Highlights
Join us for a once in a lifetime expedition voyage to the Weddell Sea and the seventh continent. Experience the incredible wildlife in icy waters, stunning mountain scenery and gigantic icebergs during 11 or 12 action-packed days (lenght of the trip may depend on departure date along the season.
Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage on our way to the South Shetland Islands, where we plan to make our first Zodiac landing. From here we navigate the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. We plan to make landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating sights that allow us to enjoy the spectacular views. Continuing eastward, we will explore the Antarctic Sound with its mighty tabular icebergs and enter the Weddell Sea in search for wildlife. On our way back, we plan to follow in Ernest Shackleton and rest of the Endurance crews wake as we navigate close to Elephant Island. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days!
Expedition cruises that plan to traverse into the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea allow their guests for real adventure as the giant ice shelves often changes the routes. The rewards are great though, as the pristine waters and krill rich environment invite many penguins and whales.
When Ocean Victory returns to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, depending on weather conditions, we might pass close to the mythical Cape Horn – the southernmost point on South America; a celebrated maritime landmark.
Make sure you reserve your place, on this fantastic journey in good time, as we only cruise this route once during the season.
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 Victory, 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!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with our first sight of seals, penguins and albatrosses.
Having crossed the Drake, we will start exploring the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way.
In the forthcoming days, our expedition ventures into the captivating region at the northeastern tip of the continent, the Antarctic Sound, gateway to the Weddell Sea. This region is confusingly named after the Swedish vessel Antarctic which first sailed the area in 1902. Despite its northern location, the Antarctic Sound experiences harsh cold conditions due to winds and currents from the Weddell Sea. This area boasts some of Antarctica’s most striking scenery, from the vast Adelie Penguin colonies at Hope Bay and Devil’s Island, to the dramatic volcanic cliffss at Brown Bluff.
Continuing southward into the Weddell Sea, named after early British Antarctic explorer James Weddell, we encounter immense tabular icebergs and the expansive icepack which nurtures Antarctic krill, the foundation of the food chain. The presence of krill attracts a diverse array of wildlife, including penguins, seals, seabirds, and humpback whales, all of which we hope to see while exploring this icy wilderness.
Navigation through the Weddell Sea presents challenges due to substantial sea ice and massive icebergs. Our experienced Captain and Expedition Leader adapt plans to ensure safe exploration, seizing opportunities to delve into this remote and rarely visited wilderness. We will aim to come ashore at sites which showcase the majesty of the Antarctic environment and ecosystem, as well as exploring on Zodiac cruises. Embrace the wonder of this journey into the unknown, exploring a region few have had the privilege to witness.
In the days ahead, we venture further west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region. This icy expanse requires meticulous planning by our Expedition Leader and Captain, who will plot a route to explore a variety of sites highlighting the area’s staggering natural beauty.
The Gerlache Strait, consisting of the ‘spine’ of the Antarctic Peninsula and a large number of mountainous glaciated islands, offers a plethora of iconic Antarctic experiences. From Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. Explore historic huts at Damoy Point, witness humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery of the Lemaire Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.
While our exact destinations will depend on weather and ice conditions, your Expedition Leader will ensure guests are informed of our plans through nightly briefings. In the ever-changing Antarctic environment, flexibility is key as we adapt plans to suit the conditions while offering enriching onboard experiences such as lectures, recaps, wine-tasting, and spa treatments.
Our Antarctic odyssey culminates amidst the rugged beauty of the South Shetland Islands. This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. Despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels.
The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. Experience the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, or witness the bustling penguin colonies on Aitcho and Half Moon Islands, or immerse yourself in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.
We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage, heading towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. 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 northwards.
During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer – the ideal opportunity to re-live your Antarctic adventure. Skål!
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