The ultimate expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula that seeks to include visits to some well-known locations and opportunities for surprise discoveries. Enjoy nine full days to discover the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula in the peak of summer, when tiny penguin chicks are growing quickly, fur seal pups are being weaned and whales start to arrive in larger numbers to feed on krill. Near-endless hours of daylight means more time for exploration – Zodiac cruising, walking, snowshoeing, snorkelling and kayaking.

On this epic voyage, not only will you explore the famed white continent, enjoy two days discovering the Malvinas/Falklands, encounter the wildlife haven in South Georgia, you will also sail to the South Sandwich Islands, a chain of seldom-visited volcanic islands located 740 km (460 miles) south-east of South Georgia. Simply reaching these wild, far-flung islands is an adventure.

Departing from Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en route for the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic peninsula. Here we will make Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts.
Continuing towards the east, we will explore the Antarctic Sound with its mighty tabular icebergs and enter the Weddell Sea in search for wildlife.
Sailing onwards between Elephant Island and South Georgia offers a small glimpse into the passage made famous by Shackleton 100 years ago, when he navigated the 1300 km course through open seas of Drake Passage in an effort to save his stranded crew. South Georgia is one of world’s greatest natural wonders. Wildlife-packed beaches, active research stations, former whaling stations and a visit to Shackleton’s final resting place are on our agenda. This trip has an extended South Georgia itinerary, allowing us to see more than usual.
On our last leg we sail to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, allowing for easier flights onwards in South America or towards home. The last seadays can be spend bird watching from the top deck and attending lectures, workshops and photo re-caps in one of the ship's lounges.
Onboard our brand new strong ice-strengthened expedition vessel, Ocean Albatros, we are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, hopefully enabling all expedition guests to set foot on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-antarctic and South Georgia islands.
This epic expedition cruise allows you to experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife!
With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Albatros will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage, and due to the speed of the vessels, we might be able to do a first landing or activity in the South Shetland islands during the late afternoon on Day 3.
Make sure you reserve your place, on this fantastic journey in good time, as we only cruise this route once during the season.

As our voyage begins, we pilot through the calm, gunmetal grey waters and sloping glaciers of Beagle Channel. Turning southward, our journey begins in earnest, and we enter 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 rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Victory/Albatros, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and the patented reclining bow, which ensures stability and comfort in rough sea as well as having very low fuel consumption. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. These nutrient rich waters lure a wealth of seabirds, albatrosses, and several species of whales. Weather permitting, we catch our first sight of seals and penguins!
With wide eyes, we will weave through the South Shetland Islands, a shimmering necklace of glistering, ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes. Numerous Zodiac excursions are landfalls are likely. We are constantly on the lookout for whales, sea lions, elephant seals and an unbelievable amount of sea birds and penguins.

Continuing onward, we enjoy the calming silence and alluring beauty of the Antarctic mainland during hikes and Zodiac excursions. From here there is no set plan, our captain and expedition leader will look at ice charts and weather reports and explore our options. This could be the mighty tabular icebergs of the Weddell Sea, the seldomly visited lands south of the Antarctic circle or manned research stations in the most isolated places on earth. One thing is for sure we will see fantastic wildlife and real adventure.
Dense pack ice forbids many ordinary vessels from reach the far south, but with a high ice-class rating, Ocean Victory/Albatros moves swiftly carrying us on an adventure for life.

Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en route for the South Shetland Islands. Here we will make Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts. Continuing southward, we will explore the Antarctic Sound with its mighty tabular icebergs and enter the Weddell Sea in search for wildlife.
Sailing onwards between Elephant Island and South Georgia offers a small glimpse into the passage made famous by Shackleton 100 years ago, when he navigated the 1300 km course through open seas of Drake Passage in an effort to save his stranded crew. South Georgia is one of world’s greatest natural wonders. Wildlife-packed beaches, active research stations, former whaling stations and a visit to Shackleton’s final resting place are on our agenda.
On our last leg towards Argentina, we will pay a visit to the fascinating Falkland Islands. The capital of Port Stanley with its quaint English architecture will be our first call before venturing further west for Zodiac landings and wildlife observations on pristine and sheltered beaches.
After leaving the Falklands, the last seadays can be spend bird watching from the top deck and attending lectures, workshops and photo re-caps in one of the ship's lounges.