HIGHLIGHTS
- Unspoiled
wilderness, uninhabited by man, where the penguins, seals, whales and
seabirds are the true rulers.
- Experience
the White Continent and encounter an incredible variety of wildlife.
- Take
in the Sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands and the spectacular
Antarctic Peninsula.
- Discover
the top wildlife destination in the world where you can see penguins,
seals, whales and albatrosses.
- Admire
breathtaking scenery such as icebergs, glaciated mountains and
volcanoes.
- Enjoy
regular zodiac excursions and on-shore landings.
- Benefit
from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on
the history, geology and ecology by the expedition team.
- Enjoy
the amenities onboard including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar,
pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.
- Your
cruise is full-board including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
- Take
advantage of optional activities during the voyage such as kayaking and
snowshoeing.
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: Ushuaia, Argentina
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.
The
first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the
most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego
(Land of Fire).
The
remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe
making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan
markets, or relaxing in a café. Avenida San Martin is the
main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may
prefer to wander the streets taking in the town’s dramatic
setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle
Channel to the south.
Day
2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
This
morning is again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe
discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national
park of South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that
lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of
snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastline, glaciers, waterfalls
and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats and the North
American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean condor, Magellanic
oystercatcher, kelp goose, austral parakeet and torrent duck.
Late
this afternoon we transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for
embarkation on board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the
Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome us aboard. As we
set sail, familiarise yourself with the layout of the Ocean Endeavour
and its great amenities and enjoy a welcome dinner.
This
evening we sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the
White Continent of Antarctica. As we leave the lights of Ushuaia
behind, look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and
black-browed albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.
Days
3 & 4: At sea, crossing the Drake Passage
The
infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir
Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the
southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent, but
sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared!
Enjoy
the fabulous onboard facilities, maybe join a yoga class, attend a
presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for
what lies ahead – from the geology of Antarctica to the
history, wildlife and even the ice!
As
we sail 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 deck 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 observation deck.
We
continue our course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of
Day 12, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the lookout for
the first sighting of land – that heralds your arrival to the
White Continent!
Days
5 - 8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula
The
next four days are spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and
Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for
centuries and now enthrals travellers. We explore by Zodiac, cruising
amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings
where we mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the
spectacular panoramic views, maybe visiting a scientific or historic
base. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and of
course learn more about photography with one of the experts.
Antarctica
will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to
towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not
to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of
chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, to 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. Maybe you will
be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Every
day brings a new experience and new landing site.
As
we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued
lecture programme and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the
Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the health and fitness facilities
from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.
Days
9 & 10: Antarctica Circle
Depending
on the weather conditions, we will continue southwards in an attempt to
reach latitude 66°33'S and cross the fabled Antarctic
Circle. Our voyage south takes us past colossal, often beautifully
sculpted icebergs, to a point on Earth only a few intrepid travellers
have sailed. If we reach this momentous goal, we will toast the
explorers who first ventured this far south and celebrate our own
impressive achievement. This is home to the midnight sun, shifting ice
and incredible ice formations. Weddell seals are found in this region,
as are humpback whales and minke whales that feed on the krill-rich
waters.
Weddell
seals are specially adapted to this icy environment, using their
canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice
through which to breathe. They also have extremely accurate powers of
navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth
are worn down and they are no longer able to maintain or create
breathing holes in the ice.
Day
11: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica
Having
crossed the Antarctic Circle, we set a course north, exploring the
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands further by Zodiac and
shore landings, scanning the waters for whales and seals and looking
out for the seabirds that soar above the ship.
Days
12 & 13: At sea, crossing the Drake Passage
As
we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, we take with us our memories
and photographs. We set a course for the Drake Passage as we enjoy some
final lectures and presentations and look out for wildlife from the
observation lounge and the outer decks.
Having
crossed the Drake Passage once more, we enter the calm and tranquil
waters of the Beagle Channel bound for Ushuaia.
Day
14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
We
are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and we
disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
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 a extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to
explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All
meals onboard the vessel including snacks
- Onboard
lecture program (all voyages) from expedition staff and naturalists
- All
onshore excursions and Zodiac cruising (excluding optional activities
with cost)
- Free
use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
- Pre-night
accommodation prior to embarkation, breakfast and transfer to The Ocean
Endeavour for embarkation
- Transfer
to airport on return to port
- Use
of gym, sauna, pool and onboard Jacuzzi
- Onboard
yoga
- Use
of expedition jacket
- All
Port taxes
Not Included
- Airfares
to/from embarkation and disembarkation city
- Visa
and passport expenses
- Travel
Insurance
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
- Personal
expenses such as laundry, on-board communication (telephone calls,
faxes, email service)
- Gratuities
for the crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
- Optional
activities like Sea Kayaking or Ice Camping whilst onboard
- Entry
to the International Antarctic Centre in Punta Arenas
- Meals
ashore
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 1,299
- Forward-facing
Zodiac:
USD 50 (Payable onboard)
- Private
Photography
Workshops: USD 1,299
- Snowshoeing:
USD 150 (Payable onboard)
- Camping:
USD 349
- Hiking:
Free
- Zodiac
Cruising: Free
- Yoga: Free
