HIGHLIGHTS
- Penguins,
seals, whales and seabirds reign in this unspoiled wilderness,
uninhabited by man.
- During
the summer months, the density of wildlife is increasing and penguin
rookeries are at full capacity. Penguin chicks begin to hatch from
mid-December.
- Seal
and whale sightings become more frequent, ensuring extraordinary
wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Minke,
Southern Right and Humpback whales return in abundance to Antarctic
waters to feed.
- Experience
daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings and personalise your
expedition with our wide range of paid adventure options during your
voyage such as Kayaking and Day Paddle, Camping, Photography and
Snowshoeing.
- Benefit
from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on
history, geology and ecology and participate in our Citizen Science
Program, all led by our expert Expedition Team.
- Enjoy
the Ocean Endeavour’s amenities including Aurora lounge, sun
deck, Polaris Restaurant, bar, Polar Library, saltwater pool, jacuzzi,
gym, spa and sauna.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina
The
journey begins at the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia. You
will be briefed at your hotel on the journey that lies ahead and the
details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have spare time,
check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the region’s
history or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you’re
after any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica. Enjoy
a traditional meal at a local restaurant and sample some of
Argentina’s famous red wine. For adventurous travellers,
there are many hiking trails nearby as well the Tierra del Fuego
National Park.
Day
2: Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
You
will board the Ocean Endeavour in the afternoon. Take some time to
settle into your cabin as we begin cruising the stunning Beagle
Channel, named after the famed vessel "The Beagle" that facilitated
some of Charles Darwin’s most significant voyages. As the
Ocean Endeavour pulls away from the port there’s always an
air of anticipation, as the next time you see land, you will be when
gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.
Day
3-4: At sea, Drake Passage
The
infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir
Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the
southernmost tip of South America. Often rough and turbulent,
but sometimes calm, be prepared for the unpredictable. Over the next
two days at sea, you’ll have time to enjoy some of the
onboard facilities, such as yoga, the polar library and presentations
from the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead –
from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and tips on how
to best photograph what you’ll be witnessing.
Sailing
towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the
Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The
Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds,
whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters
pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing
north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Head out
on one of the spacious outer decks to look out for the mighty
albatrosses that fly overhead. Scan the waters for breaching whales and
icebergs or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the Ocean
Endeavour’s observation deck. Your first sighting of land
should be early evening on day four – heralding your arrival
to the White Continent.
Day
5–8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
The
next four days will be spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and
Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers
for centuries and now enthrals travellers. Explore by Zodiac boats,
cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore
landings where you mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to
absorb the spectacular panoramic views and perhaps visit a scientific
or historic base. Optional activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing
allow you to explore further afield and have a more intimate
experience. If you’re feeling brave, take a polar plunge into
the icy Antarctic waters while our talented Expedition Photographer
captures the moments as they unfold. Antarctica will enchant you with
its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped
peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Witness extensive
colonies of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, Crabeater, Weddell, Fur and
Elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds.
Keep
your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving.
Each day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore. The
lecture program will continue throughout the cruise, and you can also
meander around the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour spotting
wildlife, read up on Shackleton’s adventure in the polar
library or make the most of the ship’s wellness facilities
like the spa, sauna, saltwater pool and gym. An average day onboard
begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am,
giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow
expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually
have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the
afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean
Endeavour in between excursions.
Day
9–10: At sea, Drake Passage
Leave
the Antarctic Peninsula behind as you set sail across the Drake
Passage, enjoying some final lectures and presentations from the
Expedition Team. Keep an eye out for wildlife from the observation
lounge, outer decks or the Ocean Endeavour’s bridge as we
head north across the Antarctic Convergence. Having crossed the Drake
Passage once more, enjoy a final dinner and enter the calm and tranquil
waters of the Beagle Channel as we approach our home port of Ushuaia.
Day
11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Your
Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the Ocean
Endeavour following breakfast. Farewell, your fellow guests and your
Expedition Team and join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward
journey today. Or perhaps extend your stay to spend some more time
exploring this incredible part of the world.
PLEASE NOTE: You are
advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia
before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by
unfavourable weather conditions.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All
meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
- Onboard
lecture program from Expedition Team and Naturalists
- All
shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options
that have an additional cost)
- Use
of rubber boots on land and waterproof outer shell jacket
- Insulated
inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of your voyage
- Transfer
from Ushuaia airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel accommodation
with breakfast
- Transfer
from hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
- Transfer
to Ushuaia airport on return to port
- All
port taxes
- Use
of onboard gym, sauna, pool, jacuzzi and yoga
EXCLUSIONS
- International
or internal flights unless specified
- Airport
transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
- Meals
other than those specified in the pre-departure information
- Visa
and passport fees
- Travel
insurance
- Paid
adventure options and all personal expenses
- Tobacco,
alcoholic or special beverages
- Miscellaneous
extras
- Laundry
and communication charges
- Medical
care
- Life
jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and
boots for minors under 16 years of age at time of travel
- Waterproof
outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and rubber boots for guests
who require larger sizing
- Gratuities
for Expedition Team and crew
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 1,099
- Camping:
USD 399
- Photography
Program: USD 1,099
- Explorer
Boats: USD 50
- Day
Paddle: USD 250
- Snowshoeing:
USD 150
- Yoga:
FREE
