All Inclusive Flight Package | Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey | Ocean Endeavour

You will arrive in Argentina's cosmopolitan capital city, Buenos Aires. Known as the 'Paris of the South', Buenos Aires has a charming and alluring atmosphere. It features wide avenues lined with colonial buildings, fashionable shops and Parisian-style bakeries and cafés.
The city is located on the western shore of the Río de la Plata and has many fascinating neighbourhoods to discover. Today is an arrival day and you are free to explore at your leisure.

Today you will be transferred to the airport in Buenos Aires and fly to Ushuaia. On arrival please make your way to Ushuaia port for embarkation in the late afternoon. You will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.

This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.

Enjoy your first taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner. The air is likely to be filled with anticipation, as your next view of land will be of Antarctica - the White Continent.

As we leave the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake.

As we head southwards, there is time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything Antarctic - from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife.

We will notice a drop in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation windows or brave the elements outside on deck as you keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs and maybe even breaching whales.

Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in our wake, we continue south towards Antarctica, maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are favourable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement, and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

For the next four days we explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice-strewn waters and abundance of wildlife. The scenery, wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthral and you will soon realise why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travellers for centuries.

Your days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be different as we cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Unpredictable weather and ice conditions mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings, as we aim to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas as well as visiting sites of historic and scientific interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as you cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters!

As we cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture programme continues and sightseeing is at its most spectacular off the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly designed health and fitness features, with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool and gym plus yoga sessions.

As the Ocean Endeavour begins its return journey north to Ushuaia, now is your time to reflect on your amazing journey. We’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of day 10. Our final meal together in the Polaris restaurant is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team.

Disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast as your Antarctic expedition comes to an end and the memories of an amazing adventure begin.

After saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to Buenos Aires.

On arrival into Buenos Aires you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight.

You will be transferred to the airport to fly to your next destination.