Best of Antarctica In Depth

Trip Type: Polar|Wildlife|
Argentina | 13 Days | 1 - 80 People
Starts From:

NZD 18,830.00 /Person

Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 13-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. This expedition introduces you to the wonders ...

Best of Antarctica In Depth

Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 13-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. 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’ll cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. The onboard Expedition Team will offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica! Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy an included transfer to your hotel. This evening, you have an important welcome meeting at your hotel to meet your Expedition Team and fellow travellers, and learn more about the journey ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have free time before the meeting, consider exploring downtown Ushuaia for souvenir shopping or savouring classic Argentinian flavours at one of the city’s fantastic local restaurants.

Enjoy a relaxed morning. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore downtown Ushuaia on foot – it’s compact, charming and set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, so be sure to bring your camera! Then, take a transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 11 nights. Once on board, settle into your cabin then head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova journeys through the historic Beagle Channel on route to Antarctica. Later, join the excitement inside to learn more about the incredible days ahead.

Over these two days at sea, enjoy gazing out at the vast Southern Ocean and capturing photos of seabirds gracefully circling the ship. Use this time to connect with your fellow travellers and get to know the Expedition Team. Visit the ship's bridge and experience our open bridge policy, where our Captain welcomes you into Ocean Nova's command centre. Here, you can witness the expedition in motion while enjoying the prime vantage point for spotting wildlife and your very first iceberg. Or take time to step onto one of Ocean Nova's outer decks, where you can breathe in the fresh sea air and experience the powerful winds of the roaring forties and furious fifties. Keep watch for the first sighting of land which, with favourable sea and weather conditions, may come by early evening on day four.

Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once the South Shetland Islands come into view. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. One day, you might hike to a penguin rookery, the next, you could find yourself cruising in a Zodiac among towering icebergs. From locking eyes with a curious humpback whale to hearing the thunderous crack of a calving glacier, you’ll wake each day eager to continue exploring this icy wonderland. The highlight for many will be their first land excursion – a moment that is nothing short of unforgettable! There’s also the chance to engage with in-depth lectures from your team of onboard experts on the region’s glaciology, history and unique wildlife as you journey through this awe-inspiring wilderness. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to optional activities such as an overnight camping experience on the ice, a snowshoeing trek or a paddling excursion. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova – a brisk dip into Antarctica’s frigid waters is guaranteed to leave you feeling revitalised and energised!

As the Ocean Nova begins its voyage back to Ushuaia, take this time to reflect on the remarkable journey you’ve experienced. Settle in for more onboard lectures and watch a slideshow of stunning images taken by our Expedition Photographer during your voyage. By the evening of Day 12, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel. That evening, savour a special farewell dinner. Celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve shared with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, creating memories to last a lifetime.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition comes to an end, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

Meals
12 Breakfast(s), 10 Lunch(s), 11 Dinner(s)

Transport
Expedition cruise ship , zodiac

Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruise Ship (11 nights)

Included Activities
  • Welcome Briefing
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Extend out your adventure on this longer Polar voyage, giving you more time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula’s landscapes, ice fields and unique wildlife.
  • Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – as your Expedition Team ensures you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.
  • Head out on daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions (weather permitting), allow you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings of the Antarctic wilderness.
  • Settle in to listen to onboard specialists, who’ll provide invaluable insights during talks on topics spanning the region's diverse wildlife to its unique geology.
  • Contribute to various vital research projects by participating in our Citizen Science Program, all led by our expert Expedition Team.
  • The Ocean Nova 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. As there is no lift on board, you'll also need to take stairs to get to the gangway and other parts of the ship. 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. 

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price: NZD 18,830.00

Price: NZD 20,920.00

Price: NZD 25,560.00

Price: NZD 23,240.00

Price: NZD 23,240.00

Price: NZD 37,665.00

Price: NZD 20,920.00

Price: NZD 18,830.00

Price: NZD 20,920.00

Price: NZD 25,560.00

Price: NZD 23,240.00

Price: NZD 37,665.00

Price: NZD 20,920.00

Price: NZD 23,240.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
GQMAW
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Trip Finishes:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Countries Visited:
Antarctica
Argentina
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Destination Details
Argentina | 13 Days | 1 - 80 People

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