Book and Save: Up to 30%* off select cabins
Set sail aboard the comfortable and spacious polar expedition vessel, the Ocean Endeavour to give you the best of the stunning South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula in 11 Days. Embark in Ushuaia at the southern tip of South America and conquer the famed Drake Passage to bring you to the spectacular frozen wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Explore the natural environment and closeup encounters with wildlife on our forward-facing zodiac’s and on foot. For the adventurous, take a kayak and drift among the sea ice and sculptured icebergs, spend a night on the 7th continent under the stars or snowshoe in the footsteps of past explorers. Walk among enormous penguin rookeries, encounter basking seals and their playful pups and search for humpback, minke and orca whales. Onboard, enjoy talks on regional history, zoology and geology by experts. Pamper yourself with one of our spa treatments or simply relax with a yoga class. A voyage like this will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
*Offers aboard the Ocean Endeavour 2022/23 season end 31 May 2022 and are subject to availability. Not combinable with any other promotion. Book cabin categories Cat 5, Cat 5a, Cat 6 and Cat 7 and save up to 25% off the regular retail price. Book cabin categories Cat 8, Cat 9 and the Owners Suite and save up to 30% off the regular retail price. Applies to selected departures only; cabins limited. Subject to availability and currency fluctuations. Further conditions apply, please contact us for more information.
Optional Activities : Kayaking, Camping, Hiking, Photography, Yoga
Trip Code: ACACBOA
Travel Style: Expedition Cruise, Small Ship Cruise
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Ship: Ocean Endeavour
Flights: We offer a range of flight options to meet your cruise. Contact us today to discuss.
In just under two weeks you will experience the highlights of the northern Antarctic region: the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
You will visit sections of the Antarctic Peninsula with remarkable views of the towering peaks of the Antarctic continent and a wide range of wildlife.
While at sea, you can enjoy the amenities of the Ocean Endeavour. There is also a lecture program which will educate you about the unique flora and fauna of this part of the world, as well as the legendary tales about early explorers.
The itinerary allows possibilities for unforgettable activities such as Zodiac excursions, guided hikes on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, kayaking, camping and the exploration of historic huts and science stations.
You will learn about the Peninsula's remarkable history and will encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguin rookeries; Weddell, crab-eater and leopard seals; as well as orca, humpback and minke whales in the Antarctic waters.
Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). It has a dramatic setting, surrounded by mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, making it a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic adventure.
On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the front of your itinerary for emergency contact details of our representative office.
Your cruise itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Ushuaia. If you arrive into Ushuaia early enough, the day is yours to explore. Avenida San Martin and the surrounding streets are where most hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes and tourist services are located.
The Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia (Maritime & the Prison of Ushuaia Museum) is well worth a visit. Located in the former prison of Ushuaia, the prison buildings now house four museums - the Maritime Museum, the Prison Museum, the Antarctic Museum and the Marine Museum of Art. The buildings date back to 1906 when convicts were transferred from Isla de los Estados to Ushuaia to build this national prison. Construction was completed in 1920 and the cells that were designed for 380 inmates, held up to 800 prisoners before closing in 1947.
Tierra del Fuego National Park is a short bus ride from Ushuaia and was the first shoreline national park established in Argentina. It is a rugged, mountainous park with great views of Lapataia Bay and dramatic scenery of waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and lakes. There are many hiking trails within the park including the Coastal Path (Senda Costera) that connects Ensenada Bay to Lapataia Bay on Lago Roca. The park is home to many species of animal including the guanaco, Andean fox, North American beaver, European rabbit and muskrat. There are also many species of birds including the torrent duck, kelp goose, austral parakeet, Andean condor and the Magellanic oystercatcher.
The Fin del Mundo Train (End of the World Train) is a steam train that runs from Ushuaia to Tierra del Fuego National Park, providing an alternative way to get to the park.
This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander the streets of this quaint port town, or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia 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.
We hope to make one final excursion or shore landing today before we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, and head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic experiences.
By the evening we hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful nights sleep on board.
We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or maybe spend a few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore further, maybe hiking in Tierra del Fuego National park.
Please Note: 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.
We specialise in exploring Latin America. All of our Signature tours depart daily and can be customised around your cruise. Contact us for today to discuss.
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12 Dec 2022 | 22 Dec 2022 | 11 | USD 9,790 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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02 Nov 2023 | 12 Nov 2023 | 11 | USD 6,990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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09 Dec 2023 | 19 Dec 2023 | 11 | USD 8,390 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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27 Jan 2024 | 06 Feb 2024 | 11 | USD 9,090 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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INCLUSIONS:
1 night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, pre cruise
Cabin accommodation on board the ship
All meals whilst on ship
All scheduled landings/excursions
Guiding and lectures by English-speaking expedition leader and team
All port fees
All landing fees
A pair of expedition boots for use during your voyage
Group arrival and departure transfers in Ushuaia*
EXCLUSIONS:
Airfares to/from embarkation and disembarkation city
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Personal expenses such as laundry, onboard communication (telephone calls, faxes, email service)
Gratuities for the crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
Pre or post cruise travel expenses
Optional activities, refer optional activities section for details
Available on request. No single supplement if willing to share. Contact us for more details.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure date, seasonality and availability.
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We appreciate that voyages to the Antarctic to have an impact on this pristine environment. In light of this, all our voyages are double carbon offset. In addition, we strive to eliminate as many single use plastics as possible from our supply chain. In choosing this voyage you are also supporting the fantastic work done by the Antarctic Science Foundation (ASF) and their work in understanding and protecting this unique destination. In addition all voyages support the Mawsons Huts Foundation (MHF). The MHF support the legacy of Sir Douglas Mawson, the legendary Antarctic explorer and scientist. As a member of IAATO we follow strict guidelines appointed by the Antarctic Treaty System to go above and beyond in support of minimizing negative impacts on this pristine landscape. We also encourage clients to look to book pre-and post- accommodation with us, where local businesses will be supported. Our clients also receive restaurant recommendations which support locally owned restaurants.
We carefully select all ships we work with and choose smaller sized vessels to create less impact. We use a highly regulated, licensed vessel which is well equipped to operate in the Antarctic’s delicate ecosystem. We view the voyage to the Antarctic as an expedition, not a sightseeing trip. Smaller ships such as ours can navigate narrow waterways and are far less polluting than the larger ships in Antarctic waters. By carrying less passengers, we have far less waste. The waste is carried back to the home port to allow for environmentally conscious waste management and disposal.
For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE