Ocean Diamond – Epic Antarctica
Duration
23 days
Destination
Antarctica
Group Size
Departures
Overview
Embark on a once in a lifetime adventure on this diverse expedition you’ll experience the spectacular flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) before immersing yourself in the unique history and exquisite, rare wildlife of South Georgia.
Whether you’re visiting Antarctic research stations, witnessing a sudden minke whale breach from your Zodiac, sharing a magical moment with king penguins, or celebrating crossing the Antarctic Circle with like-minded travelers and crew, you’ll know this experience will live on in you forever.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn about Antarctica’s unique geology, history and wildlife with an expert team of lecturers.
- See the incredible wildlife of South Georgia, often referred to as “the Galapagos of the South.” This includes more than 30 species of breeding birds, including four species of penguin.
- Follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous voyage on South Georgia and pause for a moment at his graveside.
- Explore the quaint, British town of Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
- Crossing of the Antarctic Circle.
- On board lecturers and educational presentations from Polar specialists.
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Day 2: Embarkation day.
Day 3: At Sea.
Days 4 & 5: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
Days 6 & 7: At Sea.
Days 8 – 9 -10 & 11: South Georgia.
Days 12 & 13: At Sea.
Days 14- 15 & 16: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Days 17 & 18: Antarctic Circle.
Days 19 & 20: Northbound Along the Peninsula.
Days 21 & 22: Crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 23: Disembarkation in Ushuaia.
Itinerary
Your gateway for this expedition is Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia has a small-town feel yet boasts many shops, museums, cafés and restaurants that you can enjoy before your voyage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby national park and Martial Glacier offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking.
As you embark, the anticipation grows. Trade your land legs for sea legs, meet and greet your fellow travelers and get acquainted with your ship. Since every Antarctic adventure presents new opportunities and experiences, embarkation day is just as exciting for your Expedition Team as it is for you. On board to ensure your comfort and safety, your team will also help make your wildlife dreams come true.
Your days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between presentations, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar, or enjoy the fresh air and views on the outer decks.
Upon your arrival in the Falklands (Malvinas), your camera will get its first real workout capturing the abundant wildlife and rugged feel of this sub-Antarctic region. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will explore during daily Zodiac excursions and landings.
Stanley, also known as Port Stanley, is often a favored landing site, as the town offers a unique British outpost feel, complete with eclectic charm. You’ll be free to explore, grab a pint at the local pub or visit numerous churches and museums.
The Archipelago is rich in wildlife, especially birds, and home to Magellanic, gentoo and southern rockhopper penguins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot king penguins here as well! You can expect to see black-browed albatross, plus two endemic bird species—the flightless Falkland steamer duck and possibly the elusive Cobb’s wren.
Your team of lecturers and specialists will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands
Sailing southeast to South Georgia, you’ll officially enter Antarctic waters once you cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological boundary encircling the continent. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mix and mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, helps create the abundance of krill that attracts whales and seals to this part of the world.
Your Expedition Team will notify you when you cross this invisible yet important line, and also look out for the seabirds and marine life that frequent the area.
This remote, mountainous island was a popular stop for many historic Antarctic expeditions and was once a haven for hunting whales and seals. Today, island wildlife populations are rebounding, but you’ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts.
One significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station.
Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, it is the tremendous abundance of wildlife that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures.
One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next, you may visit another beach blanketed with thousands of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will explain to you during your time here.
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica!
Your days at sea are filled with presentations, lectures and workshops led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival.
The experience is hard to put into words, but the most common reaction upon reaching the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and solitude; the next, you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin
Zodiac cruising, visits to historical sites and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling every day. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal, or maybe you’ll come eye to eye with an Antarctic minke whale while you are cruising in a Zodiac. Each day and each excursion will present a new collection of creatures to delight you and keep your camera busy.
If you find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an optional kayaking adventure (reserve in advance when booking your trip) or a plunge into Antarctic waters!
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as few expeditions reach so far south.
If conditions allow us to cross this famed line at 66°33´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun and fantastic iceberg sightings.
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to make excursions by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.
Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
After more than three weeks of unique wildlife encounters and remarkable landscapes, your journey home begins.
Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of approval on your Antarctic adventure.
After breakfast aboard the ship, it is time to part ways and say goodbye to your Expedition Team. Airport transfers will be provided for those departing on the first homeward flights. Other guests will be transferred to town.
Itinerary Map
Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board.
- Beer and wine during dinner.
- All shore landings per the daily program.
- Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders.
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program.
- Formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled.
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition.
- Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
- Coffee, tea, and cocoa available around the clock.
- A hairdryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
- Comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
- All luggage handling aboard the ship.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above.
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified.
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage fees on international flights.
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any other gear not mentioned above.
- Laundry, bar, massage services, and other personal charges unless specified.
- Phone and internet charges.
- Additional overnight accommodation.
- Optional adventure activities.
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.
