Documentary2008–2010OLN

The Best Episodes of Departures

Every episode of Departures ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Departures!

Best episode
S3E3 Sri Lanka
8.936 votes
Worst episode
S3E12 North Korea: The Other Side
7.626 votes
Top season
Season 2
8.3avg
Binge time
1d 8h
42 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Departures Season 3 Episode 3 - Sri Lanka
    8.9/10(36 votes)

    S3:E3

    Travelling to Sri Lanka at the tail end of the 25-year civil war, the guys expect to visit a war-torn country, yet discover a different land. From exploring the wonders of Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin, to visiting Sri Lanka’s indigenous inhabitants, the Veddas tribe, and joining the pilgrimage up Adam’s Peak, the guys experience a beautiful and culturally rich country. They get to Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, just in time to see the Navam Perahera – a spectacular parade made up of thousands of dancers and acrobats, and over a hundred decorated elephants.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Departures Season 2 Episode 9 - Zambia
    8.9/10(32 votes)

    S2:E9

    Scott and Justin ultimately find themselves in the midst of some of the most wild roads and dangerous animals on the planet. Sleeping in a tree-blind while lions walk directly under them or taking a walking safari is no match to the real situation with the people they meet. The guys experience a way of life that is so drastically different than theirs, impoverished and battling the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the guys witness the joy and sorrow at a small church ceremony and gain a fresh outlook from their new Zambian friends.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Departures Season 2 Episode 13 - Antarctica
    8.7/10(28 votes)

    S2:E13

    The crew are headed to a place they never thought they would ever see in their lifetime - Antarctica. Claimed by some, owned by no one. A continent for peace and science, the betterment of all mankind. Scott and Justin are granted a rare opportunity to stay in the Chilean scientific base on King George Island. They spend a week learning about life on the continent, while visiting the nearby Russian and China bases, all perfect microcosms of their home countries. The three then get on a Russian expedition ship and head down the Antarctic peninsula to witness some of the world’s most breathtaking and serene atmospheres imaginable. They discover all the wonderful flora and fauna of Antarctica, and end it all by claiming a little piece of Antarctica for themselves in Paradise Bay, and building a snowman to guard their claim.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Departures Season 3 Episode 1 - Russia: Comrades and Capitals
    8.7/10(27 votes)

    S3:E1

    Anything is possible in Russia. Scott and Justin meet up with their friend Bogdan and visit the last man living in the radioactive zone in Chernobyl. They visit St. Petersburg for some homemade vodka and to celebrate Bogdan’s birthday, before hopping on an overnight train to Moscow. The adventures in Moscow are diverse: An awkward visit to a Russian bath, a wild night out in an exhilarating dance club and a chance to drive a cold-war military tank. Next, they fly to Siberia and meet a vodka-slamming shaman, who puts them all to shame on the dance floor.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Departures Season 3 Episode 5 - Papua New Guinea: Fire and Water
    8.7/10(25 votes)

    S3:E5

    One of the most fascinating places on earth, and one of the most dangerous, Papua New Guinea is a rough and mostly unexplored country. The guys meet up with their friend Nick on the island of East New Britain, where they visit the lava-buried city of Rabaul, and climb up, and into, an active volcano. Next they explore the island and local dive sites for abandoned World War II relics. Making their way through some thick jungle, they spend a night in a remote family village on their way to a spectacular fire-dancing tribe.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Departures Season 2 Episode 6 - Mongolia: Tribes and Tribulations
    8.6/10(31 votes)

    S2:E6

    After being separated at the airport and put on different flights, Scott arrives to find that his bag has gone missing. The guys grab supplies and climb into an old soviet van to start a long trek out to a Nomadic Reindeer tribe. But to get there, they will have to travel by van then by horseback for four days. Scott and Justin take part in the tribe’s traditional way of life and come to understand the necessity of the nature and balance around them.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Departures

    READ
  7. Departures Season 3 Episode 4 - Vietnam
    8.6/10(31 votes)

    S3:E4

    Scott and Justin catch up with their high school friend Fran, who is travelling to Vietnam to explore his motherland and family history for the first time. They travel south to north, through the commotion of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong River floating markets, and experiencing haunting remnants of the Vietnam war and visiting magical and mysterious temples and caves along the way. Further north, surrounded by the beauty of Halong Bay, the guys realize that spending time with Fran’s family, and seeing the country through his eyes, has given them a fresh perspective on travel.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Departures Season 1 Episode 11 - Thailand
    8.5/10(33 votes)

    S1:E11

    Nearing the end of the trip, Scott and Justin fly to Thailand looking for unique experiences outside of traditional tourist stops, from the hill tribes of the north to the sun-drenched kickboxing rings of the south.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Departures Season 2 Episode 8 - Iceland
    8.5/10(30 votes)

    S2:E8

    Iceland’s raw nature, good hearted people and vast open spaces encourage Scott and Justin to brave the elements. From Reykajavik the guys rent a 4x4 truck and hit the open roads, no matter what the conditions. They encounter a family while sheep herding, and join in to help on their way to find adventure in the ice and glaciers . Active volcanoes, ice climbing and squeezing into an underground lava tube hint towards some of the personal strength needed to continue their world adventures.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Departures Season 2 Episode 7 - Mongolia: Meals and Wheels
    8.5/10(28 votes)

    S2:E7

    The guys stay with the Tsatsaan Reindeer tribe for a couple more days before the long trek back to Ulaan Bator. Scott and Justin stop along the way at a complete strangers ger (traditional Mongolian tent) where the three are invited in for fermented yaks-milk and some mix of goat-organ soup. Craving adventure of a different variety, they rent ATV’s and drive freely into the Gobi desert. Camping at night, and driving by day, the trio discover the ultimate idea of freedom, before running into various trouble on the road.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Departures Season 2 Episode 12 - Chile: Ends of the Earth
    8.5/10(28 votes)

    S2:E12

    History repeats itself as Scott and Justin push as far south as they can go. Adventure, fate, chance and the infestation of the travel bug all play a huge role. On one of the most remote islands on Earth, Easter Island, the guys experience the breath-taking awe of the infamous heads and try scuba diving again. They then head to Patagonia to help with Gaucho sheep-sheering and to visit a penguin island where a brave little penguin develops a crush on Scott. Their experiences in the southern-most town on Earth ultimately wins them a ticket to Antarctica, when by chance they run into a pilot friend who took them on an Arctic cargo plane one year previously.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Departures Season 3 Episode 2 - Russia: The Bull of Winter
    8.5/10(28 votes)

    S3:E2

    The guys head northeast into Siberia to reach the coldest inhabited place on earth: the Pole of Cold. Along the way, the word of Scott and Justin’s journey travels and they become local news celebrities. They visit a permanent circus, take part in the Festival of Cold, answer questions at local press conferences and end up judging a quirky beauty contest in Yakutsk. Riding reindeer for the rest of the trek, they camp in the snow before hitting the Pole of Cold.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Departures Season 2 Episode 10 - Madagascar
    8.4/10(28 votes)

    S2:E10

    In order to meet the King in the village of Vohipeno, Scott and Justin have to take a long train ride through the rainforest and bring gifts for the kingdom. Along with a Rooster and Rabbit aptly named “Pancakes” and “Waffles”, they make their way through Madagascar where they find lemurs, climb the jagged cliffs in Tsingy and develop friendships with a village full of chanting kids.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Departures Season 1 Episode 12 - Cambodia
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    S1:E12

    Scott and Justin meet up with their friend Sarorn and his family who show them the real side of Cambodia. The villages, the poverty, and the amazing people. The guys find new purpose with their year long travel and commit to another year-long trip.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Departures Season 2 Episode 3 - Brazil: Piranha Soup
    8.3/10(29 votes)

    S2:E3

    The guys reunite with Gisele, whom they had met on their previous trip to Jordan. A native to Brazil, Gisele shows them around Rio de Janeiro. She takes them hang gliding, to a football match, and into the ghettos before they hit the road for the Pantanal. Here they find poisonous plants, the worlds largest living rodents, and catch piranha for lunch - none of the reasons why Justin ends up in the hospital. This is a great opportunity for the guys to learn about Brazil’s dangers before reaching the Amazon.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Departures Season 1 Episode 4 - India: Quest for the Himalayas
    8.2/10(29 votes)

    S1:E4

    Friends Scott and Justin travel through the more untouched parts of India, a quest which takes them to the highest mountains in the world. Into the depths of a storm, and ill from food poisoning, India challenges them both to their utmost limits.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Departures Season 1 Episode 5 - Ascension Island
    8.2/10(24 votes)

    S1:E5

    In the middle of the South Atlantic, staying atop the highest mountain, Scott and Justin struggle with feelings of isolation as they try to contact banks at home and save personal relationships.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Departures Season 3 Episode 6 - Papua New Guinea: Without a Paddle
    8.2/10(21 votes)

    S3:E6

    Leaving the islands, the guys head into mainland PNG and drive up into the rugged Highlands with their friend Nick. They travel through Goroka, where they take part in an embarrassing Mudmen dance ritual involving bows, arrows and loincloths. They prepare for an epic journey: A private flight north to a remote grass airstrip, where they have three days to make their way down the extremely remote Sepik River and try to become true men of the Sepik.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Departures Season 3 Episode 10 - Rwanda
    8.2/10(21 votes)

    S3:E10

    Rwanda is a country emerging from its darkest years of poaching and the 1994 genocide. Scott and Justin travel with locals to learn more about how Rwanda is managing today. They explore the recovery of the animal population – from swimming cows on Napoleon Island to trekking into the wild to visit isolated groups of mountain gorillas. This experience is contrasted with a visit to the church of Ntarama to talk to a genocide survivor, and a court tribunal of several accused men. The guys hear stories of forgiveness from the people, and learn of their hope for their country.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Departures Season 3 Episode 7 - Ecuador
    8.1/10(19 votes)

    S3:E7

    The guys’ adventure begins by zip lining across jungle canopy, rappelling down waterfalls and bungee jumping off a city bridge. They dive with sharks off the Galapagos Islands, and realize the human impact on animals there. On the mainland, they stumble upon the Intiraymi festival, where celebrations are contrasted by near-riots between conflicting tribes. Next, they venture into the Amazon to find the Hourani tribe, and arrive the day of the Chief’s father’s funeral. Attending the ceremony, they learn how the tribes are fighting to keep their traditions alive and protect their land.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Departures Season 3 Episode 8 - Ethiopia: Saints & Snakes
    8.1/10(20 votes)

    S3:E8

    Scott and Justin explore the spiritual side of Ethiopia. In Lalibella, they visit ancient churches carved entirely out of stone, and Justin tries teaching a class of school children some new words. They visit the castles in Gondor and the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, which claims to house the lost Ark of the Covenant. At the Debra Damos monastery, accessible only by climbing a rope up a sheer cliff, they share some difficult but hilarious conversation with a well-spirited monk, who has some poignant things to say about brotherhood and human origins.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Departures Season 3 Episode 16 - Australia
    8.1/10(20 votes)

    S3:E16

    From the southern coast of Adelaide, all the way to Darwin, the guys take on another road trip - this time with their own purchased 4x4 to get them through the perilous, dusty outback. Fighting constant breakdowns, they reach the underground town of Coober Pedy, where they search for opal with the help of an explosives “expert”. The crew travel from Uluru, staying on a working ranch, before tackling the ultimate offroad adventure through searing sand to remote Boggy Hole. Pushing on through a sudden rainstorm in the north, to the last miles to Darwin, Scott, Justin, and Andre have now travelled to all seven continents. What’s next?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Departures Season 1 Episode 10 - New Zealand: Adrenaline
    8.1/10(22 votes)

    S1:E10

    Christmas approaches as Scott and Justin continue their travels through untouched New Zealand. Finding adventure and uninhabited landscape reminds them of how long they've been on the road and of all the family and friends waiting for their return.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Departures Season 3 Episode 9 - Ethiopia: Dances with Bulls
    8.1/10(22 votes)

    S3:E9

    Scott and Justin meet up with Robel, who takes the guys to visit his sisters in his village of Harar. They visit the bustling chat market, and learn how to prepare the traditional stimulant. That night, Robel takes them to feed some wild hyenas by hand. Leaving Harar, they take a long drive to visit the Hammer Tribe. Here they witness a rare ceremony in which the women of the village offer themselves to be whipped, and one soon-to-be married man has to run, stark naked over a dozen bulls, to prove his worth as a husband.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Departures Season 2 Episode 11 - Chile: Ups and Downs
    8.1/10(28 votes)

    S2:E11

    Despite Justin's difficulties with altitude sickness in India, they make their way up to 15,000 feet in the Altiplano of northern Chile. Justin gets sick and requires a hospital visit and oxygen. Beat down, he tries again, this time in the adventure mecca of San Pedro by biking down a mountain. They sleep in tents amongst the beautiful landscapes of active volcanoes, salt flats and pink flamingo reserves before heading to the mystical island of Chiloe. Here they experience life as it was one hundred years ago, and meet strange and wonderful characters, including the moonshine-making Grandma Rosa and the mythological Filiberto, who gives Justin and Scott advice that may change their lives.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Sri Lanka" is the best rated episode of Departures. It scored 8.9/10 from 36 votes. Written and directed by Unknown, it aired on March 20, 2010.

Keep going

Browse Departures by season

If you like Departures