Itinerary

Day 1: End of the world, start of a journey
Ushuaia and Beagle Channel
Your voyage begins where the world drops off: Ushuaia, Argentina, said to be the southernmost city on the planet, located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, we embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego (nicknamed “The End of the World”) and sail the mountainous Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening.

Day 2 – 4: Sea route to South Georgia
Antarctic Convergence Crossing
Today we are en route to South Georgia. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, which is a natural boundary formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic waters, we enter the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the bird life changes, too: A variety of albatrosses and petrels show up, along with Cape pigeons and southern fulmars.

Day 5 – 7: South Georgia sights
King Penguin Rookeries and Historic Sites
Our aim today is to visit some of the world’s top king penguin rookeries. This time of year you have a good chance of seeing these animals nesting on eggs, with their chicks nearby. The rookeries are sometimes overflowing, with penguins traveling to and from the beach. Possible visits include Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour, Grytviken, Cooper Bay, and Moltke Harbour.

Day 8– 12: Once more to the sea
Sailing through the Westerlies
A pleasant tailwind often accompanies the vessel through the westerlies, and on both sides of the Antarctic Convergence, you might see large numbers of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds.

Day 13: The quest continues at the great Gough Island
Zodiac Cruise in Quest Bay
Today we plan to approach Gough Island for a Zodiac cruise in Quest Bay, if the weather permits. Here you might see northern rockhopper penguins and sub-Antarctic fur seals. In previous years, it has been possible for us to circumnavigate most of Gough Island’s 33-mile circumference, taking in this area’s splendid scenery and abundant wildlife.

Day 14 – 17: Tristan da Cunha and all the pretty birds
Remote Settlements and Protected Islands
The remote islands of Tristan da Cunha are famed for their plentiful bird populations. Our goal during this stage of our voyage is to visit the small settlement on the west side of the main island, but we might also land at Seal Bay on the south side of Tristan da Cunha or at Sandy Point on the east side. We also intend to land at Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island.

Day 18 – 21: Subtropical seas and seabirds
Northward Transit
Seabirds and dolphins indigenous to this region often follow the vessel.

Day 22 – 24: St. Highlights of Saint Helena
Local Culture, History and Snorkeling
After we land at Jamestown on Saint Helena Island, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the area’s local culture, pleasant climate, and endemic bird life. You can pay a visit to Longwood House, where Napoleon died in exile; walk the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder, if you’re feeling ambitious; or snorkel the shallows offshore, seeing multitudes of tropical and subtropical fish. In the evening, we will depart for Praia, Cape Verde.

Day 25: Heading out of St. Helena
Volcanic Sailing
Our voyage starts in Jamestown, a uniquely situated city that offers much to see before we set sail. Enjoy the local British culture, tropical climate, and endemic birds of this remote volcanic island. You can visit Longwood House, where Napoleon died in 1821, and even walk the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder if you feel ambitious. If you have more time, you can also go on small hikes or snorkeling in the shallows.

Day 26 – 27: Sailing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Stargazing at Sea
Today we aim to sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the sprawling submarine mountain range that runs about 16,000 km (10,000 miles) from the Arctic Ocean toward the southern tip of Africa. Join us for stargazing on the aft deck, where we will show you the many highlights of the equatorial sky. Weather permitting, these celestial wonders can be seen with binoculars or even with the naked eye.

Day 28 – 32: Crossing the equator
Spring Migration and the Polar Star
Joining us across the equator are Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas flying their northbound spring migration. At this stage of the voyage, we will hope for good weather as we attempt more stargazing on deck, observing how the polar star becomes visible on the northern horizon.

Day 33: Sailing towards Ilhéus do Rombo and Sao Filipe (Fogo Island)
Western Palearctic Spotting
We will sail by Ilhéus do Rombo and Sao Filipe on Fogo Island, offering a chance to spot some of the Western Palearctic species. This provides an excellent opportunity to observe diverse bird species and enjoy the scenic views of the island from the water.

Day 34: The pleasures of Praia
Final Disembarkation
We arrive in the town of Praia on Santiago Island, Cape Verde, and disembark after breakfast. All great journeys come to an end, and this adventure concludes here in Praia. However, for those who wish to explore the area further after the voyage, there are several opportunities, like a visit to the historic Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

© OEX

© OEX

© OEX