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TheOceanEndeavour - Guests

Best Of Antarctica - Wildlife Explorer

Antarctica has lured intrepid explorers for centuries and now travellers with a taste for adventure can enter the spellbinding world of snow and ice on this exclusive 11-day voyage to the White Continent.

Set sail in style aboard the spacious Ocean Endeavour to experience a true icy wilderness, where you will be surrounded by penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, setagainst a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks and imposing glaciers.

From unparalleled wildlife viewing to breathtaking scenery, words cannot adequately describe the sights and sounds of this untouched remote landscape. This is aonce-in-a-lifetime adventure to the world's final frontier.



 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Penguins, seals, whales and seabirds reign in this unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man.
  • During the summer months, the density of wildlife is increasing and penguin rookeries are at full capacity. Penguin chicks begin to hatch from mid-December.
  • Seal and whale sightings become more frequent, ensuring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Minke, Southern Right and Humpback whales return in abundance to Antarctic waters to feed.
  • 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
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD
Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina
The journey begins at the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia. You will be briefed at your hotel on the journey that lies ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have spare time, check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the region’s history or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you’re after any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina’s famous red wine. For adventurous travellers, there are many hiking trails nearby as well the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
You will board the Ocean Endeavour in the afternoon. Take some time to settle into your cabin as we begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel "The Beagle" that facilitated some of Charles Darwin’s most significant voyages. As the Ocean Endeavour pulls away from the port there’s always an air of anticipation, as the next time you see land, you will be when gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.

Day 3-4: At sea, Drake Passage
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. Often rough and turbulent, but sometimes calm, be prepared for the unpredictable. Over the next two days at sea, you’ll have time to enjoy some of the onboard facilities, such as yoga, the polar library and presentations from the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead – from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and tips on how to best photograph what you’ll be witnessing.

Sailing 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 one of the spacious outer decks 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 Ocean Endeavour’s observation deck. Your first sighting of land should be early evening on day four – heralding your arrival to the White Continent.

Day 5–8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
The next four days will be spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers. Explore by Zodiac boats, cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views and perhaps visit a scientific or historic base. Optional activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing allow you to explore further afield and have a more intimate experience. If you’re feeling brave, take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters while our talented Expedition Photographer captures the moments as they unfold. Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Witness extensive colonies of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, 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. Each day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore. The lecture program will continue throughout the cruise, and you can also meander around the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour spotting wildlife, read up on Shackleton’s adventure in the polar library or make the most of the ship’s wellness facilities like the spa, sauna, saltwater pool and gym. 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
Leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind as you set sail across the Drake Passage, enjoying some final lectures and presentations from the Expedition Team. Keep an eye out for wildlife from the observation lounge, outer decks or the Ocean Endeavour’s bridge as we head north across the Antarctic Convergence. Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, enjoy a final dinner and enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel as we approach our home port of Ushuaia.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour following breakfast. Farewell, your fellow guests and your Expedition Team and join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey today. Or perhaps extend your stay to spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world.

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

 

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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time