HIGHLIGHTS
- Follow
in the footsteps of early explorers and be one of the very few
Antarctica visitors to cross the Antarctic Circle 66°33'S.
- This
extended Antarctic Peninsula voyage allows more time to explore
Antarctica and the Southern Shetland Islands.
- Once
inside the Antarctic Circle during the height of summer, you'll get to
experience almost endless daylight.
- Pushing
further south than most Antarctic expeditions venture, explore the
remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
- 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
Ushuaia
is the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del
Fuego (Land of Fire). It has a dramatic setting, surrounded by
mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, making it a
spectacular departure point for your Antarctic adventure. On arrival at
Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall
where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to
your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should
you not be able to contact them, please refer to the front of your
itinerary for emergency contact details of our representative office.
Your
cruise itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Ushuaia. If you
arrive into Ushuaia early enough, the day is yours to explore. Avenida
San Martin and the surrounding streets are where most hotels, shops,
restaurants, cafes and tourist services are located.
The
Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia (Maritime &
the Prison of Ushuaia Museum) is well worth a visit. Located in the
former prison of Ushuaia, the prison buildings now house four museums -
the Maritime Museum, the Prison Museum, the Antarctic Museum and the
Marine Museum of Art. The buildings date back to 1906 when convicts
were transferred from Isla de los Estados to Ushuaia to build this
national prison. Construction was completed in 1920 and the cells that
were designed for 380 inmates, held up to 800 prisoners before closing
in 1947. Tierra del Fuego National Park is a short bus ride from
Ushuaia and was the first shoreline national park established in
Argentina. It is a rugged, mountainous park with great views of
Lapataia Bay and dramatic scenery of waterfalls, mountains, glaciers
and lakes. There are many hiking trails within the park including the
Coastal Path (Senda Costera) that connects Ensenada Bay to Lapataia Bay
on Lago Roca.
The
park is home to many species of animal including the guanaco, Andean
fox, North American beaver, European rabbit and muskrat. There are also
many species of birds including the torrent duck, kelp goose, austral
parakeet, Andean condor and the Magellanic oystercatcher. The Fin del
Mundo Train (End of the World Train) is a steam train that runs from
Ushuaia to Tierra del Fuego National Park, providing an alternative way
to get to the park.
Day
2: Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
This
morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander
the streets of this quaint port town, or discover Tierra del Fuego
National Park. Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation
in the late afternoon. You will be welcomed on board the Ocean
Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship's Officers. This evening
we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British
ship the HMS Beagle.
This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego
archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in
wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants,
petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion
colonies. Enjoy your first taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner.
The air is likely to
be filled with anticipation, as your next view of land will be of
Antarctica - the White Continent.
Day
3-4: At sea, Drake Passage
As
we leave the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough
seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and
unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South
America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula It was named after the
English explorer, Sir Frances Drake. As we head southwards, there is
time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into
the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on
everything Antarctic - from the history and geology to the incredible
wildlife. We will notice a drop in temperature as we cross the
Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At
the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet
the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.
This
mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety
of seabirds, whales and other species. Look out through the panoramic
observation windows or brave the elements outside on deck as you keep
your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs and maybe
even breaching whales. Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in our wake,
we continue south towards Antarctica,
maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are
favourable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement,
and is often embraced as the true beginning
of any Antarctic expedition.
Day
5–8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
For
the next four days we explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic
Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing
icebergs, icestrewn waters and abundance of wildlife. The scenery,
wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthral and
you will soon realise why this region has captivated the attention of
explorers and travellers for centuries. Your days on the Antarctic
Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be
different as we cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted
icebergs and take Zodiac
excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing
sites.
Unpredictable
weather and ice conditions mean that the itinerary will be flexible,
but will make the most of wildlife sightings, as we aim to explore
penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas as well
as visiting sites of historic and scientific interest and climbing to
vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or
unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and
photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a
unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy
the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a
pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as you cruise by Zodiac,
visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving
glacier
and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters!
As
we cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture programme continues and
sightseeing is at its most spectacular off the ship's outer decks.
Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour's newly designed health and fitness features,
with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool
and gym plus yoga sessions.
Day
9–10: The Antarctic Circle
If
weather conditions are favourable, we will continue to push south, past
vast icebergs, in the hope of reaching latitude 66°33' S to
cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. This is a point that only a few
intrepid travellers have reached, an impressive achievement and one
worthy of a celebration! We will toast ourselves and toast the first
explorers who ventured this far south. The area is home to Weddell
seals and beautifully sculptured ice formations and we may see humpback
whales and minke whales that feed on the krill-rich waters.
Day
11: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Heading
north once more, we will continue to explore the Antarctic Peninsula
and South Shetland Islands, keeping a close watch for wildlife and
scanning the waters for whale activity. Make the most of the on board
facilities, and enjoy your final Zodiac excursions and shore landings.
Day
12-13: At sea, Drake Passage
Leaving
the Antarctic Peninsula behind, we head back across the Drake Passage.
This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the
deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and
maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight
into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the
polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic
experiences. By the evening we hope to be back in the tranquil waters
of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful nights sleep on board.
Day
14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
We
are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking
after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Transfer to the
airport for your onward flight, or maybe spend a few days in Ushuaia,
giving you time to explore further, maybe hiking in Tierra del Fuego
National park.
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 1,299
- Camping:
USD 399 (only on
the Feb 5, 2024 voyage)
- Photography
Program: USD 1,299
- Explorer
Boats: USD 50
- Day
Paddle: USD 250
- Snowshoeing:
USD 150 (only on the Feb 5, 2024 voyage)
- Yoga:
FREE
