Explore the famous Magellan Strait and spot penguins, seals and whales from the ship! Charles Darwin’s journey takes us to the hearth of the southernmost part of South America: Punta Arenas in Chile. On our way, we sail through the impressive fjords of Chile. The strait owes its name to the Portuguese explorer Fernão de Magelhães, who sought a western passage to the  Moluccas in the service of the Spanish king.

The Falkland Islands are expedition leader Stewart McPherson’s favorite destination. He came here often and made beautiful documentaries of the special animal life in this deserted place. Several species of penguins live here, such as the Magallanic penguin, the Gentoo penguin, and the King penguin. The largest colony of Black-browed Albatrosses in the world breed here too and there are large colonies of sea lions, seals and of course the giant elephant seals. Different species of dolphins, whales and orcas are also a major attraction because they can be found here in large numbers. Stewart is more than happy to take you on a day trip to the most special places of these islands at the end of our voyage.

Before we reach the famous strait, we first have 400 nautical miles to cover from the Falkland Islands to the mainland. There is almost always wind here, mainly from the west. So, not very favorable for us. The first day, we’ll still be in the relative shelter of the islands. To make sufficient progress we will have to motor sail for days and that is not always very comfortable. But the reward is great. After the extraordinary wildlife of the Falklands, we now explore the impressive fjords and snow-capped peaks of the Strait of Magellan. The wind is changeable, and we have to watch out for the sometimes strong gusts caused by cold air rolling off the mountains. But that nature, what a grandeur!

Fascinating Punta Arenas used to be the base of operations for gold prospectors and sheep farmers and is located close to the Andes Mountains. Weather and conditions permitting, we will also visit Steeple Jason Island, which is home to a huge colony of albatrosses.

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.

Level 2

Level 2-voyages are suitable for anyone in good health and a reasonable level of fitness, without mobility issues. On these voyages, you can expect days with strong winds or high waves, but most of the time the conditions will be good. A harbor is not always nearby and (medical) help from shore is therefore not always available.

The shipping company would like the OOSTERSCHELDE to be accessible to the widest possible audience, but you must realize that you are making a voyage aboard a seagoing tall ship. This requires more of your physical ability than a daily walk. Some voyages are more challenging than others. With the different levels, we give an indication of how heavy the voyage can be. If you are unsure whether a voyage is suitable for you, it is important to contact shipping company OOSTERSCHELDE for advice.