Wild Isles Of The South Atlantic | Ocean Albatros

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost city. Explore this vibrant Patagonian city, or stretch your legs in the surrounding forests. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port.

After our mandatory safety drill, our expedition begins as we navigate through the calm waters of the famous Beagle Channel (named for Charles Darwin's ship). This steep-sided strait divides southern Tierra del Fuego between Chile and Argentina, and has been the jumping-off point for thousands of expeditions into the unknown. Watch out for whales and dolphins as we sail off the edge of the map, setting an easterly course for the Falkland Islands.

Following the ocean currents of the South Atlantic, we head towards the rarely-visited Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

While the indigenous Yaghan people of Tierra del Fuego may have visited the islands, the Falkland Islands had no indigenous population when Europeans arrived in the early 16th Century. The islands' sovereignty has been contested ever since, and tensions resulted in a conflict over the islands between Britain and Argentina in 1982. While the conflict spurred much-needed development assistance from the United Kingdom, it also left much of the islands heavily mined. Since the conflict however, the islands have flourished, selling lucrative fishing rights to their rich waters. The de-mining operation was completed in 2020.

The waters around the Falklands are some of the richest in the world, with huge whale, seal and penguin populations, so keep binoculars at the ready! Be sure to also join your Expedition Team lecturers to hear about these islands' fascinating history, biology and unique 'Kelper' culture.

During our crossing to the Falkland Islands, your Expedition Leader will brief you on how to behave onshore to get the best possible wildlife experiences while minimising disturbance. Your Expedition Team will assist you to clean and biosecure your clothing and equipment - a vital role our guests play in protecting the unique ecology of the Falkland Islands.

During our first two days in the Falkland Islands, we will venture to some of the outer islands in the West Falklands - 'Camp', as the locals call the area outside the capital, Stanley.

The outer islands of the Falklands are much more wild and more remote than the mainland, and host the majority of the islands' wildlife. Islands such as West Point, Carcass and Saunders are well known for their white sandy shores and spectacular wildlife. Southern Rockhopper Penguins, Black-Browed Albatross and King Cormorants commonly nest together in vast cliffside colonies; penguins nurture their eggs and chicks in clefts between large cylindrical nests where cormorants and albatross nest. Be sure to look out above to see the vast albatross coming in to land - often less than gracefully! The islands are also home to a vast number of other bird species such as the endearingly cheeky Striated Caracara (watch all unattended possessions!), and in the water a number of species such as commerson's dolphins and South American sealions can be seen playing.

During the following morning we will cast anchor in the sheltered natural harbor of Stanley (sometimes known as Port Stanley), and land in the centre of this small city by Zodiac. Stanley is the only settlement on the islands of any size, with a population of around two thousand people - the majority of the islands' population. Look closer and you will notice a very distinctly British feel to Stanley. Victorian houses lining the harbourfront could be on any swanky London terrace; red telephone booths and post boxes stand by the jetty; cosy whitewashed pubs serve fish and chips alongside foaming pints of ale.

The Falkland Islanders are proud of their unique homeland, and Stanley is a great place to explore and soak up the local vibe. Highlights in the city include Christchurch Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral on Earth, as well as excellent shops selling local products (watch out for high quality woollen good in particular), cafes and pubs offering a warm welcome, and an excellent museum; visitors are spoiled for choice! A short drive or a pleasant walk from the city are several stunning beaches. Once heavily mined, these are now open, and locals and foreigners alike often visit to see the abundant penguins and spectacular gold-white sands. Be sure to keep watch for wildlife while strolling through town - even close to shore, penguins, giant petrels and sea lions are very common!

From the Falklands, we set out eastwards again, following the ocean currents towards South Georgia. Here we enter the Furious Fifties, the stretch of powerful water marking the entry to the Antarctic ecoregion. Watch the mercury drop as we sail further east. Your crossing will benefit from our vessels' powerful engines, and the stability provided by the specially-designed X-Bow - making the journey in just two days!

In order to protect the extremely delicate and rich ecosystem of South Georgia, our dedicated Expedition Team will assist you to thoroughly biosecure your clothing and equipment. The Team will also continue their in-depth lecture program, now focussing on the fascinating history, biology and wildlife of South Georgia. Be sure also to wrap up warm and join your Expedition Team out on deck! Due to the mixture of temperate and polar waters, this region of the South Atlantic is one of the most biologically productive on Earth, and is a haven for vast quantities of wildlife - from whales and albatross to penguins and seals. Watch the waves carefully - in this region, sub-Antarctic species (such as fur seals) mingle with true polar species (such as Adelie Penguins), creating a fascinating ecological mix.

Jagged mountains pierce the brooding clouds of the Southern Ocean. Icebound peaks loom over stormy beaches, and glaciers peek from the head of deep fjords. Peer closer, and you will see greenery among the ice, movement on the beaches and wings in the skies above.

South Georgia was once one of the most degraded environments on Earth. Hearing of the rich hunting, sealers flocked to the island after its discovery by Captain James Cook. Once the seals had been almost wiped out, South Georgia became the world's largest whaling area, with several settlements built to carry out this industrialised slaughter. Norwegian whalers introduced reindeer, which soon destroyed the islands vegetation, while brown rats devoured seabirds and their eggs.

Thankfully, extensive conservation has restored this magnificent island to its former glory and removed the reindeer and rats - and glorious it truly is. Beaches throng with hundreds of thousands of elegant King Penguins, which must vie for space with the territorial Antarctic fur seals - who themselves must avoid the gigantic southern elephant seals. Tiny South Georgia Pippits and Pintail Ducks (once almost extinct) are now abundant, and petrels, albatross and shags nest on the steep hillsides. In the sea, leopard seals stalk penguins, fur seal pups play in the shallows, and offshore, a huge variety of whales gorge on krill. Nowhere else on Earth boasts such a diversity and volume of wildlife!

Our exact itinerary will be dictated by weather and sea conditions - nevertheless, our experienced Expedition Team and Captain will maximise opportunities to explore. South Georgia is one of those locations which grabs hold of the senses and never lets go; even long after departure, the jewel of the South Atlantic will captivate visitors for years to come.

We are now into the last leg of this adventurous voyage, heading northwest towards Montevideo, Uruguay - one of the most important ports for historical expeditions, as it is for ours today.

During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our Expedition Team during lectures in the Shackleton Lounge, or simply enjoy the flight of the albatross which accompany us westward. As we traverse from chilly Antarctic waters into more temperate climes, watch as the variety of birds and marine mammals changes and diversifies.

During your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Senior Officers for the Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your Southern Ocean adventure. Skål!

The city of Montevideo sits at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, the vast estuary which holds not one but two capital cities (the throbbing Argentine capital of Buenos Aires is just across the water). We will head for the northern, Uruguayan shore, where our voyage ends in the delightful capital city of Montevideo. This vibrant city is the perfect introduction to the Southern Cone, offering incredible wine, gourmet cuisine and a relaxed beach lifestyle. Trees, cars, grass and a bustling capital city may seem strange to you after the white wilderness of the Southern Ocean!

After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.