Best of Antarctica: White Christmas | Ocean Endeavour

Your journey starts in the most southerly city in the world, Ushuaia Argentina. After transferring from the airport to your hotel and getting acquainted with your fellow travellers, we’ll have our welcome briefing. If you arrive a day early, Tierra del Fuego National Park has an array of outdoor activities on offer. You can also visit the Museo Maritimo for a history lesson or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin to pick up some last-minute essentials for your journey.

The morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia further. Late this afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and Captain will be waiting to welcome you onboard and after settling into your cabin, your journey south begins by cruising through the famed Beagle Channel. Enjoy the incredible views as the last glimpse of land fades away and the ship heads south towards Antarctica.

The waters of the Drake Passage are legendary. Named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, they're often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. Our journey to the Antarctic Peninsula will take two days and, if conditions allow, you’ll be able to enjoy the outer decks to catch your first glimpse of whales and orcas, as well as a wide range of seabirds that live in the region, including the impressive Wandering albatross. Our comprehensive lecture program will also get underway, with your team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, biology, and everything in between.

Spend this downtime enjoying the onboard facilities including gym, polar library, yoga classes and more. We’re scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four.

Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. Scheduled twice daily, Zodiac excursions are tailored to allow for closer encounters with marine life including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries. Choose from a range of paid adventure options to enhance your adventure, including snowshoeing excursions or overnight ice camping, hit the water for a day paddle or kayaking excursion, or learn how to capture that perfect shot by joining our dedicated Photography Program. Our lecture program will continue throughout your time on the Antarctic Peninsula and our Expedition Team will always be available to answer any questions you may have about the region.

If you've been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is as white as it gets! Enjoy the festive spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour, where your presents come in the form of more landings and wildlife sightings throughout the day. Some of these wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals, and Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins.

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.

As you leave Antarctica behind, cruising north to Ushuaia, you’ll have the time to reflect on the amazing journey and unique Christmas. We’re scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening to ensure a restful night’s sleep before disembarkation day. Our final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.

This morning you will disembark the Ocean Endeavour in Ushuaia after breakfast as your Antarctic journey comes to an end. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for flights departing today, but if you're sticking around a little longer there is so much to see in this incredible region.