South Atlantic Island Explorer
34 Days / 32 Nights On Board – Ushuaia to Cape Verde
Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime Repositioning Cruise from the world’s southernmost city to the Cape Verde Islands.
You’ll be able to disconnect from so-called civilization, as you visit islands few people ever get to see; walk in the footsteps of history; look for rarely spotted wildlife; have the opportunity to hear from experts or learn a new skill; all while saving 70% off our typical daily excursion rates. This voyage of thousands of miles will take you to some of the most fascinating islands in the southern Atlantic, home to rare birds, marine and other wildlife; and rich in botany and cultural significance.
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition. This voyage will include several days at sea on ocean passages. Landings will be weather dependent and more than one day has been factored in for each remote island group to optimise chances of getting ashore. The exact route and landings will depend on weather and sea conditions and wildlife encountered.
Voyage Dates
| Arrive | Board | Disembark |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 14, 2024 | Mar 15, 2024 | Apr 16, 2024 |
Highlights
- Savings of 70% versus our typical daily excursion rates.
- Thirty-four care-free days of travel aboard the elegant Seaventure
- A rare opportunity to encounter birds (some rarely seen) endemic to both the Falklands/South Georgia and the South Atlantic
- Landings in the Falklands, South Georgia Island, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, Ascension, and Cabo Verde
- Fascinating presentations on history, wildlife, Geography/Geology AND a series of TED-type presentations and round table discussion on climate, energy, ecology, polar travel, and more.
The voyage is packed with opportunities to learn from our highly skilled Polar Latitudes crew! Over the course of 34 days, imagine:
- Taking a photography course with one of our National Geographic contributors Ben Osborne / Lisa La Pointe / Will Rogan
- Learning how to edit videos on your iPhone with Dan Brown, renowned photographer, videographer, and scientific advisor to the BBC, Netflix, and National Geographic.
- Learning about navigation from the Ship’s Captain and his crew.
- Learning the trade secrets of fine sauce preparation and elegant dish presentation with our ship’s chef
Day 1 (Mar 14), Arrive in Ushuaia
Transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, surrounded by stunning panoramic views, native forests, natural terraces, and green areas. Enjoy the resorts facilities and then attend an evening briefing where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow travelers.
Day 2 (Mar 15), Embarkation
Spend your morning exploring Ushuaia or unwinding at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will greet you on board, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and Captain’s welcome dinner.
Day 3 (Mar 16), Scotia Sea
Wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail across the Scotia Sea will include albatross, prions, and petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our expedition team will be out on deck looking for whales and dolphins that may also be seen in the area. During our crossing to the Falkland Islands, our onboard experts will begin their presentations with informative and entertaining talks on the wildlife, history, and geology of the Southern Ocean.
Day 4-5 (Mar 17-18), The Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) are isolated, windswept, and a haven for wildlife, and will be our base for a few days of exploration. Our visit in March should coincide with the end of the breeding season for the many seabirds that make these islands their summer home including Gentoo, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins, as well as the Black-Browed albatross. Hopping in our inflatable Zodiacs, we hope to see a flurry of activity associated with fledging seabirds and adults departing the islands before autumn closes in. We also plan to call at Port Stanley, the charming capital of the Falklands (Malvinas) and discover some of the historic sites from museums to battlefields.
Day 6-7 (Mar 19-20), At Sea
As we cruise towards South Georgia, the richness of these waters will be evident in the marine mammal life – especially Fur seals on fishing forays. We have a good chance of spotting Humpback and Fin whales while the birds circling our stern will be outstanding, particularly the large albatross and numerous breeds of petrels.
Day 8-10 (Mar 21-23), South Georgia
Three glorious days of expedition cruising in and around South Georgia, a paradise island with snow-clad mountain peaks rising 9000 feet and hundreds of glaciers tumbling down towards the sea. Large colonies of King penguins make South Georgia one of our planet’s greatest wonders. During our visit (in the Austral Autumn) the fluffy brown King chicks hatched in the summer, will crowd the shores like a huge kindergarten.
We hope to catch the Wandering albatross and migrating whales as the wildlife starts to prepare for the upcoming winter. Witness incredible scenes of this unique animal paradise on walks, hikes, and Zodiac rides while our onboard team of biologists and geologists increase your knowledge of this unique natural experience. Meanwhile, in Grytviken, we will visit the old whaling station and pay our respects at the grave of “the boss” – Ernest Shackleton.
Day 11-15 (Mar 24-28), At Sea
Kick back and relax, keep a look-out for passing wildlife from the deck, or feed your mind and imagination at any of our ongoing lectures or workshops. We’ll be discussing Antarctica’s incredible history and the future of Antarctic tourism, and our photography coach will be hosting workshops to help you take your photo skills to a new level. This is your time to indulge – or just daydream! – as we sail towards the most remote inhabited archipelago of islands in the world – Tristan Da Cunha.
Day 16-17 (Mar 29-30), Tristán da Cunha
First sighted in the early 16th century and settled in the early 1800s, Tristan da Cunha was frequented by naval ships, whalers, and sealers throughout the 19th century. Today it is home to some 250 hardy souls who make their living from the sea.
With two days here, there will be plenty of time to visit the main settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas where local guides will tell us about the island’s history and culture. Take an optional hike to a volcano where we learn about its eruption in 1961 and the impact that it had on the local population. End at the Thatched House Museum featuring a home preserved from that time. Other walks will include the cliffs and the potato patches where we can hear about the islanders’ subsistence farming. We also hope to visit Nightingale Island, one of the most unique wildlife strongholds in the world and home to thousands of seabirds.
Day 18-21 (Mar 31-Apr 3), At Sea
This is a great time for wildlife and bird viewing or attending one of our lecture and round table series, where you can learn about our upcoming visit to the richly historic St Helena, Napoleon’s final place of exile. It might be a good time to hit the gym, too, if you plan to take on the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder on St Helena, for an excellent view of Jamestown.
Day 22-24 (Apr 4-6), Jamestown, St. Helena
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, the island of St Helena has been both a Dutch and British possession. In the late 17th century, the island became a strategically important port of call in the British Empire and was controlled by the East India Company for over 200 years.
The island is probably best known as Napoleon’s last place of exile, where he died in 1821 after six years living at Longwood House, which we will visit.
Explore the tiny capital of Jamestown and see the courthouse, government buildings and library. Those feeling active may want to climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder with views over Jamestown. During a range of walks for all levels, there will be time to explore the surrounding countryside, experience some amazing views, and witness the prolific birdlife, including the endemic St. Helena Wire bird.
Coffee lovers may want to try the rare ‘Green Tipped Bourbon Arabica’, grown on the island since 1732. Those interested in spirits might enjoy a visit to the most remote distillery in the world with the opportunity to taste the local gin, rum, and ‘Tungi’ made from local prickly pears.
Day 25-26 (Apr 7-8), At Sea
We’ll celebrate crossing the Equator with a special ceremony and swim in Seaventure’s saltwater pool, which will be filled especially for this occasion. Our Lecture series continues.
Day 27-31 (Apr 9-13), At Sea
Our time at sea is always a great opportunity to revisit the photographs you’ve been taking, share adventure stories with some of your newly-made friends, or spot wildlife off the deck. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic Frigate bird! We hope to ship cruise past Boatswain bird islands on the coast of Ascension. Our lecture series is always ongoing, too. Join us as we preview our next stop, the colorful town of Sao Filipe.
Day 32 (Apr 14), Fogo
Explore the lush, volcanic island of Fogo, home to 35,000 people on the southern edge of the Cape Verde Islands. Visit the town of Sao Filipe, with an opportunity to tour the volcano and lush green hillsides growing tropical fruits and peanuts.
Day 33 (Apr 15), Praia, Cape Verde
This morning we’ll be in port in Praia, the capital city of the Cape Verde Islands. We will have a full day to explore Praia’s colonial architecture, bustling markets, and beautiful beaches, before returning to the Seaventure for a sumptuous final night feast.
Day 34 (Apr 16), Disembarkation, Sal, Cape Verde
Disembark this morning and transfer to Amílcar Cabral International Airport, in Sal, Cape Verde. (Airport Code SID). Flight options (at your own expense) include TAP Airlines direct to Lisbon or Edelweiss Airlines direct to Zurich, where you can connect to your home airport. Or if you’re not quite ready for your adventure to end, make your own way from the ship to a local hotel and enjoy everything this island has to offer.
Important Details
Prices quoted are per-person based on double/triple occupancy.
Single Supplement Waived! Limited Availability.
Group Travel
Traveling With a Group?
Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.
Rates vary by cabin.
A World-Class Small Ship Experience
Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating — the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. The ship offers all outside-facing staterooms (some with balconies) and beautifully appointed dining areas, as well as al fresco dining on the Lido deck when weather permits.
Seaventure also offers a sauna and fitness center and a dedicated Citizen Science lab.