South Orkney Antarctic Odyssey

Day 1 Ushuaia

Today you will have time to view this small city at the base of a stunning mountain range. Jagged mountains tower above the harbor as civilization clings to the shoreline. Board the One Ocean Navigator / Akademik Ioffe in the late afternoon and “throw the lines” and leave the dock to begin your adventure.

From the first moment, you are encouraged to be outside on the excellent viewing decks of the ship, watching for the soaring black-browed albatross or perhaps over the side of the ship for the porpoising magellanic penguins. Bear eastwards down the Beagle Channel, heading for the rolling swell of the Drake Passage and an adventure of a lifetime.

Days 2-3 The Drake Passage

Awake to the hopefully gentle motion of the ship, rolling in the swells of the Drake Passage. This famed passage is known for the challenging weather conditions that it posed to the famous square-rigged ships of the sailing era. You have an easier time of it as you head southeast toward the South Orkney Islands.

The excitement on the ship is palpable as the miles drift by. New friends will be made and stories will be told as the days pass. Onboard entertainment in the form of educational presentations about the Southern Ocean, Antarctic wildlife, glaciers, ice and exploration history will be punctuated by sumptuous meals and the announcements from staff as a new species of bird is spotted. Who can resist the lure of the great Wandering albatross, that bird that soared to fame in the lines of “The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner”? Perhaps a whale spout on the horizon will have us rushing to the rail. Whatever it is, keep your ears peeled and a warm jacket nearby so that you too can rush to the outer decks for a view.

Days 4-5 The South Orkney Islands

Weather permitting, wake to the site of the South Orkney Islands. Snow-capped mountains rising from the sea, tabular icebergs drifting north from the Weddell Sea and sweeping glaciers will greet you. This small archipelago, lying in the middle of the Southern Ocean and well off the track of most shipping routes, is home to some wondrous wildlife, incredible scenery and important science stations. The aim is to visit a large Adélie penguin colony, as well as one of the
science stations and hope to have an opportunity for a good long hike.

Each day will provide a mix of shore excursions and ship cruising, spend your time between hikes ashore and cruises in inflatable boats with scenic iceberg cruises. As hundreds of bergs drift past the South Orkney Islands, you will have a very good chance to see and photograph some of them. It is truly one of life’s great experiences as the ship navigates amongst these tabular bergs, with a Southern Ocean
swell crashing into them and a soft evening light turning the sea into a lively pastel of colors.

Day 6 Towards the Weddell Sea

Through the night and into the day sail away from the South Orkney Islands and towards the Weddell Sea. These waters are rich in both phyto- and zooplankton, and therefore good feeding grounds for the great baleen whales. Along with naturalists and guides, keep watch for these leviathans of the deep, cupping your hands to your ears to help hear the mighty whoosh of air from their lungs, followed by the sudden intake as the air is replenished. Truly, nothing equals the experience of drifting in your boat through the fishy mist of a humpback whale surfacing and blowing beside you.

Days 7-10 Weddell Sea

The only discernible difference as you sail into the Weddell Sea will be an increase in the number of big tabular icebergs and the presence of land. Our goal will be to explore the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands. In particular, this region is home to Adelie penguin rookeries of astonishing size. Maximize your time onshore as well as in the inflatable landing craft, absorbing as much of the wilderness and beauty as possible in every breath we take. Planned excursions may include Paulet Island, Brown Bluff and even the southerly Snow Hill Island, where you will observe Weddell and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a shocking abundance of penguins. At Half
Moon Island, we will observe a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and Antarctic shags. Hopefully you will see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds.

One excursion will be planned with the aim of landing on the physical continent of Antarctica itself and not just on an offshore island. There are a few landing spots that will fall into this category and some of us may pause to consider the bravery and/or foolhardiness of those who traveled a hundred years before us. To gain a better appreciation of those explorers, some may choose to camp ashore overnight. Whatever your vantage point is on board or onshore expect to feel transformed as you experience twilight from the very bottom of the planet.

Days 11-12 The Drake Passage

Make your way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage before rounding Cape Horn from west to east. You will approach the Beagle Channel and sail westwards up it toward the port and town of Ushuaia. Join the ship in the dining room to celebrate the conclusion of your Polar expedition at a farewell dinner.

Day 13 Ushuaia

The mood will change as you awake this morning and plan your departure from the ship and the trans-continental or trans-ocean travel that will take you back to your homes and families. Disembark in Ushuaia.