HIGHLIGHTS
- Imposing
mountain ranges, beautifully sculpted icebergs, calving glaciers and
ice-filled channels.
- Explore
your surroundings by Zodiac and make shore landings amongst the iconic
penguin colonies.
- Witness
an incredible abundance of humpback whales as these serene marine
mammals migrate down the Antarctic peninsula to feed on krill each year.
- Experience
the White Continent and encounter an incredible variety of wildlife.
- Optional
photography trips, yoga and even sea kayaking on offer on this
Antarctic adventure aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
- Admire
breathtaking scenery such as icebergs, glaciated mountains and
volcanoes.
- Benefit
from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on
history, geology and ecology by the expedition team.
- Enjoy
the amenities onboard including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar,
pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, spa facilities and sauna.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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.
DAY
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!
DAY
5-8 – South Shetland Islands & Antarctic 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.
DAY
9 & 10 – Antarctic Peninsula & 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
11 – 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.
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 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 1,099
- Forward-facing
Zodiac:
USD 50 (Payable onboard)
- Private
Photography
Workshops: USD 1,099
- Camping:
USD 349
- Hiking:
Free
- Zodiac
Cruising: Free
- Yoga: Free