Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

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14 Days From

$12400

$10825

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

14 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia

Visiting: Ushuaia, Argentina, Embarkation in Ushuaia, At Sea, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula , The Antarctic Circle, Disembarkation in Ushuaia Argentina

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

GQMCN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 200

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Expedition Cruising

Interests:

Polar

From: $12400 $10825 Operator discount: -$1240 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$335 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

Set sail for an adventure like no other. Spend 14 days following in the wake of Captain Cook as you cross the Antarctic Circle, home to the midnight sun and towering icebergs. On board the well-appointed Ocean Endeavour, leave Ushuaia and civilisation behind and journey towards the hauntingly beautiful icy wilderness of the Antarctic Continent. Experience the thrill of witnessing seals lie on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and penguins patrolling the rocky shoreline in vast numbers. Enjoy jaw-dropping views witnessed by seldom few as you explore ice-filled bays by Zodiac, landing on Antarctica itself for onshore excursions.

Highlights

  • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, abundant with birdlife and busy penguins, and witness icebergs in a thousand different shades of blue.

  • Experience almost endless daylight in high summer once you are inside the Antarctic Circle. Then, push further south than most Antarctic expeditions venture, exploring the remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

  • Customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions. Explore the water by kayak, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with onboard yoga and massages or take a refreshing polar plunge.

  • While most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every eight passengers for a greater personal touch.

  • Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages between them. They’re experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, and they’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Location: Ushuaia, Argentina

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, located at the southern tip of Argentina. These parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. You’ll meet your fellow travellers at the hotel this afternoon, where a welcome briefing will take place. If you arrive early, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself. Those with a day or two in hand may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill then why not take a stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel, or get a taste of Argentina’s famous cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Embarkation In Ushuaia

Location: Embarkation in Ushuaia

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Enjoy some free time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area before boarding the Ocean Endeavour this afternoon. Once settled, you’ll cast off and make your way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s historic ship The Beagle, the deep open water of the channel presents many great photo opportunities. Be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you're not too busy snapping away at the incredible landscapes – your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Included Activities:
-Welcome Briefing

Day 3-4: At Sea, Drake Passage

Location: At Sea, Drake Passage

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour

The Drake Passage is one of the most famous bodies of water on the planet. It can be a little rough, but if weather conditions are good, you can head out on the outer decks for a chance to spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins, or perhaps seabirds including the spectacular wandering albatross, prions and petrels. Over the next two days, you'll get to know your expedition team experts as our comprehensive lecture program gets underway. Your polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a great understanding of its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead. Your expedition team are experts on the marine life that inhabit these parts and will help scout for sightings as you join them on the Ocean Endeavour's bridge and spacious outer decks. With favourable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of day four.

Included Activities:
-Citizen Science Program
-Onboard Lecture Program
-Daily Briefings and Recap

Optional Activities:
-Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
-Photography Program
-Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from
-Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free

Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Location: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour

It’s time to take your first steps on Antarctica, courtesy of a Zodiac cruise through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites including Neko Harbour, Petermann Island and Port Lockroy, and while weather dictates which specific site you'll land at, each of them presents an opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible wildlife, watch penguins waddle and seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble.

If you have any questions, look to your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world. A range of adventure options are available if you’re feeling active, including snowshoeing, kayaking and day paddling You'll also have an opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Endeavour. There’s nothing quite like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. When you are on board the Ocean Endeavour, the expedition team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the onboard wellness facilities including a spa, saltwater pool, sauna and gym, or perhaps join a yoga class with the incredible backdrop of Antarctica!

An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition leader around 7 am, 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.

Included Activities:
-Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
-Guided walking Excursions
-Daily Briefings and Recap
-Citizen Science Program
-Onboard Lecture Program

Optional Activities:
-Stand Up Paddleboarding
-Day Paddle
-Polar Plunge - Free
-Kayaking Program
-Photography Program
-Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from
-Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
-Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free

Day 9-10: The Antarctic Circle

Location: The Antarctic Circle

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in, as not all expeditions venture this far south. Weather conditions permitting, celebrations will be in order after reaching latitude 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. Travel past colossal, often beautifully sculpted icebergs, to a point on earth only a few intrepid travellers have sailed. Home to Weddell seals that are specially adapted to this icy environment, they use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice through which to breathe. They also have extremely accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down and they are no longer able to maintain or create breathing holes in the ice.

Included Activities:
-Daily Briefings and Recap
-Citizen Science Program
-Onboard Lecture Program
-Guided walking Excursions
-Zodiac Excursion/Cruising

Optional Activities:
-Photography Program
-Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from
-Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
-Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
-Day Paddle
-Stand Up Paddleboarding
-Kayaking Program

Day 11: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Location: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

You’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters as the Ocean Endeavour begins heading north. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species, and finetune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard and Weddell seals. Zodiac excursions will continue, and your expedition guides will be on hand on the journey north to Ushuaia to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.

Included Activities:
-Daily Briefings and Recap
-Onboard Lecture Program
-Citizen Science Program
-Guided walking Excursions
-Zodiac Excursion/Cruising

Optional Activities:
-Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
-Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from
-Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
-Photography Program
-Kayaking Program

Day 12-13: At Sea, Drake Passage

Location: At Sea, Drake Passage

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour

The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife encountered throughout the voyage. Spend some time with your fellow passengers, who you’ve no doubt bonded with, and enjoy a final celebration together to toast the end of this Antarctic adventure.

Included Activities:
-Daily Briefings and Recap
-Citizen Science Program
-Onboard Lecture Program

Optional Activities:
-Photography Program
-Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
-Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
-Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from

Day 14: Disembarkation In Ushuaia, Argentina

Location: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

Meals Included: breaksfast

Disembark in Ushuaia after enjoying your final breakfast on the Ocean Endeavour. You have an included morning transfer to Ushuaia airport if you're flying home today, otherwise enjoy some extra time exploring Tierra del Fuego and its rugged surroundings.

What's Included

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

  • Meals

    13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

  • Citizen Science Program

  • Welcome Briefing

  • Onboard Lecture Program

  • Daily Briefings and Recap

  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising

  • Guided walking Excursions

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • The Ocean Endeavour has a fleet of 20 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.

Accommodation

  • Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruise Ship (12 nights)

Important Information

  • SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
  • You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD1500, USD1000, EUR900, NZD1600, GBP800, CAD1300, CHF900 or ZAR17,000 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Full payment is required 95 days prior to departure.
  • Please refer to our “Booking and Conditions” section on our website including the special conditions that apply to Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Endeavour)
  • ADVENTURE OPTIONS
  • Approaching a looming glacier in a sea kayak, strapping on snowshoes to reach the best icy viewpoints, capturing the perfect photo of a seal hunting its prey or camping under an Antarctic perpetual twilight – these are just some of the ways you can enrich your exploration of the great White Continent with our additional activities. A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Endeavour, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.
  • • Kayaking or Photography program - Voyage-duration program available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
  • • Day Paddle or Stand Up Paddleboarding - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team

Mode of Transport

  • The Ocean Endeavour has a fleet of 20 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

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1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Monday

Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025
$11900 $11543

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$357

Tuesday - Monday

Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025
$12400 $10825

Operator discount: -$1240

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$335

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • 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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