The ‘Oosterschelde’ has just concluded the two-year Darwin200 Global Voyage. In Falmouth, where Charles Darwin once ended his voyage on board HMS Beagle, we celebrate this safe homecoming. A project of this magnitude, involving so many people, deserves a grand finale. To mark the end of this extraordinary journey, we set sail for London, adding a memorable chapter to the adventure. The route takes us from the English Channel along the southern coast of England, through the Strait of Dover, and into the Thames estuary. It promises a diverse voyage, starting with deep waters, rocks, and islands in the Channel. After passing the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the rocky coast gives way to sandy beaches and tidal sandbanks. The Dover Strait is narrow and busy, with a myriad of ships to observe. At Gravesend, a pilot will board for the final part of the journey.

The Thames is a true tidal river, with up to 7 meters of difference between high and low tide, creating strong currents. We ride the flood tide upriver, as mudflats vanish beneath the rising water. Passing the old docks—now home to London City Airport—we sail through the Thames Barrier, around the iconic O2 Arena, and along the Greenwich Meridian, the boundary of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. We dock in Greenwich, the cradle of British maritime history, with views of the majestic Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory. Welcome in London!

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.

We would like the ‘Oosterschelde’ to be accessible to as broad and diverse an audience as possible, but you must realize that you are embarking on a sea voyage aboard a sailing ship. This requires more from you than a daily walk. Moreover, some voyages are more challenging than others. With different levels (the waves), we provide an indication of how demanding the trip might be. If you’re unsure whether a particular voyage is suitable for you, please contact our shipping office to discuss it.