Best of Antarctica from Punta Arenas
12 Days Starting in Punta Arenas and ending in Ushuaia
Visiting: Punta Arenas, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, Hurd Peninsula, Ushuaia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GQMBP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 200
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
8-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Cruise, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Canoeing-Kayaking, Sightseeing, Walking
Tour Overview
Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula on an 12-day polar expedition from the southern shores of Chile’s Punta Arenas. Taking on the Magellan Strait and the mighty Drake Passage, jump aboard Intrepid’s Ocean Endeavour in search of rare bird and marine life, jagged icebergs and mountainous landscapes like no other. Travel with experts who will present a comprehensive lecture program, head on extraordinary shore landings and take advantage of onboard comforts after a day of exploring. If you thought the remote reaches of Antarctica were out of reach, think again.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Punta Arenas
Location: Punta Arenas
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to Chile! Punta Arenas is one of the country’s fastest growing cities and the perfect gateway to your Antarctic expedition. You can arrive at any time today, as there are no activities planned until a welcome meeting tonight, usually around 6 pm. Until then, fly in, transfer to your accommodation and get exploring this slice of Patagonian history. Why not take a visit to the $50 million International Antarctic Center (set to open in 2022) which functions as a research hub and museum for all things Antarctica. After your important briefing tonight, perhaps get together with a few of your fellow travellers for a meal – your local leader will be able to recommend you a restaurant or two.
Day 2 : Punta Arenas – Embarkation Day
Location: Punta Arenas, Beagle Channel
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you’ll set off through the picturesque Strait of Magellan on board the Ocean Endeavour towards the Drake Passage, ready for your crossing to the Antarctic Peninsula. Your group leader will confirm with you all the relevant embarkation details at your welcome meeting on Day 1. If you’ve got some spare time this morning, it’s a good idea to stock up on supplies; otherwise, take a walk along Gob. Carlos Bories and check out the shops.
Day 3 : Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With nothing but you and the big blue for the next couple of days, take advantage of all of the amenities and activities on board your fully equipped vessel. Spot seabirds flying with your ship 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 oceans, and cosy up with a drink, getting to know your shipmates at the bar. Throughout the day, there will also be a series of lectures and presentations to educate you about the geography, environment and wildlife you’ll expect to see along the Antarctic Peninsula. Knowledge of this part of the world is key for polar explorers, so take it all in!
Day 5 : Drake Passage – Antarctic Peninsula
Location: Drake Passage, Hurd Peninsula
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You’re expected to make your first sightings of land this morning as you cruise towards the volcanic South Shetland Islands. Take to the bridge for epic views towards the large icebergs and rugged mountaintops of this archipelago, often frequented by chinstrap penguins, elephant seals and fur seals. This afternoon, take to the ship’s specialised Zodiac boats for a shore excursion at one of the many landing sites around the area. Exploration starts here, so be ready with your polar gear and charged camera.
Day 6 : Antarctic Peninsula
Location: Hurd Peninsula
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Voyage further south across the Bransfield Strait towards continental Antarctica. For the next four days, head on wildlife sightings, take to Zodiacs for small-group outings and soak up unforgettable vistas that greet you at every turn. With multiple landing sites available, your Ocean Endeavour crew will work out the best places to stop, taking into account the elements, accessibility and the possibility for wildlife sightings. There may be the chance for snowshoeing, Sea kayaking and camping adventures, which are weather and timing dependent. Well-known sites like Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour and Skontorp Cove will be on the captain’s radar, as well as a working science base.
Day 10 : Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Settle back into your comfortable surroundings for the return journey across the Drake Passage. The Ocean Endeavour will track north towards Cape Horn and your destination in Ushuaia, Argentina. During this time, you can attend more onboard lectures and workshops, including one on photo editing – sure to make your nature snaps the best they can be. 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.
Day 12 : Ushuaia - Disembarkation Day
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, farewell the Ocean Endeavour as you disembark in Ushuaia. With no further activities planned for today, you’re free to depart at any time. With much to see and do in Ushuaia, including the Museo Maritimo, Avenida San Martin or even an adventurous hike to the Martial Glacier, your adventure doesn’t have to end today. If you would like to spend more time in Ushuaia, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Meals
11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
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Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 10 nights expedition cruise ship
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Transport
Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Accommodation
- 1 night comfortable hotel, 10 nights expedition cruise ship
Transport
- Expedition cruise ship , zodiac
Check out our Q&As
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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