Journey to the Antarctic Circle
Journey to the Antarctic Circle
$12445
Journey to the Antarctic Circle
14 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina
Visiting: Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, The Antarctic Circle
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 200
Age range:
8-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Welcome Briefing
A welcome briefing is included to introduce you to the journey and your fellow travelers.
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Citizen Science Program
Participate in a Citizen Science Program to contribute to scientific research during your journey.
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Onboard Lecture Program
Enjoy an onboard lecture program led by experts in marine biology, glaciology, and Antarctic history.
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Daily Briefings and Recap
Daily briefings and recaps are provided to keep you informed about the day's activities and upcoming plans.
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Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Experience Zodiac excursions and cruising to explore the Antarctic landscape and wildlife.
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Guided Walking Excursions
Join guided walking excursions to explore the Antarctic terrain and observe wildlife up close.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as photography programs, spa treatments, and kayaking are available at an additional cost.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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