• Antarctica
  • Emperor Penguins
  • Emperors & Kings
  • Epic Antarctica
  • Great Antarctic Explorer
  • Antarctic Adventure
  • Crossing the Circle
  • Antarctic Quest
  • Classic Antarctica
  • Explorer's Route
  • Extensions
  • Polar Star Expeditions
  • Small Ships Expeditions
    • In Search of Emperor Penguins
    • Antarctic Peninsula
    • Falklands, South Georgia, Peninsula
    • Weddell Sea & Peninsula
    • Polar Circle Antarctica
    • Atlantic Odyssey
  • Antarctic Air-Cruises
  • Our Vessels
• Arctic
• Latin America
• Galápagos Islands
• Canada's Maritime Islands
• Bhutan & Sikkim
• Spirit of India
• Ethiopia & Kingdom of Jordan
• Botswana & Madagascar
• African Safari
• Classic Cruises
• North Africa
• Australia & Oceania

Atlantic Odyssey

Itinerary

Day 1

Ushuaia - Beagle Channel

In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia and sail through the Beagle Channel. D

Days 2-3

Drake Passage

In the Drake Passage we witness a multitude of Albatrosses, Petrels and Fulmars. BLD

Day 4

Hope Bay - Brown Bluff

At Hope Bay and Brown Bluff we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent. In this area chances are good for encounters with Gentoo Penguins, Weddell Seals, Leopard Seals and Orcas. BLD

Day 5

Paulet Island

From Devil Island at the tip of the Weddell Sea we will be surrounded by the huge table icebergs of the Larsen Ice Shelf. We will climb a hill with a gentle slope from where we have a great view of the surroundings. At Paulet Island we will observe the last individuals of a large Adelie Penguin colony near the ruins of the Nordenskiöld Expedition from the beginning of the 20th century. BLD

Day 6

At Sea

At sea we will probably sail along the sea ice drifting north out of the Weddell Sea. On the floes we may see some juvenile Emperor Penguins. BLD

Day 7

South Orkney Islands

On our way north we plan to visit South Orkneys, where the Scotsman Bruce once wintered and where we now may visit the friendly people of an Argentinean base. BLD

Day 8

At Sea

At sea, on our way to South Georgia, we witness a multitude of albatrosses, petrels, and fulmars. BLD

Days 9-11

South Georgia

In South Georgia we will pay visits to the abandoned whaling settlements Grytviken, where now the penguins walk through the streets, and King Edwards Point with the grave of Shackleton. We will walk near the big King Penguin colony on Salisbury Plain and the breeding Wandering Albatrosses on Prion Island in the Bay of Isles. The last day in South Georgia we will spend in Cooper Bay where we will observe Chinstrap Penguins and Macaroni Penguins and breeding Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses. Later we intend to sail to Gold Harbour to visit another King Penguin colony and to see many Elephant Seals and Fur Seals. It is a good area for long walks. We conclude our visit with zodiac excursions inmagnificent Drygalski Fjord and Larsen Harbour. BLD

Days 12-16

At Sea

In the westerlies 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. BLD

Day 17

Gough Island

Today we plan to approach the unique Gough Island for zodiac cruising around the island, as always weather permitting. In 2003 we managed to circumnavigate all but four miles of the 33 mile circumference of the island in the ship, saw spectacular scenery and an unprecedented abundance of wildlife. 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 enough to repeat this unique experience with you on board. BLD

Days 18-20

Tristan Da Cunha Archipelago

In the Tristan da Cunha archipelago we call at the settlement at the west side of the main island. We will also try to make landings at Nightingale Island with millions of seabirds ranging from Yellow-nosed Albatrosses to Brown Noddies. We allow one day in reserve for bad weather. BLD

Days 21-24

At Sea

At sea, we now enter sub-tropical waters with their own brand of seabirds and dolphins. BLD

Day 25-27

St Helena

St. Helena has a good anchorage and landing site. During our time on this island, we will have ample opportunities to enjoy local culture, pleasant climate, and endemic plants and birds. We will also visit the place where Napoleon lived in exile. There will be opportunities to explore the Island on your own and for snorkelling where, in the shallow surf near a wreck, there will be many fish. BLD

Days 28-29

At Sea

At Sea. BLD

Day 30

Ascension Island

Ascension Island is a dry volcanic island with a moist and richly vegetated top. The Sooty Tern (wide-awake) colony sometimes consists of more than 1 million breeding pairs. We will try to climb the moist summit of Ascension Island and make a zodiac-cruise around Boatswain Bird Island offering also great opportunities for snorkelling. We may witness egg-laying sea turtles coming ashore at night. BLD

Day 31

Ascension Island

A second day to enjoy the wonders of Ascension Island. Some of our passengers may disembark and fly with the scheduled RAF Royal Air Force) flight to Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, UK. In the evening the vessel will depart from Ascension Island. BLD

Days 32-36

At Sea

At sea, we witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us to cross the Equator ('the Line'). BLD

Day 37

Cape Verde Islands

We land at Fogo.This is the great vulcanological laboratory of the Cape Verde Islands. Here we shall see lava as fresh as is possible because it emerged from the ground within the last 10 years and with the dry atmosphere of the islands there is little weathering to take place. We shall land a short distance from the capital, Sao Felipe and shall take an excursion into the very crater to the village of Portela where the people, unbelievable as it seems, make wine. This is perhaps not, one of the greatest vintages of the world but it deserves tasting because of its curiosity. On returning to Sao Felipe we shall relax for a while before re-embarking for an early dinner after which we shall try an evening zodiac cruise in order to see the sea birds before dark. BLD

Day 38

Praia, Cape Verde Islands

Praia on Sao Tiago, the main island of the southern group, has a character of its own. We shall make an excursion to Cidade Velha, steeped in history, and shall observe the massive fortress on the hill, built to deter English marauders in the period when the Crowns of Portugal and Spain were united and Portuguese possessions became as fair game to the likes of Drake and Raleigh as were Spanish ones. We shall see the ruins of the Cathedral, the oldest Christian Church in the tropics, and the slave whipping post in the main square. The village is well watered and there are plantations of sugar cane, which support a rum distillery, and several species of birds. We shall have another guided stroll around the City of Praia, which is the capital of the Cape Verdes, and which has given rise to a unique variety of folk music, which we shall hear as we pass the various bars! BLD

Note: Shortly after midnight, on Day 39 (16 April), you may fly to Lisboa (Lisbon) in Portugal. (Flight not included in cruise cost). B

This itinerary is for guidance only. Program may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.