Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

Trip Type: Polar|Wildlife|

Argentina | 14 D | 1 - 200 People

Starts From:

NZD 13,520.00 /Person

Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 14-day voyage to east and west Antarctica.

Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 14-day voyage to east and west Antarctica. This expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, with additional days to better explore the Antarctica Peninsula. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores. You will cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. Your ice-strengthened expedition ship, the Ocean Endeavour, is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness and onboard expedition guides offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.

Itinerary

Welcome to the port city of Ushuaia for the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. When you arrive, you'll be transferred to your hotel to settle in before meeting your fellow travellers this evening at the welcome briefing. If you're arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from in the area. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, tackle part of the Martial Mountains for a memorable view over the Beagle Channel, or perhaps just take a walk around town and enjoy the cafe scene.

Explore the charming town of Ushuaia in the morning before embarking on your home away from home for your Antarctic expedition, the Ocean Endeavour. In the morning perhaps visit the Museo Maritimo to brush up on local history, or just enjoy a morning strolling this languid town. Board the Ocean Endeavour in the afternoon and meet your expedition team before taking a tour of the amenities and services available on the ship. After you have settled into your cabin, head out onto the outer decks to wave goodbye to Argentina and then find your sea legs as you say hello to the legendary Drake Passage. Next stop: Antarctica.

The next two days are all about relaxing and getting to know your team of polar experts as they share their in-depth knowledge about all things Antarctica. You will have the opportunity to enjoy presentations about the continent’s geography, environment and wildlife. Spot seabirds flying with the Ocean Endeavour as she heads south to the Great White Continent, keeping an eye out for albatross on their migration route. Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales and other marine mammals in the Southern Ocean as you cosy up with a drink at the bar while getting to know your fellow shipmates. If your lecture program by your expert guides is not enough to fill your days, the Ocean Endeavour's gym, polar library and sauna will keep you busy while crossing the Drake Passage. With favourable conditions, you should see your first sighting of land by early evening on day four.

This is a true exploration, so all going to plan, today will see the ship’s bow cruising around the eastern end of the Antarctic Sound, leaving you facing the wild coastlines of the Peninsula’s eastern side. The vast Weddell Sea is edged by a seemingly endless coastline of basaltic beaches, islands that tower from the sea and collections of islands that few humans have laid eyes on. This is where British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew began their legendary journey north after their ship 'Endurance' was crushed by sea ice and sank. There are so many potential landing sites from this location, like Paulet Island with its large Adelie penguin rookery and Swedish Antarctic expedition history; the sweeping Prince Gustav Channel to the south, and the protected and glacier-lined coves of Duse Bay. Spend the next few days exploring via Zodiac cruises and onshore excursions across a number of potential remote landing sites around the Eagle Island group. 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.

After three days exploring the peninsula’s rarely visited east side, it’s time to cross back through the Antarctic Sound for the better known, but no less spectacular, western shores. As the ship attempts to enter the sound, a collection of tabular icebergs typically serves as a gateway from east to west and locations like the Argentinean research station, Esperanza Station, and the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff are viable landing points along the way. For the next four days, explore well-known sites like Orne Harbour, Paradise Bay or Port Lockroy as you head on wildlife sightings, take to the Zodiacs for small group outings and soak up the unforgettable vistas that greet you at every turn. With multiple landing sites available, your expedition team will work out the best places to stop, taking into account the elements, accessibility and wildlife opportunities. You'll soon notice the contrast with the sense of isolation on the east side, as you won't find an excursion on the western side lasts long without a parade of penguins or marine mammal sightings. After four memorable days, the Ocean Endeavour will turn north, cross the Bransfield Strait and head through the South Shetland Islands. Now’s the perfect time to join your crew and fellow explorers on the deck for a final toast to the Antarctic.

Settle back into the comfortable surroundings of the Ocean Endeavour for the return journey across the Drake Passage as you track north towards Cape Horn to your destination of Ushuaia, Argentina. This is your last chance to soak up the experience and knowledge of your expedition team before the end of your voyage, so make sure you join them on the outer decks with binoculars in hand to spot the surrounding wildlife. Now is also the chance to catch up with your shipmates and share stories about your voyage over a meal or a drink at the bar before bidding farewell.

This morning, farewell the Ocean Endeavour as you disembark in Ushuaia. Following breakfast, take a short transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey. Your expedition team, ship’s crew and staff who have shared the journey with you will join you on the dock to say farewell.

Trip Inclusions

Meals
13 Breakfast(s), 11 Lunch(s), 12 Dinner(s)

Transport
Expedition cruise ship , zodiac

Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruis Ship (12 nights)

Included Activities

Welcome Briefing
Citizen Science Program
Onboard Lecture Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Guided walking Excursions
Citizen Science Program
Onboard Lecture Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Daily Briefings and Recap
Onboard Lecture Program
Citizen Science Program
Guided walking Excursions
Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Daily Briefings and Recap
Citizen Science Program
Onboard Lecture Program

Trip Highlights

Cross the Antarctic Sound on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side, a sweeping landscape full of huge icebergs and legendary islands.
Towering icebergs, blue glaciers, rugged islands, white mountains, abundant and curious wildlife – the western side of Antarctica is a lifechanging destination in itself.
Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – your expedition crew will curate your adventure to ensure you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.
You might have the chance to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features.
Zodiac excursions open up exploration opportunities on both sides of the peninsula, from the Danger Islands to Paradise Harbour and the shores of the South Shetland Islands. We aim for two excursions on each expedition day to maximise your time on the Peninsula.

Trip Notes

The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.   Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.  Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.  The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears. 

Dates & Availability

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Finishing

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Destination Details

Argentina | 14 D | 1 - 200 People

Trip Location

Trip Starts:
Argentina

Trip Finishes:
Argentina

Countries Visited:
Antarctica
Argentina

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