Join a 43-day Atlantic Odyssey aboard the MV Plancius, traveling from Ushuaia to Praia, including stops at the Antarctic Peninsula and Cape Verde. Explore remote regions as you cruise south to Antarctica, where the mist clears to reveal vast frozen landscapes. Observe wildlife such as whales, seals, and penguins in their natural habitats.
Continue the adventure on the Atlantic Odyssey, following the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, and various whale species as they move north to breed. Finally, sail from St. Helena to Cape Verde, where days at sea offer chances to see marine life and seabirds migrating north as you cross the Equator.
Highlights
See landscapes and unique wildlife, including whales, seals, and penguins
Track Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, and whales as they travel north to breed
Stop at the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, and Cape Verde
Experience the transition between hemispheres while observing marine life
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Your trip starts at the edge of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city on Earth. Situated at the tip of South America, this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego is known as “The End of the World.” In the afternoon, you board your vessel and set sail, cruising through the mountain-lined Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening.
As you spend the next two days crossing the Drake Passage, you experience the same conditions faced by early polar explorers—cool salt air, rolling seas, and possibly the sight of a fin whale spouting. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, where cold Antarctic waters meet warmer sub-Antarctic seas, you enter the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Here, both marine and birdlife shift dramatically. You may spot wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels.
Gray stone peaks sketched with snow, towers of broken blue-white ice, and dramatically different wildlife below and above. You first pass the snow-capped Melchior Islands and Schollaert Channel, sailing between Brabant and Anvers Islands.
Sites you may visit include:
Danco Island – Activities here may focus on the gentoo penguins nesting on the island, in addition to the Weddell and crabeater seals that can be found nearby.
Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks.
Paradise Bay – You may be able to take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where there’s a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales.
Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you could sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There is also a possibility you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales here, as well as leopard seals.
Port Lockroy – After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, you may get a chance to visit the former British research station – now a museum and post office – of Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. You may also be able to partake in activities around Jougla Point, meeting gentoo penguins and blue-eyed shags.
At the nearby sites, such as Damoy Point there may be the opportunity for snowshoeing to the old ski-way, this is also one of our favorite camping sites.
Wilhelmina Bay & Guvernøren – This is a great place to spot humpback whales. You also may embark on a Zodiac cruise ending at the ghostly wreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling vessel that caught fire here in 1915. Around the Melchior Islands, amid a frozen landscape peopled with icebergs, you may encounter even more whales, leopard seals, and crabeater seals.
Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.
On the way north while crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.
In the afternoon, new passengers embark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, located at the Beagle Channel. Sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening
Spend these days sailing eastwards toward South Georgia. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, which is a natural boundary formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic waters, enter the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, but the bird life changes, too: A variety of albatrosses and petrels show up, along with Cape pigeons and southern fulmars.
Today, 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 in this region include:
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – Here you can see not only the massive king penguin colony but also elephant seals and limitless fur seal pups playing in the surf.
Grytviken – Have the opportunity to check out this abandoned whaling station, where king penguins walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they basically do! You might also see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave here.
Cooper Bay – This is a fine place for a Zodiac cruise, and this bay also houses a rookery of macaroni penguins. King penguins, pintails, and giant petrels may also appear here.
Moltke Harbour – Located in Royal Bay, this scenic spot gives you the chance to see the huge king penguin colony that lives here.
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.
You approach Gough Island for a Zodiac cruise around Quest Bay, weather permitting. Here, you may spot northern rockhopper penguins and sub-Antarctic fur seals. In past years, it has been possible to circumnavigate most of Gough Island’s 33-mile coastline, offering spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.
The remote islands of Tristan da Cunha are known for their abundant birdlife, including rockhopper penguins, albatrosses, petrels, skuas, and terns. Your goal during this part of the voyage is to visit the small settlement on the west side of the main island, but you may also land at Seal Bay on the south side or Sandy Point on the east.
In these incredible locations, you have the chance to encounter yellow-nosed albatrosses and sub-Antarctic fur seals while exploring a rarely visited region. You also plan to land at Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island, both offering spectacular views of seabirds like yellow-nosed albatrosses and brown noddies.
Two days are set aside at Tristan da Cunha in case of bad weather, but nature ultimately dictates the itinerary. Since the start of the Atlantic Odyssey cruise in 1998, rough conditions have canceled 35% of Tristan da Cunha landings. If a diversion is necessary, you will visit an alternative destination.
After you 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 afternoon, new passengers embark in St. Helena. Take the opportunity to explore Jamestown, a uniquely situated city that offers plenty to see before you set sail.
Experience the local British culture, enjoy the tropical climate, and observe the endemic birds on this remote volcanic island. You can visit Longwood House, where Napoleon died in 1821, and if you’re feeling ambitious, consider tackling the 699-step Jacob's Ladder. If time allows, you can also enjoy small hikes or snorkeling in the shallows, where you’ll find a multitude of tropical and subtropical fish. Spend the rest of the evening sailing through this scenic waterway.
Today, you sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a massive underwater mountain range extending 16,000 km (10,000 miles) from the Arctic Ocean to Africa’s southern tip. In the evening, head to the aft deck for stargazing, where you can take in the highlights of the equatorial sky. If the weather is clear, you may spot these celestial wonders with binoculars or even the naked eye.
Joining you across the equator are Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas on their northbound spring migration. At this stage of the voyage, you hope for good weather as you attempt more stargazing on deck, watching as the polar star becomes visible on the northern horizon.
Day 41-42: Sailing towards Ilhéus do Rombo and Sao Filipe (Fogo Island)
You sail by Ilheus do Rombo and São Filipe on Fogo Island, with a chance to spot Western Palearctic species. This gives you an excellent opportunity to observe diverse bird species and enjoy scenic island views from the water.
Day 43: Praia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
You arrive in the town of Praia on Cape Verde’s Santiago Island, disembarking later. Though no lunch is served, you are free to stay on board or store your luggage until disembarkation. If you have time, join an additional tour in and around Praia. Visit the historic Cidade Velha and its massive hillside fortress, built to defend against English raiders. Explore the oldest Christian church in the tropics and the slave whipping post in the main square. Or simply wander the streets of Praia, enjoying folk music spilling from tavern windows.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Single occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share twin price
-Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
42 Breakfasts, 41 Lunches, 42 Dinners
42 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Upon boarding, passengers receive an internet voucher, providing 1.5 GB of free internet per day. This daily allowance resets every 24 hours. Supplementary internet vouchers are available to purchase on board for those requiring additional internet availability.
Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes
Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
Meals ashore
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
Medical travel insurance, including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
4 months ago
Answered our questions
Michael Schneck
6 months ago
Efficient and thorough.
IRWIN G
10 months ago
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
10 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
11 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
4 months ago
Answered our questions
Michael Schneck
6 months ago
Efficient and thorough.
IRWIN G
10 months ago
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
10 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
11 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
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