Ocean Diamond: South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula - Penguin Safari
16 Days - Ocean Diamond
This itinerary is the fastest way to get to the rarely visited South Georgia Island while also stepping foot on the 7th Continent. Depart in Ushuaia and spend 2 days in South Georgia exploring a paradise for bird lovers, spotting albatrosses, petrels, as well as the majestic king penguins. Continue towards the Antarctic Peninsula and keep on the lookout for curious whales, leopard and fur seals.
Experience the quintessential wildlife experience of the “Galapagos of the Poles”Visit South Georgia’s king penguin rookeries – the largest in the world
Reflect at the resting place of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton
Visit abandoned whaling stations and learn stories of inhabitants who called this island home
Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the tango capital of the world, and let us take care of the rest of the journey
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and overnight stay
Day 2: Embark ship
Day 3-6: At sea
Day 7-8: South Georgia
Day 9-10: At Sea
Day 11-13: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 14-15:Drake Passage
Day 16: Disembark in Ushuaia
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and overnight stay
You will begin your journey in Ushuaia, a small but bustling port at the tip of South America. It’s the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. Get active in the mountains or enjoy handcrafted chocolate at a café in town.
Day 2: Embark ship
Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart!
Day 3-6: At sea
There are many activities to keep you engaged while you are at sea. Learn to identify seabirds that glide alongside the ship, or attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team. You will be prepped on safety procedures for Zodiac cruises and shore landings, and also be given instructions for getting the most out of your optional kayaking adventures (extra cost), a truly intimate way to experience Antarctica.
Day 7-8: South Georgia
The first indication that you are approaching South Georgia is the sighting of birds around a group of rocky spires called Shag Rocks. Rising out of the icy ocean waters, have your binoculars and cameras ready to photograph these rocks. Shags and prions often rest here. After enjoying South Georgia from a distance, we’ll head towards its sandy beaches to find a protected bay for your first land excursion. Landing sites on South Georgia are varied, and are largely determined by the weather conditions of your voyage. Whichever landing sites we visit, they’ll provide you with wildlife encounters that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else on earth.
This is one of the most fertile breeding grounds in the world for sub-Antarctic wildlife, with beaches littered with penguins - in particular king and macaroni penguins. Many rookeries number into the 100s of thousands! It won’t take you long to realize that South Georgia is a paradise for bird lovers as burrowing seabirds, albatross and petrels can be seen in abundance.
One of the most significant sites you will visit on the island is located on Grytviken. This is one of the first whaling stations established in sub-Antarctic waters. Many travelers find this place of special appeal as it is home to the remains of one of the best known Antarctic explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Day 9-10: At Sea
Say goodbye to the king penguins, as your next destination is Antarctica! Your days at sea are filled with presentations and lectures led by your Expedition Team, who will prepare you for the wildlife that will greet you upon your arrival. In between activities, spend time chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
If conditions allow, we may attempt landfall on the South Orkney Islands, our first official stop in Antarctica.
Day 11-13: Antarctic Peninsula
The most common reaction to arriving at the White Continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words. You will discover that Antarctica is a land of extremes: at one moment you’ll be overcome with a feeling of complete silence and loneliness, the next you’ll be laughing at the comical antics of a curious penguin.
Zodiac cruises, visits to current research bases or abandoned whaling stations and, of course, communing with seals and penguins are sure to keep you smiling each and every day.
Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the fearless penguin-eater, the leopard seal, or come eye–to–eye with a curious minke whale while out on a Zodiac. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera busy.
Day 14-15: Drake Passage
After more than a dozen days of memorable wildlife encounters, your journey home begins. Crossing the Drake is your unofficial rite of passage, putting a final stamp of completion on your Antarctic adventure.
Day 16: Disembark in Ushuaia
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, which allows for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.
19m², two twin beds, one upper bed, two portholes, TV (Note: cabin 332 has three lower beds), located on the lower deck, a private bathroom, bathtub and shower.
Triple Cabin
Twin Obstructed View
19m², one double bed or two single bedding configuration, a picture window, obstructed view, located on the captain's deck, a private bathroom, bathtub and shower, wardrobes, drawers, TV refrigerator.
Twin Obstructed View
Twin Window
17-19m², one double bed or two single bedding, a picture window, located on the upper, main and captain’s Decks, a private bathroom, shower, a refrigerator, TV.
Twin Window
Suite
37m², one double bed or two twin beds, a separate sitting area, two picture windows, sofas, two easy chairs, a small table, and two private bathrooms, located on the main deck, a refrigerator, TV.
Suite
Balcony Suite
30m², one double bed or two twin beds, a separate sitting area, a full-size window, a sliding glass door, a private deck, chairs, located on the observation deck, a private bathroom, shower, a refrigerator, TV.
Balcony Suite
Single Porthole
19m², one double bed, two portholes, located on the lower deck, a private bathroom, shower, a refrigerator, TV.
Single Porthole
Single Obstructed View
19m², one double bed, a picture window, obstructed view, located on the captain's deck, a private bathroom, shower, a refrigerator, TV.
Single Obstructed View
Ocean Diamond Deckplan
Specifications
Staff and Crew: 144
Guests: 189
Length: 124 meters
Breadth: 16 meters
Draft: 4.9 meters
Propulsion: 2 Wichmann Engines, 7375 horsepower
Ice Class: 1D
Cruising Speed: 15.5 knots
Registration: Nassau, Bahamas
Lifeboats: 2 fully enclosed
Whats included?
One pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia
Group transfers
On-board accommodation
Activities/shore excursions and specified
Lectures and presentations by the expedition team and naturalist staff
Waterproof boots on loan
An expedition parka for you to keep
All meals during your voyage
Selected alcoholic beverages during dinner
All miscellaneous port taxes and charges
Comprehensive pre-departure material
Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
What’s not included?
International and internal airfares
Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
Travel insurance
Optional activities (subject to availability)*
Waterproof pants for zodiac cruising
Gratuities
Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
**Optional activities
Sea Kayaking - US$995 per person
Stand-up Paddleboarding - US$295 per person
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