Remote Atlantic Islands
A Unique Expedition through the South Atlantic Islands aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
- 11 March 2021
- 28 February 2022
- 27 February 2023
Join us on this epic expedition which will begin at the world’s southernmost city and end some 33 days later in Senegal. A voyage of many thousands of miles that will include some of the most remote and fascinating islands in the southern Atlantic. Our natural world encounters will be extraordinary whether your interest lies in birds, marine life or wildlife; as will the botany and cultural life of the islands.
Exploration, trade and colonial ambitions over many centuries have created unique island communities and lifestyles as islands became stepping stones across the South Atlantic Ocean. With just 100 or so fellow travellers you can enjoy the small ship experience and travel slowly with an expert expedition team who also relish the chance to undertake such a unique journey and share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
This island odyssey begins with two days in the Falkland Islands where we will discover both the natural and cultural heritage of the islands before continuing to the extraordinary island of South Georgia, one of the world’s natural wonders - ‘the Alps in mid-ocean’, offering remarkable concentrations of shoreline wildlife against a dramatic backdrop of glaciers and snow covered mountains. Here also is the last resting place of the great explorer Shackleton. Our onward passage will take us to what will perhaps be the highlight of the journey for many, the island of Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote island and home to a hardy population of around 250. Tristan was ignored by early explorers as a possible home due to its rugged landscape and harsh climate. It took an extraordinary breed of people, ready to live on the margins of life, to settle and eventually thrive in the world’s most isolated community. We will discover the main settlement on the island, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, and explore the island on a series of walks. We continue to St Helena which, like Tristan da Cunha has relatively little contact with the outside world. Colonised in the 17th century by the East India Company as an important staging post for their vessels, it is perhaps best known as Napoleon’s final home. We also visit Ascension, situated less than 500 miles from the Equator. We will land on the important military air base island and explore the lowland arid and lunar like landscape. By contrast the highest point, Green Mountain is covered in lush vegetation.
We end our remote islands adventure in the Bijagos Archipelago which comprises a group of 88 small islands, several of which are uninhabited, and most of which are very rarely visited by foreigners. Here we will enjoy Zodiac cruising and landings ashore for beachcombing or swimming.
For those who love the sea and long voyages, enjoy travelling off the beaten track and escaping from the world for a few weeks this is a marvellous trip and an adventure. Our days at sea will be punctuated by calls to little visited islands and we will see amazing seabird life, travel with whales, set foot in places where few have trodden before and enjoy good company, some fascinating onboard lectures, marvellous food and one of the most comfortable expedition vessels in the world.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
-
Our View
“ This is a unique opportunity to visit some of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and meet the people that call these places home. This would be an impossible trip to create independently and we have the added benefit of our all-suite vessel to provide a base as we sail between these island groups. Our onboard lectures will further our understanding of these waters whilst our naturalists will ensure they keep an eye out for any wildlife we encounter on the way. Travelling from the tip of South America, across the equator to West Africa we will see a range of wildlife, different cultures and experience a world away from our own.”
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Itinerary
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition. This voyage will include several days at sea on ocean passages. Our landings will be weather dependent and we have factored in more than one day in each remote island group to optimise our chances of getting ashore. Our exact route and landings will depend on weather and sea conditions and wildlife encountered.
Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Buenos Aires.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon you can choose to relax at the hotel or join an orientation tour of the city which will include the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral, the Cabildo (Old City Hall) and the most traditional neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo which is characterised by its old colonial houses and cobblestoned streets. The tour will end in La Boca with time to look around the colourful zinc houses. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. On arrival in the world’s southernmost city we will transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.
Day 4 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail across the ocean will include albatrosses, 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 Falkland Islands and Southern Ocean.
Days 5 & 6 Falkland Islands.
The Falkland Islands are isolated, windswept, a haven for wildlife and our base for a couple of 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 and blackbrowed albatross. We hope to see the flurry of activity associated with fledging seabirds and adults departing the islands before the autumn closes in. We will use our Zodiacs to find a suitable location to land for a closer look. We also plan to call at Port Stanley, the charming capital of the Falkland Islands, and discover some of the many historic siteson the island.
Days 7 & 8 At Sea.
As we cruise towards South Georgia the richness of these waters will be evident in the marine mammal life, especially the fur seals on fishing forays. We have a good chance of spotting humpback and fin whales whilst the birds circling our stern will be outstanding, especially the large albatrosses and numerous breeds of petrels.
Days 9 to 11 South Georgia.
We have three days of expedition cruising in and around South Georgia, a paradise island with snow-clad mountain peaks rising 9000 feet and with 165 glaciers tumbling down towards the sea. It is the large colonies of king penguins that make South Georgia’s animal kingdom one of our planet’s greatest wonders. The king penguins raise their young in the sub-Antarctic summer and our visit will be in the autumn when fluffy brown chicks 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 whilst 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 of course pay our respect at the grave of ‘the boss’ – Ernest Shackleton.
Days 12 to 16 At Sea.
Our lecture programme will continue as will opportunities to watch for wildlife from the deck as we sail towards the most remote inhabited archipelago of islands in the world at Tristan Da Cunha.
Days 17 & 18 Tristan 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 our two days here there will be plenty of time to spend visiting the main settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas where local guides will tell us about the island’s history and culture. Maybe take a hike to the volcano where we learn about the 1961 eruption and the impact on the local population, ending at the Thatched House Museum which preserves a home from that time. Other walks will include the cliffs and the potato patches where we can hear about the islander’s 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.
Days 19 to 22 At Sea.
Leaving Tristan da Cunha we continue our journey north towards St Helena. Our onboard naturalists will search for wildlife whilst we hope for clear skies to enjoy stargazing in the evenings.
Days 23 to 25 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. However, the island is perhaps best known as Napoleon’s last place of exile. He died here in 1821 after a six year exile and we will visit Longwood House, Napoleon’s residence. 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 wirebird. Keen coffee lovers may want to try the rare ‘Green Tipped Bourbon Arabica’ grown on the island since 1732 whilst a visit to the most remote distillery in the world will provide the opportunity to taste the local gin, rum and ‘Tungi’ made from local prickly pears. Being here on Easter Sunday we also hope to offer the chance to join the church service (applicable to 2021 departure only).’
Days 26 & 27 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing couple of days aboard the MS Hebridean Sky as we continue our journey to the next group of remote islands of the Atlantic Ocean.
Days 28 & 29 Ascension Island.
Named after the day it was discovered and first inhabited in 1815 by a British Garrison, today Ascension Island plays an important role in supplying British forces and scientists based in the South Atlantic. It is also a huge marine reserve to protect the unique ecosystem which is home to huge marlin, green turtles and the endemic frigate bird. We hope to take the opportunity to climb Green Mountain, explore the small capital of Georgetown and if time and conditions allows circumnavigate Boatswain Bird Island.
Days 30 to 32 At Sea.
During our time at sea we will cross the equator as we continue our voyage north and towards the West African coast.
Days 33 & 34 Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea Bissau.
We end our remote islands adventure in the Bijagos Archipelago which comprises a group of 88 small islands, several of which are uninhabited, and most of which are very rarely visited by foreigners. From our Zodiacs we will cruise among the mangroves and land ashore for beachcombing or swimming. Our programme by Zodiac and ashore will be determined by tidal and weather conditions but one thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed by these extraordinary islands.
Day 35 Dakar, Senegal to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
Dates and Prices
28 February to 3 April 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £12695 | £12195 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £12995 | £12495 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £13295 | £12795 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £13695 | £13195 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £14995 | £14495 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £15495 | £14995 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £17495 | £16995 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £13495 | £12995 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £13795 | £13295 |
Mawson Deck Premium for sole use | £13995 | £13495 |
27 February to 2 April 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £13495 | £12995 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £13795 | £13295 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £13995 | £13495 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £14395 | £13895 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £15695 | £15195 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £15995 | £15495 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £17995 | £17495 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £14995 | £14495 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £15495 | £14995 |
Mawson Deck Premium for sole use | £15995 | £15495 |
11 March to 14 April 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | Fully Booked | |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | Fully Booked | |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS110323
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast • 32 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Use of waterproof boots on board • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Guinea Bissau visa.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Our View
“ This is a unique opportunity to visit some of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and meet the people that call these places home. This would be an impossible trip to create independently and we have the added benefit of our all-suite vessel to provide a base as we sail between these island groups. Our onboard lectures will further our understanding of these waters whilst our naturalists will ensure they keep an eye out for any wildlife we encounter on the way. Travelling from the tip of South America, across the equator to West Africa we will see a range of wildlife, different cultures and experience a world away from our own.”
Tour Extensions
-
-
Before joining our group in Buenos Aires, we are offering the opportunity to visit the Iguazu Falls, considered by many to be the most dramatic waterfalls in the world.
Iguazu Falls
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Buenos Aires.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls.
After breakfast at the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Iguazu Falls. On arrival check in to the hotel and this afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the falls. Today we will explore the Brazilian side of the falls walking through the tropical rainforest. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Iguazu Falls.
Enjoy a full day at the Iguazu Falls on a series of guided walks seeing the upper and lower circuits and also the triple frontier the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Highlights today include the 80 metre fall “Garganta del Diablo” (Devil’s Throat). (B, L, D)
Day 5 Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires.
Return to the airport this morning and join our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to the hotel and join our fellow travellers (follow main itinerary from day 2). (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
8 to 12 March 2021 Category Price Twin £1795 Single £2245 25 February to 1 March 2022 • 24 to 28 February 2023 Category Price Twin £2195 Single £2695 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires and two nights hotel accommodation in Iguazu Falls , meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), guided tours at the Iguazu Falls, transfers, gratuities, airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
-
Also of Interest
Passage from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands
A voyage including the Cape Verde Archipelago, Morocco and the Canary Islands aboard the MS Caledonian Sky
Caledonian Sky
Caledonian Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Sal / Sao Vicente / Dakhla / Laayoune / Tenerife / La Gomera / El Hierro /Gran Canaria
Island Hopping in the Azores
A nine night voyage around the Azores Archipelago aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Sao Miguel / Santa Maria / Terceira / Graciosa / Flores / Corvo / Sao Jorge / Pico / Faial / Sao Miguel
Atlantic Archipelagos
A springtime voyage from Senegal to Madeira aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Dakar / Sao Tiago / Porto Novo / Sao Antao / Mindelo / Sal / La Gomera / El Hierro / La Palma / Madeira
Spring in the Towns & Gardens of the Atlantic Edge
A voyage from Oporto to Portsmouth aboard the MS Caledonian Sky with Guest Speaker Alan Mason
Caledonian Sky
Caledonian Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- oporto / Villagarcia De Arousa / Santiago de Compostela / Douarnenez / Isles of Scilly / Fowey / Portmouth
Iberian Stepping Stones
A late summer celebratory voyage from Portsmouth to Mallorca aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker John Lippiett
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Portsmouth / Guernsey / Douarnez / Locronan / Villagarcia de Arousa / Coimbra / Lisbon / Cadiz / Seville / Gibraltar / Malaga / Cartagena / Palma de Mallorca
Passage from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands - 2022
A springtime voyage from Mindelo to Las Palmas aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Mindelo / Porto Novo / Palmeira / La Palma / La Gomera / El Hierro / Las Palmas
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000