HIGHLIGHTS
- In
just under two weeks you will experience the world’s most
remote wilderness: the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
- Marvel
at imposing mountain ranges, beautifully sculpted icebergs, calving
glaciers, and ice-filled channels.
- Witness
an incredible abundance of Minke, Southern Right and Humpback whales as
these serene marine mammals migrate to Antarctica to feed on krill each
year.
- Ushuaia,
the southernmost city of the world, is a highlight in itself as it is
located in the dramatic landscape of Tierra del Fuego.
- 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 blackbrowed 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,
ice-strewn 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: At sea, Drake Passage
We
hope to make one final excursion or shore landing today before we leave
the Antarctic Peninsula behind, and 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
11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark
the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast as your Antarctic expedition comes
to an end and the memories of an amazing adventure begin. After
saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean
Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or
you may like to spend some extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to
explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.
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
- Explorer
Boats: USD 50
- Photography
Program: USD 1,099
- Day
Paddle: USD 250
- Yoga:
FREE
