Atlantic Odyssey, excluding the Antarctic Peninsula

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Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure across the Atlantic that takes you to some of the most remote islands on earth. This expedition offers a rare opportunity to experience the fascinating wildlife and breathtaking nature of South Georgia, St. Helena, and Tristan da Cunha. Observe majestic king penguins, curious seals, and a variety of seabirds as you discover the pristine beauty of these unique places. Onboard the MS Plancius, enjoy comfortable accommodations and top-notch catering while being accompanied by an experienced expedition team. This journey promises impressive experiences and numerous photo opportunities that you will take home with you. Flexibility and a spirit of adventure will be your companions on this remarkable journey through the wonders of the Atlantic.
 

Itinerary: Atlantic Odyssey, excluding the Antarctic Peninsula

 
Day 1: The End of the World, the Beginning of a Journey
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, one of the southernmost cities in the world, located at the far southern tip of South America. This fascinating city, nestled in a stunning landscape of snow-capped mountains and deep blue waters, offers a unique starting point for your adventure. In the afternoon, you embark in this small holiday resort on Tierra del Fuego - nicknamed 'The End of the World' - and sail through the picturesque, mountain-lined Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening. As you glide through this impressive waterway, you are presented with a panorama of untouched nature and majestic peaks that provide the perfect backdrop for the start of your journey. The fresh sea breeze and spectacular views make this first day an unforgettable experience, awakening anticipation for the adventures to come.
 
Day 2 - 4: Sea Route to South Georgia
On the way to South Georgia, you will experience a fascinating journey through the expanses of the ocean. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, which acts as the natural boundary of Antarctica and forms where cold water from the south meets the warmer subantarctic sea, you find yourself in the circumpolar upwelling zone. This region is known for its unique marine fauna, which showcases an impressive diversity here. But there is much to discover not only underwater; the birdlife also changes noticeably. A variety of albatrosses and petrels catch your attention as they glide gracefully over the waves. Cape pigeons and southern fulmars join them, offering an impressive spectacle in the sky. These encounters with wildlife make the sea route to South Georgia an unforgettable experience, showcasing the beauty and diversity of nature in an impressive way.
 
Day 5 – 7: Sights on South Georgia
Our goal today is to visit some of the world's finest king penguin colonies. At this time of year, you have a good chance of observing these fascinating animals during egg-laying and seeing their fluffy chicks nearby. The colonies are often teeming with penguins busily wandering between the beaches, an impressive spectacle of nature. Possible visits in this region include: Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbour. Here, you can marvel not only at the vast king penguin colony, but also sea elephants and countless young seals playfully frolicking in the surf. Grytviken offers us the opportunity to explore an abandoned whaling station, where king penguins waddle through the streets and sea elephants spread out as if the place belonged to them - which it essentially does! You might also discover the South Georgia Museum and Shackleton's grave here. Cooper Bay is an excellent place for a Zodiac cruise, and this bay also hosts a colony of macaroni penguins. King penguins, pintails, and giant petrels can also be spotted here. Moltke Harbour, a scenic location in Royal Bay, offers the chance to see the impressive king penguin colony that resides here.
 
Day 8– 12: Once More to Sea
A pleasant tailwind often accompanies the ship through the westerlies, making the journey across the vast waters a smooth and steady experience. As you relax on the deck and enjoy the fresh sea breeze, you have the opportunity to observe an impressive variety of Antarctic and subantarctic seabirds on both sides of the Antarctic Convergence. These majestic creatures, gliding through the air with ease, offer a fascinating spectacle that showcases the vastness and beauty of nature in an impressive way. Watching these birds fly freely in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience that makes the journey a special adventure.
 
Day 13: The Quest Continues on the Great Gough Island
Today promises to be an exciting day as we plan to approach the impressive Gough Island. Our goal is to embark on an exhilarating Zodiac ride in the picturesque Quest Bay, provided the weather cooperates and allows us this adventure. In this fascinating environment, you may have the opportunity to observe the charming northern rockhopper penguins that live here in their natural setting. You might also encounter subantarctic fur seals, which are native to this region. In previous years, we have been fortunate to circumnavigate most of the 33-mile perimeter of Gough Island. These explorations have always given us the chance to fully enjoy the impressive landscape and rich wildlife of this unique area. The island offers a wealth of natural beauty that captivates every visitor.
 
Day 14 – 17: Tristan da Cunha and All the Beautiful Birds
The remote islands of Tristan da Cunha are famous for their rich birdlife, including rockhopper penguins, several species of albatross, petrels, skuas, terns, and many others. This fascinating variety of feathered inhabitants attracts nature lovers from all over the world. Our goal at this stage of our journey is the small settlement on the west side of the main island, but we could also land in Seal Bay on the south side of Tristan da Cunha or at Sandy Point on the east side. These locations offer not only breathtaking landscapes but also the opportunity to observe exotic animals such as yellow-nosed albatrosses and subantarctic fur seals in their natural environment. As you explore this rarely visited place, you will be surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature. We also intend to land on Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island, both of which offer great views of beautiful seabirds, from yellow-nosed albatrosses to brown noddies. These islands are a paradise for birdwatchers and offer unforgettable experiences. Two days are reserved on Tristan da Cunha in case of bad weather, but please remember that nature dictates our itineraries here: since the beginning of the Atlantic Odyssey cruise in 1998, 35% of the landings on Tristan da Cunha have been canceled due to bad weather. If we need to make a diversion for safety reasons, we will find good alternatives to ensure your journey remains an unforgettable adventure.
 
Day 18 – 21: Subtropical Seas and Seabirds
During our journey through the subtropical seas, characterized by their impressive diversity of marine life, we experience a fascinating natural spectacle. Seabirds and dolphins, native to this region, often follow the ship. These majestic creatures, gliding gracefully through the air or elegantly leaping through the waves, offer an unforgettable experience. The seabirds, with their outstretched wings, seem to float effortlessly above the water, while the dolphins with playful ease appear and disappear alongside the ship. These encounters with the wildlife of the subtropical seas are not only a highlight of the journey but also a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of nature up close. Observing these animals in their natural habitat is a striking example of the rich biodiversity this region has to offer.
 
Day 22 – 24: St. Helena Highlights
After landing in Jamestown on the island of St. Helena, you are presented with a fascinating opportunity to experience the local culture in all its diversity. The island's pleasant climate invites you to fully enjoy the surroundings, while the endemic birdlife impresses with its uniqueness. A visit to Longwood House, the place where Napoleon spent his last days in exile, offers a deep insight into the island's history. For the adventurous among you, there is the opportunity to climb the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder, an experience that is both physically challenging and rewarding. Alternatively, you can snorkel in the clear, shallow waters off the coast, admiring the colorful variety of tropical and subtropical fish. Please note that you have the option to disembark and fly home from Jamestown, subject to flight availability. In the evening, we continue our journey to Ascension Island and further to Praia in the Cape Verde Islands, where you also have the opportunity to disembark. If you plan to depart from Praia, it's important to book the trip PLA33-26 to secure your return.
 
Accommodation: Onboard the MS Plancius, a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere awaits you, perfect for your sea adventures. Choose from various cabin categories, all equipped with private showers and toilets to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Enjoy the view through portholes or windows as you observe the impressive nature and wildlife of the remote islands. The cabins are well-equipped with a table, chairs, and ample storage space to conveniently accommodate your travel items.
 
More Information: The stated itinerary serves merely as a guideline. Changes may occur due to weather conditions, ice, and wildlife observations. Landings are dependent on permits and environmental factors according to IAATO guidelines. The expedition leader has the authority to determine the final schedule, hence flexibility during the journey is of utmost importance.
 
Discover the fascinating expanses of the Atlantic and experience impressive encounters with wildlife on this unique expedition. Demand is high, so we recommend that you inquire early and secure your journey. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of these remote islands!
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