Approaching Tristan da Cunha island

Atlantic Odyssey - M/V Plancius

Atlantic Islands

The Atlantic Odyssey offers a unique possibility to visit several of the remotest islands in the world. Besides marvellous South Georgia, the Atlantic Odyssey visits Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha and St. Helena. Beautiful and often rare species live on these islands, many of them not found anywhere else in the world. Isolated local communities can also be visited. An extension is available to Ascension and to Praia, Cape Verde

Highlights

  • Visit the remotest islands in the world
  • See where Napoleon lived
  • A journey from the Antarctic to the tropics
  • Observe unprecedented abundance of wildlife
  • Antarctica
  • South Georgia
  • Tristan da Cunha
  • Gough Island
  • St Helena
  • extend to Ascension Island and Cape Verde

This far-ranging expedition voyage sails the breadth of the Atlantic, visiting several of the remotest islands in the world! Follow the migratory paths of birds, including Arctic terns and long-tailed skuas, while whales, dolphins, and flying fish leap, crest, and glide above the waves of the high seas.

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Jul 22 2017
 
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Stewart's Take

An unique and epic expedition for those who love remote and undiscovered places. Seldom-visited islands and wonderful possibilities to see bird and marine life.

Overview

The Atlantic Odyssey offers a unique possibility to visit several of the remotest islands in the world. Besides marvellous South Georgia, the Atlantic Odyssey visits Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha and St. Helena. Beautiful and often rare species live on these islands, many of them not found anywhere else in the world. Isolated local communities can also be visited. An extension is available to Ascension and to Praia, Cape Verde

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia - End of the world, start of a journey Your voyage begins where the world drops off: Ushuaia, Argentina, said to be the southernmost city on the planet, located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, we embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego (nicknamed “The End of the World”) and sail the mountainous Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening. Days 2 – 4: Sea route to South Georgia Today we are en route to South Georgia. After passing the Antarctic Convergence, which is a natural boundary formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic waters, we enter the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the bird life changes, too: A variety of albatrosses and petrels show up, along with Cape pigeons and southern fulmars. Days 5 – 7: South Georgia Our aim today is to 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 We also 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. Days 8– 12: Once more to the sea 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. Day 13: The quest continues at the great Gough Island Today we plan to approach Gough Island for a Zodiac cruise in Quest Bay, if the weather permits. Here you might see northern rockhopper penguins and sub-Antarctic fur seals. In previous years, it has been possible for us to circumnavigate most of Gough Island’s 33-mile circumference, taking in this area’s splendid scenery and abundant wildlife. Days 14 – 17: Tristan da Cunha and all the pretty birds The remote islands of Tristan da Cunha are famed for their plentiful bird populations, which include rockhopper penguins, several species of albatross, petrels, skuas, terns, and many others. Our goal during this stage of our voyage is to visit the small settlement on the west side of the main island, but we might also land at Seal Bay on the south side of Tristan da Cunha or at Sandy Point on the east side. In these stunning locations, you could encounter such exotic wildlife as yellow-nosed albatrosses and sub-Antarctic fur seals, all while exploring a rarely visited spot. We also intend to land at Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island, both of which offer great views of beautiful seabirds ranging from yellow-nosed albatrosses to brown noddies. Two days are reserved at Tristan da Cunha in case of bad weather, but please remember that nature determines our itineraries here: Since beginning the Atlantic Odyssey cruise in 1998, adverse weather led to the cancellation of 35% of Tristan da Cunha landings. If we have to divert for safety reasons, we will find good alternatives. Days 18 – 21: Subtropical seas and seabirds Seabirds and dolphins indigenous to this region often follow the vessel. Days 22 – 24: St. Highlights of Saint Helena After we 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. Please note
  • You have the option to disembark and fly home from Jamestown, if flights are available. In the evening, we will depart for Ascension Island and Praia, Cape Verde, where you can also disembark. Make sure to book voyage the extension if you want to fly out from Praia - contact us for details!
  • All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Polar Snorkelling & Diving

Helicopter Flightseeing

Discover the hidden world beneath the ice with polar snorkelling and diving. Explore crystal-clear waters, sculpted ice formations, and unique marine life in the Arctic and Antarctica. Guided by expert teams and equipped with specialised drysuits, snorkellers and certified divers enjoy a safe, exhilarating experience - found only on select departures—an unforgettable way to deepen your connection with the polar environment. >>Read More Details on this information page!


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Vessel

Expedition Vessel: M/V Plancius

M/V "Plancius" was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named "Hr. Ms. Tydeman". The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was completely rebuilt as a 114-passenger vessel in 2009. M/V "Plancius" complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea), is classed by Lloyd's Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.  M/V "Plancius" accommodates 114 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 15 square metres) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square metres).

For full information about this vessel click here:

Booking Information

Essential Information

Rates, Share and Sole Use policy

All rates are quoted per person, based on shared twin, triple or quad occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, you will be matched with another person of the same gender at the shared rate. Twin and Superior cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share rate.

Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 with parents may receive 40 % discount in Superior, Triple (sharing with 2 parents / adults) and Quadruple Cabins (sharing with 3 parents / adults).

Deposits

Reservations require a deposit of 20% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 60 days of departure require full payment.

Final Payments

Balances are due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 20 % of the total price. If cancellation is received between 89 days and 60 days prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of 50 % of the total price. If cancellation occurs less than 59 days up to and including the day of departure: 100 % of the total price. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

Booking Terms

Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking

Included

  • Voyage aboard the designated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Excluded

  • Any airfare whether on scheduled or charter flights.
  • Pre- and post land arrangements.
  • Transfers to the vessel.
  • Passport and visa expenses. Government arrival and departure taxes.
  • Meals ashore.
  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
  • Excess baggage charges.
  • All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
  • Possible fuel surcharges; It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 90 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US $ 400 per passenger for bookings outside Europe and EURO 300 per passenger for bookings within Europe, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions.
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