Experience Overview
Enter a world of snow and ice as you take an epic journey to Antarctica – the continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable Ocean Nova on an 11-day voyage, looking out for marine wildlife like penguins, seals and whales as well as a huge array of birdlife. Explore an icy wilderness with an expert Expedition Team, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-strewn waters. Make daily excursions to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula on Zodiacs, learning about the geology, history and wildlife of the area and be swept away by the incredible, once-on-a-lifetime panoramas. This is the Great White Continent!
Highlights
- Explore an unspoiled wilderness, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are in their abundance. 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.
- Look out for seals and whales, when sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed.
- Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping and snowshoeing.
- Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the Expedition Team.
- Participate in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to vital research, including photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale – who help to track and identify individual whales as they journey across the oceans.
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: Comfortable hotel (1 night),Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 11904 (CAD 1082 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 5 pm at your hotel, then maybe head for a traditional dinner at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina’s famous red wine.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova – your home for the next nine nights. When you’re aboard, meet your Expedition Team, settle into your cabin and head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sets sail through the historic Beagle Channel, heading towards Antarctica. Later, join in the excitement as you learn more about the adventures awaiting you.
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. The following two days at sea will allow your Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from Antarctica's geology to its 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 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. Look for the albatrosses flying overhead and scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs from the expansive windows of the bridge, where you’re invited to Ocean Nova's command centre. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – heralding your arrival in Antarctica.
Included Activities:
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
You’ll spend the next four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries. Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points for panoramic views and maybe visit a scientific or historical base. There may be an opportunity to indulge in optional activities like an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing trek, a paddling excursion or to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! You’ll see extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and many birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call at around 7 am, followed by breakfast. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the Antarctic landscape.
Included Activities:
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
- Guided walking Excursions
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Optional Activities:
- Day Paddle (349 USD)
- Antarctic Camping (Ocean Nova ) (399 USD)
- Polar Plunge - Free
- Snowshoeing (150 USD)
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 4)
As you set sail back to Ushuaia, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey you've just experienced. During the final days, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by your Expedition Photographer throughout your journey, which are yours to keep as a reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition. By the evening of Day 10, you’ll enter the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, marking the beginning of your trip home.
Included Activities:
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition ends. You’ll have a morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking team ahead of time.
Similar Experiences
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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