Journey to the Antarctic Circle

Journey to the Antarctic Circle

4 Views
14 Days From

$12445

$10277

Journey to the Antarctic Circle

14 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina

Visiting: Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, The Antarctic Circle

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 200

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99

Trip Styles:

Expedition Cruising

Activities:

Walking

From: $12445 $10277 (USD) Operator discount: -$1867 Tourhub's Discount: -$301 -17%

NB: Prices correct on 16-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable "Journey to the Antarctic Circle," exploring the pristine wilderness of Antarctica and Argentina. This expedition offers daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites teeming with birdlife and penguins, and the chance to witness icebergs in myriad shades of blue. Experience the near-endless daylight of high summer as you venture further south than most expeditions, exploring the remote Antarctic Peninsula. Customize your adventure with optional activities like kayaking, photography classes, yoga, and even a polar plunge. Aboard the Ocean Endeavour, enjoy a personalized experience with an exceptional crew-to-passenger ratio, and learn from expert leaders in marine biology, glaciology, and Antarctic history. With cozy cabins and panoramic views, this intimate journey promises an enriching exploration of Antarctica's stunning landscapes and wildlife.

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, exploring the remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

  • Customise your trip with optional activities such as kayaking, photography masterclasses, onboard yoga, and a refreshing polar plunge.

  • Take your first steps on Antarctica with a Zodiac cruise through icy waters, visiting potential landing sites like Neko Harbour and Petermann Island.

  • Cross the fabled Antarctic Circle, venturing further south than most expeditions, and celebrate reaching latitude 66°33’S.

  • Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, observing extensive colonies of penguins and various seal species.

  • Learn from experienced leaders who are experts in marine biology, glaciology, and Antarctic history through a comprehensive lecture program.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Location: Ushuaia

Accommodation Name: 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: Ushuaia

Accommodation Name: Ocean Endeavour

Meals Included: Breakfast, 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: Drake Passage

Accommodation Name: 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: Antarctic Peninsula

Accommodation Name: 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 Name: 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: Antarctic Peninsula

Accommodation Name: Ocean Endeavour

Meals Included: Breakfast, 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: Drake Passage

Accommodation Name: 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: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

  • Welcome Briefing

    A welcome briefing is included to introduce you to the journey and your fellow travelers.

  • Citizen Science Program

    Participate in a Citizen Science Program to contribute to scientific research during your journey.

  • Onboard Lecture Program

    Enjoy an onboard lecture program led by experts in marine biology, glaciology, and Antarctic history.

  • Daily Briefings and Recap

    Daily briefings and recaps are provided to keep you informed about the day's activities and upcoming plans.

  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising

    Experience Zodiac excursions and cruising to explore the Antarctic landscape and wildlife.

  • Guided Walking Excursions

    Join guided walking excursions to explore the Antarctic terrain and observe wildlife up close.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as photography programs, spa treatments, and kayaking are available at an additional cost.

  • Special Booking Conditions

    A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full voyage cost is required to confirm your booking.

Mode of Transport

The Ocean Nova is equipped with a fleet of 8 Zodiacs, ensuring all passengers can enjoy simultaneous landings. This setup allows for efficient and immersive exploration of the Antarctic landscape, enhancing the overall expedition experience.

Accommodation

The Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience, accommodating just 80 guests. With cosy cabins featuring large windows and a Panoramic Lounge for 200-degree vistas, this nimble ship allows access to remote coves, providing an intimate and immersive journey enriched by expert presentations.

Important Information

  • Your voyage is on board the Ocean Nova ship.
  • SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
  • This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Ocean Endeavour Expeditions Pty Ltd referred to as ‘Polar Latitudes’’. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount) per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 95 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Nova).
  • ADVENTURE OPTIONS
  • An optional day paddle is a one-off excursion available on all voyages for an additional cost. Pre-book via your booking agent.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Antarctic expedition?

    During the expedition, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins, crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals, as well as a plethora of fascinating birds. In the Drake Passage, you might spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins, and seabirds such as the wandering albatross, prions, and petrels.

  • What activities are included in the Antarctic Circle tour?

    The tour includes daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, guided walking excursions, a Citizen Science Program, and an onboard lecture program. There are also daily briefings and recaps to keep you informed about the journey.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional activities available including kayaking, a photography program, onboard spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes, and a polar plunge. There are also opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding and day paddling.

  • What is the crew-to-passenger ratio on the Ocean Endeavour?

    The Ocean Endeavour has an expedition crew member for every eight passengers, providing a greater personal touch compared to most polar expeditions which have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen, or twenty to one.

  • What kind of educational opportunities are available on the expedition?

    The expedition offers a comprehensive lecture program where experienced leaders, who are experts in marine biology, glaciology, and Antarctic history, share their knowledge. There are also daily briefings and recaps, as well as a Citizen Science Program to enhance your understanding of the Antarctic region.

  • 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

Thursday - Wednesday

Feb 04, 2027 - Feb 17, 2027
$13685 $11300 (USD)

Operator discount: -$2053 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$332 (USD)

Friday - Thursday

Feb 26, 2027 - Mar 11, 2027
$12445 $10277 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1867 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$301 (USD)

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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