As if we hadn’t just completed a long crossing of the Pacific, we are now crossing the Atlantic. From Stanley we first sail to South Georgia. Many birds in the southern oceans are dependent on the relatively small pieces of land for their reproduction. South Georgia is therefore something of a paradise for lovers of sea creatures during the breeding season. There are millions of sea birds, penguins but also seals, whales, and elephant seals in a small area. When we arrive, the summer is almost over, and the young animals are already growing up. We must be a bit lucky with the weather, but we try to make some landings and get to know the island and its flora and fauna a little better.

Then we sail on to the legendary Tristan da Cunha. Tristan da Cunha is so far from everything and everyone that it seems strange that this place is inhabited. The residents are also very friendly and welcome visitors. But there is often a heavy ocean swell that still makes landing on the island impossible. If we do manage to go ashore, we have – again – been able to do something very special. Afterwards we sail on to another continent: Africa. We are already a bit more to the north and usually the weather is much friendlier, this last part. Cape Town is once again a landmark. Sailing ships have moored here for centuries to recover from a long journey, to stock up on new supplies and to prepare for the next journey. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Although South Africa may not be the easiest country to travel to, it is so incredibly beautiful that it is highly recommended that you stay here for a while before flying home.

Before and after your voyage leg
We strongly recommend you book a few days accommodation in the port of your embarkation (prior to your joining Oosterschelde), and a few days in the port you disembark (after your place on the voyage ends). This will allow you to recover before and after your adventure and will give you the opportunity to explore locations at your start and end points.

Land based tour organized by Redfern Adventures
Redfern Adventures has put together really focused itineraries that offer you the chance to explore the incredible Falkland Islands and the beautiful island of Saint Helena after you disembark or before you embark (depending upon which voyage leg you are joining). These itineraries are specifically designed to take in the best wildlife and historic tourist sites that these locations offer.  The Falkland Islands and Saint Helena Add On Trips are organized separately from the DARWIN200 Global Voyage through the travel operator Redfern Adventures.

To reserve a place, please email sales@redfernadventures.com. 

More than an Adventure!
By taking part in the Global Voyage, you support the DARWIN200 project. As part of your adventure, you will receive the following exclusive benefits:

1. A full color, 300-page, hardback book as a momento of your adventure on board.
2. A short video which will be filmed during each voyage leg.
3. An invitation to the Start of Voyage Party in Plymouth on 13/08/2023.
4. An invitation to the End of Voyage Party in Falmouth on 20/07/2025.
5. An invitation to the DARWIN200 Concluding Award Ceremony in London in summer, 2025. Meet environmental celebrities, the young conservationists (‘DARWIN LEADERS’) and take part in a prize-giving ceremony.
6. Acknowledgement and thanks by name on all DARWIN200 output films throughout the global voyage (although anonymity will be respected, if requested).
7. Free DARWIN200 Global Voyage branded T-shirt!

DARWIN200
Become part of DARWIN200, a planetary conservation initiative that will empower the next generation’s elite environmental leaders and engage millions of students worldwide in conservation projects. By taking part in the Global Voyage, you will be helping to make the DARWIN200 project a reality. For more information visit: www.darwin200.com.

Q & A sessions
Interested in joining? Join our live information session about the 2023-25 Global Voyage. Each Information Session is beamed via Zoom and includes an overview of the global voyage, information about each of the 32 voyage legs, a live walk around Oosterschelde (when her schedule allows) and a Questions and Answers exchange.

Join the next info session via www.darwin200.com/info.

We would like the ‘Oosterschelde’ to be accessible to everyone, but making a sea voyage aboard a sailing ship can be challenging and you must be sufficiently fit and healthy to do so. We divide all trips into three levels with an icon of one, two or three waves. Not every level is suitable for everyone. The shipping company may contact you to discuss your participation. In an extreme case, the shipping company may advise against going on a particular trip. Are you unsure if a particular trip is suitable for you? Then contact our shipping office to discuss it.

Level 1

Level 1 voyages are suitable for anyone with good mobility and health. Often these voyages are in sheltered areas or close to the coast. However, it is still a journey on a sailing ship, at sea and so you must weigh up for yourself whether you can cope.

Level 2

Level 2 voyages are often heavier or further from home. You must be able to cope well under sometimes challenging conditions, but in case of need, the ship can be in a port within 24 – 48 hours. There is no age limit, but you may be asked to provide additional proof of fitness or health.

Level 3

Level 3 voyages are only for the experienced and fit sea traveler. The weather can be challenging and there are no ports to call at, along the way. We are out of helicopter range and medical care  from shore is not available. These trips are open to people up to 73 years of age, and you may be asked to provide additional proof of fitness or health.