HIGHLIGHTS
- After
the harsh winter, Antarctica awakens and a blanket of snow cloaks the
continent in a pristine whiteness.
- Admire
breathtaking scenery such as icebergs and glaciated mountains.
- Penguin
populations in the rookeries are thriving, and the birds are busy
nest-building and courting.
- Albatross,
fulmars and petrels fly the Drake Passage and Blue-eyed shags reappear
in Antarctica.
- A
fantastic time for photographers as the lengthening days conclude with
incredible evening light, noctilucent clouds and beautiful
rose-coloured sunsets.
- 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
Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is the gateway
to exploring the southern extent of Patagonia while
preparing for your Antarctic voyage. There
are plenty of hiking trails and nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park
offers a range of outdoor activities. Visit museums, restaurants, cafes
and stock up on any last-minute essentials in town.
Day
2: Embarkation
in Ushuaia, Argentina
Following your embarkation onto the Ocean
Endeavour in the late afternoon, you begin your Antarctic journey
south, passing through the infamous Beagle Channel. Named
after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel
presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds.
Day
3-4: At
sea, Drake Passage
The infamous Drake Passage is wild and
unpredictable. Soak up some fresh air on one of the Ocean Endeavour's
many outer decks while you feel the breeze of the roaring forties and
furious fifties – waters not yet tamed even by the most
intrepid of explorers. The
Expedition Team will provide insights into the adventures ahead and
offer educational lectures on everything from history and geology to
photography and ornithology. During
these two days at sea, you'll witness plenty of seabirds crossing the
Southern Ocean. With favourable sea and weather conditions, the first
sighting of land will appear on day four.
Day
5–8: South
Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
This is when your
Antarctic adventures truly begin. The South Shetland Islands come into
view – a region that has long captivated the attention of
many explorers alike. The Expedition Team and Captain will scout for
whales and seabirds and alert you to any new sightings. Enjoy
in-depth explanations and more lectures on the glaciology, history, and
wildlife of the region as we explore them. Even more exciting will be
your first land excursion. Daily
Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to explore local bays,
channels, and landing sites with wildlife opportunities always at the
forefront of your Expedition Team's mind. Walk
on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries, and search
for southern seal species, including the fearless penguin eater, the
Leopard seal.
No
two days or landing are the same, with each day presenting new photo
opportunities and sightings. But it won't take long for you to spot the
difference between an Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap
penguin. You
might hike to a penguin rookery one day and take a Zodiac cruise among
towering icebergs the next. From coming eye to eye with a Humpback
whale to the sound of a calving glacier, you will wake up excited each
day with a desire to explore this icy wilderness. You
also have the option to treat yourself to an overnight ice camping
experience on land, a snowshoeing excursion to explore further afield,
or hit the water for a day paddle excursion giving you a more intimate
Antarctic experience. 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
Your journey back across the Drake Passage provides
a final opportunity to enjoy the Antarctic air. So
make sure to spend some time on the outer decks scouting for whales,
watching seabirds or enjoying a presentation by your Expedition Team. Celebrate
the unforgettable experiences you have shared with your fellow
passengers exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.
Day
11: Disembarkation
in Ushuaia, Argentina
After arriving in the port of Ushuaia, the
Expedition Team will gather on the deck to farewell you as you
disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast. Your
transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for all flights departing today.
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
