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.

The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).

The day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets, or relaxing in a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

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.

On day three of your voyage to the Antarctic, wake to the sights and sounds of the famous Drake Passage where albatross and other seabirds escort us south. In preparation for the days to come, your on-board experts in biology, oceanography, history and photography will begin their presentations in the Nautilus Lounge. Whether out on the Ocean Endeavour’s decks or from the warmth of the observation area on the ship’s bridge, keep your eyes peeled for the first sighting of an iceberg as the continent of Antarctica appears on our horizon.

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.

Following our three days of discovery on the Peninsula’s east side, the Ocean Endeavour will plot a course to transit Antarctic Sound and to visit the more well-trodden western shores. As we attempt to enter the sound, a collection of tabular icebergs typically serves as a gateway from east to west and locations like Esperanza Station and the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff are viable landing points along the way. From here on out, we return to the more familiar sights and sounds of gentoo penguin colonies, a collection of Argentine and Chilean bases observable on craggy points and we lower the zodiacs again to explore famous sites like Orne Harbour, Paradise Bay or Port Lockroy. While the east side afforded us the most true sense of isolation and wilderness observable on Earth, the contrast becomes apparent on the western side as no excursion lasts long without the presence of gentoo or chinstrap penguins parading through the early-season snow and marine mammals hauling themselves onto ice-floes. After our four days of excursions in this region, we will again turn north to cross the Bransfield Strait. As we thread the Ocean Endeavour through South Shetland Islands, we will take to the aft deck of the Ocean Endeavour once more for a final toast to the Antarctic, to discovery and to the new horizon ahead.

Over days 12 and 13 we will watch as the outline of the Antarctic continent disappears over the horizon and again the albatross and seabirds of the open ocean join us for the voyage north. Whether enjoying some time out on deck to take in the sea air or making the most of our expert guides’ presentations, this is a great time to reflect on the journey behind us and all that we discovered on the Antarctic Peninsula over the previous days. For those still looking to brush up on their Antarctic knowledge, our guides will be out on deck binoculars in hand to help identify the amazing sea life that abounds in this part of the world. At night, we will take the opportunity to celebrate together and to share stories about this once in a lifetime voyage.

Following a steady night in the protection of the Beagle Channel, the early morning of our 14th day will see the Ocean Endeavour come alongside Ushuaia’s pier. Followed by breakfast, an 8am disembarkation means plenty of time to wrap up your exploration of Ushuaia before a short drive to the airport for any afternoon flight departures. Our guides will join you on the dock to say farewell and to wave goodbye to the ship’s team and crew who have shared the journey with you.

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

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.

Activities Available – Kayaking, Explorer Boats, Photography Program, Snow Shoeing, Camping, Yoga

DECKPLAN

	Single Interior (Cat 1) • 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m) • 2 Single beds • Private bathroom with shower • TV • Safe	$21,415 • Availability
	Triple Interior (Cat 2) • 225 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) • 3 Single beds • Private bathroom with shower • TV • Safe	$13,555 • Availability
	Twin Interior (Cat 3) • 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m) • 2 Single beds • Private bathroom with shower • TV • Safe	$15,270 • Availability
	Twin Porthole (Cat 4) • 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m) • 2 Single beds • Private bathroom with shower • Porthole window • TV • Safe	$16,700 • Availability
	Single Porthole (Cat 4A) • 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m) • 1 Single bed • Private bathroom with shower • Porthole window • TV • Safe	$24,270 • Availability
	Twin Window (Cat 5) • 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m) • 2 Single beds • Private bathroom with shower • Porthole window • TV • Safe	Save 25% Was $18,415 Now $13,811 • Availability
	Single Window (Cat 5A) • 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m) • 1 Single bed • Private bathroom with shower • Porthole window • TV • Safe	Save 25% Was $26,845 Now $20,134 • Availability
	Twin Comfort (Cat 6) • 190 to 200 sq. ft. (18-20 sq. m) • 2 Single beds • Private bathroom with shower • Separate living area with a pull out sofa bed • Window • TV • Safe	Save 25% Was $26,845 Now $14,775 • Limited Availability
	Twin Select (Cat 7) • 190 to 200 sq. ft. (18-20 sq. m) • 2 Single beds • Private bathroom with shower • Separate living area with a pull out sofa bed • Window • TV • Safe	Save 25% Was $20,985 Now $15,739 • Availability
	Superior Twin/Double (Cat 8) • 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) • 2 Single beds (can be made into a double) • Private bathroom with shower • Separate living area with a pull out sofa bed • Large window • TV • Safe	Save 30% Was $22,270 Now $15,589 • Availability
	Junior Suite (Cat 9) • 325 sq. ft (30 sq m) • 1 Double bed • Private bathroom with shower • Separate living area with a pull out sofa bed • Picture window • TV • Safe	Save 30% Was $23,555 Now $16,489 • Availability
	Owner’s Suite (Cat 10) • 325 sq. ft (30 sq m) • 1 Double bed • Private bathroom with shower and bath tub • Separate living area with a pull out sofa bed • 2 Large bow-facing windows • TV • Refrigerator • Safe	Sold Out • No Availability

Activities Available – Kayaking, Explorer Boats, Photography Program, Snow Shoeing, Camping, Yoga

DECKPLAN