South America to Antarctica: A Journey with Oceania Marina
A visit to Antarctica is often described as the journey of a lifetime, and our visit to the “Great White Continent” lived up to that sentiment. Last year, we had the pleasure of experiencing this incredible journey on the Oceania Marina. Our southbound journey began in Santiago, Chile, wound through the majestic fjords of western Chile, stopped at the “End of the World” in Ushuaia, Argentina before a crossing of the Drake Passage. We spent four days of scenic cruising around the Antarctic Peninsula ogling the incredible seascapes and wildlife. Our northbound voyage included stops in historic Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, taking in the stark, but beautiful, landscape of Patagonia in Argentina, and exploring the bustling city of Montevideo, before disembarking in Buenos Aires. It was an unforgettable trip filled with adventure, beautiful landscapes, incredible food, and wonderful memories with friends and the Oceania Marina crew.
Discovering the End of the World: Ushuaia
Located on the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is often called the 'End of the World.' This city, situated at the foot of the Andes Mountain range, is a stunning and scenic destination in South America. While some of our group elected to visit this bustling seaside town with dramatic snow-capped peaks as a backdrop, some of our adventurous group ventured out to see more of what this region had to offer including:
Tierra del Fuego National Park: This national park is located just outside of Ushuaia and offers a range of outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, and camping. The landscape of mountains, glaciers, and rivers is breathtaking and home to a myriad of spectacular wildlife, from birds such as the Magellanic woodpecker and Andean Condor to the native guanaco (a relative of the better-known llama).
Beagle Channel: The Beagle Channel is a navigable sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A boat tour here allows you to see wildlife such as sea lions, cormorants, and albatrosses. The scenery along the coastline is stunning.
Overall, Ushuaia is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors. Whether interested in outdoor activities or history and culture, Ushuaia had something for everyone.
Sailing South: Across the Drake Passage to the Great White Continent
We left Ushuaia at dusk and began the trek south across the Drake Passage. This passage is notoriously unpredictable, ranging from calm (“Drake Lake”) to rough (“Drake Shake”) seas. Summer months in this area are usually far more accommodating, and though we were rocked to sleep with some moderate waves, we were none the worse for wear when we awoke the next day.
The Southern Ocean is renowned for its rich wildlife, especially birds like the majestic Royal Albatross, with its 11-foot wingspan, carving graceful arcs across the horizon, and the ever-present southern petrels that bounced along with us as we approached Antarctica. The open ocean eventually gave way to our first glimpses of the Antarctic continent and its breathtaking scenery. We were privileged to enjoy this bucket-list crossing, and thanks to the staff and crew of the Oceania Marina, we enjoyed the experience in comfort and style.
Exploring Antarctica and its Wonders
We spent the next four days cruising the waters of the Antarctic Peninsula, and the views were nothing short of spectacular. The icescapes, seascapes, and landscapes were genuinely otherworldly. Each iceberg was a unique event, with its endless shapes and hues of blue, some with hitchhikers of penguins or seals, who occasionally raised their heads to watch us pass by. One of the highlights was enjoying a private happy hour in one of our suites with our group and watching dozens of humpback whales from the balcony “waving hello” with their flukes as they fed in these rich waters.
We saw penguins, seals, albatrosses, other sea birds, and whales in their natural habitats, and the pure beauty and scope of the environment were humbling. The Oceania Marina staff provided lectures on the environment and wildlife, which only deepened our experience and understanding of this majestic continent.
Exploring the Untouched Beauty of the Falkland Islands
Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falkland Islands are a group of 778 islands, each with unique charm and beauty. The islands are in the “Furious 50s”, the latitudes of 50 degrees south, known for their strong prevailing westerly winds. We got to experience some of that on our visit to the historic Port Stanley, but once we made the wild tender ride ashore, we were treated to some spectacular sites. Some of the highlights of our visit to the Falkland Islands:
Stanley: The capital of the Falkland Islands, Stanley, is a small town with around 2,500 people. The town has a rich history and culture, and several local attractions, such as the Falkland Islands Museum and the Christ Church Cathedral are very popular. We also explored a number of quaint souvenir shops and popped into one of the local taverns for a refreshing beer and fantastic fish and chips!
Wildlife: The Falkland Islands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including penguins, seals, albatrosses, and whales. One of the most popular island destinations is Volunteer Point, where you can see thousands of king penguins in their natural habitat. Watching these three-foot-tall birds totter about, lash out at their neighbor, and dote over their all-gray chicks perched atop their parent's large, fleshy feet was an incredible spectacle!
Outdoor Activities: The Falkland Islands offer several outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Of course, we birded everywhere we went. The islands' landscape is striking and includes rugged coastlines, open plains, and dramatic mountains, making it a fantastic destination for photographers and nature lovers.
The Falkland Islands are a magical and mostly untouched destination that offers visitors a range of activities and experiences. With its unique culture, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, the Falkland Islands are a must-visit for anyone looking to take on the “Furious 50s” for an off-the-beaten-track adventure!
A Culinary Experience to Remember
The dining experience on the Oceania Marina was exceptional. The ship has several restaurants, each offering its own unique menu. We particularly enjoyed the cooking class at Red Ginger, where we learned how to make spring rolls, lobster pad Thai, and miso seabass — all delicious!
We also had dinner at La Reserve, where we enjoyed a seven-course meal specially inspired by world-renowned chef, Jacques Pepin. Each course was paired with some of the finest wine we ever tasted! This was indeed a memorable experience and not to be missed if you sail on the Marina!
The Martini Bar was the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks. It quickly became our nightly meeting place before dinner for our small group of friends to catch up on the day’s activities. The friendly staff took the time to get to know our favorite snacks and drinks, which added a great personal touch!
Making Memories with Friends and Crew Aboard Oceania Marina
Finally, the memories we created on this trip will stay with us forever. We were a group of 16, all wine friends, and the experience was the perfect way to reconnect and share our passion for travel, wine, food, and adventure. The Oceania Marina staff were accommodating and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed to enjoy our journey.
Sailing on the Oceania Marina to Antarctica and beyond indeed was the experience of a lifetime! The landscapes, wildlife, and destinations were breathtaking, and the service, food experiences, and crew were exceptional. If you ever have the opportunity to embark on this journey, we highly recommend it. Call if you’d like help planning YOUR trip of a lifetime!
