Spot penguins from your zodiac or hiking in Antarctica. Common species on the peninsula are the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
Zodiac Cruising
Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
Expert Guides
On the Ocean Endeavour, our guides are truly the captains of the guests' experience down in Antarctica.
We have several onboard experts, including a marine biologist, a geologist, glaciologist, even a penguin-ologist! They share their passions during the presentations and educational program that we have on board the ship.
Daily excursions
When conditions allow, passengers will receive two excursions per day.
Discover the raw, untouched beauty of the Great White Continent on this 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. During this magical time, landscapes are at their most pristine as the thawing of sea ice invites you into an unspoiled polar wilderness. Keep your camera ready as you cruise in a zodiac in search of whales, seals, seabirds and astounding icebergs displaying a palette of snow white and deep aquamarine. Watch penguins squabbling over pebbles for their nests as they begin to court and scan for Leopard seals on ice floes. While the Ocean Endeavour edges its way through the fractured ice, perhaps entering the narrow, sheer-sided Lemaire Channel, you are invited onto the bow as we follow the continent's inhabitants further south into the untouched snowscapes of pristine Antarctica.
Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. You will be transferred from the airport today and met by a representative who will be holding a sign with the ships name on it. If you cannot locate the representative, please refer to your final itinerary for contact information. Ushuaia is nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia boasts many shops, museums, restaurants and cafes that you can enjoy before your voyage. This Argentine town is the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. If you feel adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park offers plenty of outdoor activities.
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.
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.
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 7am, 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.
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.
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 (included for selected flight departures today) or to the city centre of Ushuaia, where you can make your way to your hotel if you are extending your stay and want to spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world. With much to see and do in this quaint ‘End of the World’ town, including the Museo Maritimo, Avenida San Martin or even an adventurous hike to the Martial Glacier, your adventure doesn’t have to end here. If you would like to stay additional nights in Ushuaia, please speak to your booking agent.
Please note: A transfer to the city centre after disembarkation OR a transfer to the airport for onward flights (for selected departures today only) is included. If you are extending your stay or do not meet the requirements for the included transfers then we can arrange transportation at an additional cost, please discuss this with your booking agent.
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.
Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.
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.
A fantastic time for photographers as the lengthening days conclude with incredible evening light, noctilucent clouds and beautiful rose-coloured sunsets.
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.
Your experiences through the Ocean Endeavour's in-depth expedition program is the number one priority! With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar regions.
The Ocean Endeavour is designed for adventure travellers who want to get off the ship and onto the ice, with a wide range of expedition activities, citizen science research programs, and opportunities to learn about Antarctica's history and biology from passionate guides.
The ship carries 20 zodiacs for exploration and remote landings and offers additional activities such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ice camping and hiking plus a photography program, all designed to enhance your polar experience. This small, well-appointed expedition ship allows you to explore the world’s remotest regions while enjoying the class and comfort of a hotel.
There are spacious lounge and bar areas and a top deck observation room with panoramic windows, as well as lecture theatres, a library and a polar boutique. The ample deck areas are equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and feature a saltwater pool, saunas and even a hot tub. Travellers can also enjoy health and fitness amenities including a gym, spa treatments and yoga classes designed to enhance your personal wellness.
Onboard, the extensive range of cabin options includes dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, suites and triple cabins that feature two bathrooms. The ship offers an unmatched sense of space with plenty of both interior and exterior areas, where you can enjoy the company of your fellow travellers or enjoy Antarctica in quiet solitude. It's a truly immersive Antarctic adventure for explorers of any age.
We offer carbon offset departures. We quantify our carbon usage and then purchase carbon credits from various projects to offset our impact.
We are assisting in scientific research. During every Antarctic voyage, you have the chance to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena as part of a collaboration project with Antarctic scientists. Find out More
We have an 8:1 passenger to expedition crew ratio. This is one of the highest in the industry and ensures our guests personally experience the professionalism and expertise of our expedition team, which will maximize their experience.
We have a fleet of 20 zodiacs and multiple loading points. With a large fleet of 20 zodiacs, our large team of boat drivers allows small groups to hit the water and venture onto the ice in smaller congregations.
No single supplements on single cabins. We have increased our number of solo-use cabins on the Ocean Endeavour, making solo travel to Antarctica more economically viable while bolstering our social distancing measures and maximizing the safety and the experience of all of our passengers.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM Unique to the Ocean Endeavour, this workshop is perfect if you are passionate about photography, or just passionate about capturing the beautiful landscape and wildlife you will encounter on your incredible Antarctic adventure. Learn More >
ICE CAMPING Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers.Learn More >
SEA KAYAKING Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.Learn More >
SNOWSHOEING Snowshoeing allows you to go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go!Learn More >
DAY PADDLE As part of a small, expertly guided group, you will paddle between icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or drift quietly as you absorb the majestic scenery. Learn More >
STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING Combine the physical with the natural beauty of Antarctica, exploring glacial landscapes and spotting an array of wildlife on this SUP adventure. Learn More >
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Kayaking
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
If you are looking for another way to nurture your inner adventurer, our day paddle excursion might be the perfect fit! Absorb the majestic scenery from a more intimate vantage point as you paddle through the pristine waters of Antarctica on a sit-on-top kayak.Our expertly guided, one-time, Paddle Program gives you the rare chance to see Antarctica from the same perspective as most of the wildlife – at the surface of the sea.
Stand-up Paddle boarding, commonly known as SUP originated in Hawaii and is now available as an optional activity in Antarctica. What a way to explore!
Approximately 220 to 230 sq.ft. (20 to 21.5 sq.m.), our Triple Interior on Deck 4 is an interior cabin with three lower berths and one or two private bathrooms.
Our Twins & Doubles on Deck 7 & 8 are approximately 141 sq.ft. (13 sq.m), feature one or two windows, two lower berths or a double bed and a private bathroom.
Approximately 155 to 174 sq.ft. (14 to 16 sq.m.), our Singles are WING cabins located on Deck 8 feature two windows, a double bed and a private bathroom.
Approximately 228 sq.ft (21 sq.m), a Comfort Twin on Deck 4 features two portholes, two single berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed and a private bathroom.
Approximately 214 sq.ft. (20 sq.m), a Select Twin on Deck 5 features two single berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed, two windows, and one or two private bathrooms.
Twin: Approximately 225 sq.ft. (21 sq.m.), a Superior Twin on Deck 5 features two lower berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed, a large window, and a private bathroom.
Double: Approximately 165 to 200 sq.ft. / 15 to 19 sq.m, a Superior Double on Deck 7 features one double bed, a sofa, a large window, and a private bathroom.
Approximately 305 sq.ft./ 28 sq.m, the Owner's Suite on Deck 7 features two large bow-facing windows, one double bed, a separate sitting room and a private bathroom with a tub.
Approximately 220 to 230 sq.ft. (20 to 21.5 sq.m.), our Triple Interior on Deck 4 is an interior cabin with three lower berths and one or two private bathrooms.
Our Twins & Doubles on Deck 7 & 8 are approximately 141 sq.ft. (13 sq.m), feature one or two windows, two lower berths or a double bed and a private bathroom.
Approximately 155 to 174 sq.ft. (14 to 16 sq.m.), our Singles are WING cabins located on Deck 8 feature two windows, a double bed and a private bathroom.
Approximately 228 sq.ft (21 sq.m), a Comfort Twin on Deck 4 features two portholes, two single berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed and a private bathroom.
Approximately 214 sq.ft. (20 sq.m), a Select Twin on Deck 5 features two single berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed, two windows, and one or two private bathrooms.
Twin: Approximately 225 sq.ft. (21 sq.m.), a Superior Twin on Deck 5 features two lower berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed, a large window, and a private bathroom.
Double: Approximately 165 to 200 sq.ft. / 15 to 19 sq.m, a Superior Double on Deck 7 features one double bed, a sofa, a large window, and a private bathroom.
Approximately 305 sq.ft./ 28 sq.m, the Owner's Suite on Deck 7 features two large bow-facing windows, one double bed, a separate sitting room and a private bathroom with a tub.
*Booking Bonus - Save up to 35% Off Selected 24/25 Departures
Valid only on selected 27 November 2024 departure in the 24/25 Antarctic season 27 Nov 24 departure: 25% discount will apply on Cat 1-7 cabins and a 35% discount will apply on Cat 8-10 cabins LIMITED AVAILABILITY - ALL REMAINING CABIN CATEGORIES FOR THIS DEPARTURE Discount is valid until 31 October 24 unless withdrawn, sold out or varied prior Not combinable with other promotions and valid on new bookings only
Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica Experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!
NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.
All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks Accommodation onboard the Ocean Endeavour in booked cabin category Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalists All applicable shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost) Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the voyage Transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel with breakfast Transfer from Ushuaia hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation Transports to Ushuaia airport on return to port All port taxes All landing fees Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard 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 Pre or post cruise travel expenses Visa (if applicable) and passport fees Travel insurance (compulsory) Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings Paid adventure options and all personal expenses Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea) Miscellaneous extras Laundry and communication charges on board Gratuities for Expedition team and crew (recommended US$15 per person per day) For minors under 16 years of age at time of travel; life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots For guests who require larger sizing; Waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and rubber boots
From Price is based on a Cat 3 Interior Twin Cabin
Valid for 27 November 2024 Departure
LIMITED AVAILABILITY - ALL REMAINING CABIN CATEGORIES FOR BOTH DEPARTURES
See 'Pricing & Dates' tab for detailed departures & pricing (Availability last updated 30 Sep 24)
Available until 31 Oct 24 unless sold out/withdrawn prior
Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica Experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!
NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.