Experience Overview
Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you voyage to Antarctica, a continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable, spacious and well-appointed Ocean Endeavour on an 11-day voyage, discovering unbelievable wildlife and the world’s most remarkable scenery. As you explore this icy wilderness, you’ll not only be accompanied by an expert expedition team, but also by penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-choked waters. Adventures like this don’t come along every day – there’s simply nowhere else on earth like Antarctica.
Highlights
- Explore an unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds in their abundance are the true rulers.
- Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
- Seal and whale sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed, ensuring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
- Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2053
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Expedition cruise ship,zodiac
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GQMDE
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica
Finishes: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (8), Dinner (9)Accommodation: 1 night comfortable hotel,9 nights expedition cruise ship
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $8,320 ($756 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. You will be briefed at your hotel this evening on the journey that lies ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you happen to arrive early there are many ways to entertain yourself at ‘the End of the World’. 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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This afternoon you will board the Ocean Endeavour and your epic adventure south begins. Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and as the Ocean Endeavour pulls away from the port, there’s always an air of anticipation. Wave goodbye to Argentina and know that the next time you see land, you will be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.
Included Activities:
- Welcome Briefing
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 1)
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. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared! The next two days at sea offer time to enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities. Maybe join a yoga class, or attend a presentation or two given by your expedition team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!
Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you 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. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – heralding your arrival to the White Continent!
Included Activities:
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities:
- Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
- Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from (95 USD)
- Photography Program (1099 USD)
- Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
You will spend the next four incredible days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers.
Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to day-paddle, snowshoe and learn more about photography with your talented expedition photographer capturing 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. 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. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore.
As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the Ocean Endeavour's wellness facilities, from the relaxing spa and saunas to the saltwater pool and gym.
An average day on board 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.
Included Activities:
- Guided walking Excursions
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities:
- Stand Up Paddleboarding (299 USD)
- Kayaking Program (1099 USD)
- Polar Plunge - Free
- Day Paddle (299 USD)
- Camping (399 USD)
- Snowshoeing (150 USD)
- Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from (95 USD)
- Photography Program (1099 USD)
- Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
- Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 4)
Leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind as you set sail across the Drake Passage, enjoying some final lectures and presentations from your expedition team. Look out for wildlife from the observation lounge, outer decks, or the Ocean Endeavour's bridge as you head north across the Antarctic Convergence. Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy a final dinner and approach your home port of Ushuaia.
Included Activities:
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
- Photography Program (1099 USD)
- Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from (95 USD)
- Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
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.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Jane - Traveled, January 2024
If you want to go to Antarctica and experience a conscientious open collaborative environment, the Endevor might be for you. I didn’t want to ever go on a cruise, but this expedition style suited me fine. Less people met more time on the water, putting my feet on the land and being able to carve out some solitude in a landscape that is beyond words. Avoid the crowds and experience the pristine raw Antarctica of today.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Craig - Traveled, January 2024
Great trip. Could not recommend it more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Bindu - Traveled, January 2024
One of our zodiac driver’s equated what we were witnessing all around us to a simple word - sublime. Every event, every experience was sublime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Madeleine - Traveled, January 2024
I was apprehensive to book this trip because I’m not normally a cruise or tour person and often traveling on a budget. However, I can say it was worth every penny and it’s truly one of those places you have to see in real life to grasp. From being face to face with wildlife to the endless laughs with new friends on board, I’m so grateful for this experience and will always hold these memories close :) I definitely would love to join another cruise with intrepid in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Ryoko - Traveled, January 2024
Antarctic is so huge and beautiful than what I imagine. Every view was incredible. I had different memorial time everyday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2024
Julia - Traveled, January 2024
My time on the Ocean Endeavor was amazing. Intrepid was professional and helpful from the time I booked until the time I disembarked. My trip to Antarctica has been indescribable and I am sad to leave. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, interesting and fun. I wish I had more time to get to know them, pick their brains and stay in Antarctica longer. I would highly recommend an Intrepid trip, especially to Antarctica, and in the future I would used Intrepid for other adventures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Brandon - Traveled, January 2024
100/10 - A life changing experience! A journey I now believe everyone should take in their life!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Lorine - Traveled, January 2024
Antarctica is an amazing, remote and pristine continent. The presentations during sea times/days are excellent and cover a wide variety of topics. The equipment used is very satisfactory and one feels safe. Excellent experience!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Anne Victoria - Traveled, January 2024
Most definitely this is the trip of a lifetime. A magnificent mind – expanding, sensory delight-full, awareness-raising experience that no picture or review can begin to fully describe. You have to be there to experience being on the water in a kayak, crunching up the Everything is supported and organised brilliantly and efficiently, safely and joyfully by the team. The supporting talks add enormously to the experience and are always entertaining as well as educational. snowy slopes avoiding the penguin highways, taking the polar plunge into the Southern Ocean or just soaking it all in from the observation decks. Everything is supported and organised brilliantly and efficiently, safely and joyfully by the team. The supporting talks add enormously to the experience and are always entertaining as well as educational.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Steph - Traveled, January 2024
This was a trip of a lifetime! No words truly describe the experience we had, but it was absolutely incredible and Antarctica is so special, it needs to be on your bucket list. The staff were amazing, so engaging with the guests and the whole operation ran so smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Barbara - Traveled, January 2024
The trip was just amazing. It was well run, comfortable and we got to see all the amazing sites of Antarctica. Some of the shore landings definitely called for you to be at ease on uneven surfaces.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Lorine - Traveled, January 2024
Antarctica is an amazing, remote and pristine continent. The presentations during sea times/days are excellent and cover a wide variety of topics. The equipment used is very satisfactory and one feels safe. Excellent experience!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Steph - Traveled, January 2024
This was a trip of a lifetime! No words truly describe the experience we had, but it was absolutely incredible and Antarctica is so special, it needs to be on your bucket list. The staff were amazing, so engaging with the guests and the whole operation ran so smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Amanda - Traveled, January 2024
I had an absolutely amazing time on the ocean endeavour! We had so many landings and got so close to whales and saw so many penguins and birds. As well as some amazing views and Zodiac cruises through the ice fields. 10/10 recommend this company and tour. They are also very conscious of the wildlife and environment which was also important to me!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Patricia - Traveled, January 2024
Thiis Intrepid Antarctic adventure was a trip of a lifetime and it certainly did not disappoint. The whole experience was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Ajay - Traveled, December 2023
It was a very nice experience. Crew behaviour and services were fabulous. Expedition trips were very good however preparations for expedition were in little haste. Entertainment and recreational parts could have been little more to engage people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Regina - Traveled, December 2023
Just go! So worth the cost. A totally absorbing, mind blowing opportunity to visit an amazing place, in physical comfort and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a joy to be taken on excursions with guides who LOVE their work.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Cheryl - Traveled, December 2023
What a wonderful experience it was kayaking in the Antarctic. As a 70 year old with minimal experience I was a bit apprehensive about it all, but couldn't have had a better time and a more exilerating experience. I highly recommend giving an Antarctic kayak trip a go.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Allyse - Traveled, December 2023
Hands down best trip I've ever been on. The staff are the coolest people you'll ever meet. This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Worth EVERY penny!!! Just go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Vanessa - Traveled, December 2023
Ida was amazing by doing her best to making this trip really magical. She was awesome and thank you! The entire staff from housemaid, to waiters, to the expedition leaders were very friendly and went above and beyond. I definitely recommend this trip, do it, no regrets.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
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