, the conflict also left much of the islands heavily mined. Since the conflict however, the islands have flourished, selling lucrative fishing rights to their rich waters. The de-mining operation was completed in 2020, celebrated by a football match on the last patch of de-mined ground between the islands' Governer and the Zimbabwean de-mining team who have made the Falklands their home.
The waters between South Georgia and the Falklands are some of the richest in the world, with huge whale, seal and penguin populations feeding where cold Antarctic waters meet the warmer waters of the South Atlantic, so keep binoculars at the ready as we sail across the Antarctic convergence (especially around Shag Rocks). Otherwise, join your Expedition Team lecturers to hear about these islands' fascinating history, biology and unique 'Kelper' (as the locals call themselves) culture.
During the morning we approach the Falkland Islands and our vessel will cast anchor in the sheltered natural harbor of Port Stanley in the early afternoon. Utilizing our Zodiacs, we will land in the centre of this small city. Stanley is the only settlement on the islands of any size, with a population of around two thousand people. Behind the colourful buildings in neat rows, look closer and you will notice a very distinctly British feel to Stanley - Victorian houses which could be on any swanky London terrace line the harbourfront; red telephone and post boxes stand by the jetty; whitewashed pubs serve fish and chips alongside foaming pints of ale. The Falkland Islanders are proud of their unique homeland and capital, and Stanley is a great place to explore and soak up the local vibe. Highlights in the city include Christchurch Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral on Earth, as well as excellent shops selling local products (watch out for high quality woollen good in particular!), cafes and pubs offering a warm welcome, and several excellent museums; visitors are spoiled for choice! A short drive or a pleasant walk from the city are several stunning beaches; formerly heavily mined, these are now open, and locals and foreigners alike often visit to see the abundant penguins and spectacular gold-white sands.
We are now into the last leg of this adventurous voyage, heading back to Ushuaia.
During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us westward.
After a hearty farewell to vessel and crew, we disembark in the morning after breakfast. A shuttle transfer will take you to Ushuaia city centre or airport.
This 19 day voyage will allow you to explore the very best of the Antarctic highlights as you experience the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
Experience this unbelievable voyage on board the Ocean Victory, the latest of expedition vessels and one of the most modern small ship vessels in the market.
This itinerary can be easily tailored to include a land based tour of South America.
The luxury Ocean Victory is a modern and comfortable ship, operating in the Antarctic region. The ship started sailing in 2021 and with a total of 93 well appointed staterooms, most with ocean views it provides an incredible visual experience when sailing through some of the most pristine environments in the world. The Ocean Victory is built with unique technologies and sturdy construction; the 'X-bow' provides high stability in rough weather conditions and some of the smoothest movement on high waves. Similar to other vessels in its class, the Ocean Victory was built in mind with a strong focus on sustainability, in an attempt to preserve the unique environments through which it sails. A low-energy vessel, the Victory has 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed as well as minimise fuel consumption. Holding just 189 passengers this vessel proposes an intricate focus is a unique blend of comfort and sustainability. Please note - Deckplan changes from 2025 Arctic Season
Ice Class:
Length: 104m / 341ft
Breadth: 18m / 59ftMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16 Knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:146-200
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreFor photography enthusiasts of any skill level. You will receive expert advice on taking and producing amazing photos of Antarctica.
Learn MoreAntarctica, South Georgia & Falklands | Ocean Victory from USD 24,795 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
06 Mar 2025 | 24 Mar 2025 | 19 |
Prices are based on per person, and may be based off quad/triple/ or twin share cabins* (please contact us for more details)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Stateroom accommodation on board during your voyage
Embarkation shuttle transfer to the vessel from Ushuaia city centre
Shuttle transfer after disembarkation from the ship to Ushuaia city centre or airport
All Zodiac excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team
Expedition parka
Rubber boots loan scheme
Briefings and lectures by our Expedition Leader and Team
English-speaking Expedition Team
Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner (selected labels and brands, served at our a-la-carte dinners)
Free tea and coffee available 24 hours
Taxes and landing fees
Special photo workshops
Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties
Digital visual journal link distributed after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
International or internal flights flights
Extra excursions and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
Meals not on board the ship
Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landings and excursions
Laundry, bar, and other personal charges, unless specified
Travel and medical insurance (compulsory)
Pre or post cruise travel expenses
Visa (if applicable) and passport fees
Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
Available on request. No single supplement if willing to share (select cabins only). Contact us for more details.
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.