Epic Antarctica & South Georgia Adventure | Ocean Albatros

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 we embark the ship Ocean Abatros, our home for the coming days.

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

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy sea, and its nickname ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself!

The next couple of days, we will explore the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain as well as the Antarctic peninsula.

Landfalls could include: Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins. 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 guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

In the upcoming days, we'll venture into the remarkable region at the tip of the continent, starting with the Antarctic Sound. Named after the Swedish vessel Antarctic in 1902, this area is notably colder than the rest of the Peninsula due to southerly winds and currents from the Weddell Sea, resulting in freezing temperatures, sea ice, and massive tabular icebergs formed by the vast ice shelves. Despite its remoteness, this region offers spectacular sights, from Adelie Penguin colonies to historic sites and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Moving south into the Weddell Sea, we'll encounter city-sized tabular icebergs and the ever-present sea ice, a crucial habitat for Antarctic krill and the predators that follow. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot Weddell, leopard, and elephant seals, numerous seabirds, and often humpback whales. Navigating through the dense ice requires skill, and our experienced Captain and Expedition Leader will adapt to explore this remote and unpredictable terrain.

Our Antarctic journey will conclude by passing by Elephant Island, famous for Shackleton's legendary lifeboat escape. While landing here is extremely challenging, we'll strive to catch a glimpse of Point Wild, where Shackleton's party awaited rescue—a fitting finale to our Antarctic expedition.

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 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, makes 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 days are largely dependent on the weather and the sea.

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.

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.

We will explore the fjords of the north coast and take as many shore landings as time and the swelling sea will allow us. The proximity of the possible landing locations usually allow for a very diversified and active itinerary, sure to give us memories for a lifetime.

The marine life around South Georgia is at its most active during March/April, with thousands of whales feeding with ferocity to prepare for their coming migrations. Fur seal pups amass on the shorelines and Albatross chicks are peeking out from the nests. The king penguin chicks will shed their brown feathers and start heading into the ocean, other penguins like gentoo, macaroni and chinstrap will also see their chicks starting to grow confidence for a life on their own.

As we approach Montevideo, Uruguay, the final leg of our exciting journey, it's worth noting that this port holds historical significance for Antarctic expeditions, including our own.

During our voyage's closing phase, we offer various onboard activities for you to reflect on your journey. Unwind with a skillfully crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar, engage with our Expedition Team's insights in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply savor the sight of albatross accompanying us westward.

On your last evening aboard, join the Captain and Senior Officers for a Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and videos captured by our onboard photographer. It's the perfect opportunity to relive your Southern Ocean adventure.

After a hearty farewell to vessel and crew, we disembark in the morning after breakfast here in Montevideo.