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Camping in the Polar regions

Antarctica Solar Eclipse

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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To experience a total solar eclipse anywhere on earth is something truly spectacular. But to see the Earth’s moon conceal the sun while surrounded by the seabirds, rugged ocean and wild islands of the Antarctic is a once in a lifetime opportunity. On December 4th 2021, a total solar eclipse will be viewable only from some of the Earth’s most southern latitudes – an exclusive and unique phenomenon that will be celebrated with a designated voyage from South America. After sailing east to the eclipse zone, take the opportunity to explore a less frequently trodden side of the Antarctic Peninsula, traversing the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound and visiting the historic Elephant Island before experiencing the sights and sounds of the Peninsula’s penguin-abundant north western shores. After this east-west traverse of Antarctica’s phenomena, its history, its wilderness and inhabitants, give a salute to the frozen continent and the witnessing of a once-in-a-lifetime event to the backdrop of a Shetland Islands sunset before turning north. Solar Eclipse 2021 is a truly unique itinerary and a rare glimpse of a dark Antarctica contrasted with its gleaming, icy shores.
A whale comes up to say helloTotal solar eclipsePenguins navigating the icy slopesMidnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell SeaHiking in AntarcticaPenguins on the shores of AntarcticaCamping in the Polar regions
Highlights
  • View a rare total solar eclipse in the Antarctic from the deck of the Ocean Endeavour
  • Explore the Peninsula’s rugged and remote east side including the Weddell Sea and Erebus & Terror Gulf
  • Visit Antarctica's western shores – abundant in penguin colonies and stunning marine life
  • Photograph the sweeping vistas of landing sites on the South Shetland Islands
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where your representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).

The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, perhaps making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets or relaxing in a café. Visit the excellent museums along the main street, Avenida San Martin, or wander the streets and take in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander the streets of this quaint port town, or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park. Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the late afternoon. You will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. This evening set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.

Day 3-5: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
En route to the Eclipse location, your time at sea can be filled with presentations from your onboard team of experts or enjoy photography and bird watching from the warmth of the viewing space on the Ocean Endeavour’s spacious bridge as albatross and other seabirds circle the ship and spot whales. On this special voyage, talks from the resident astrophysicists and meteorologists will prepare you for the incredibly rare event that lays ahead and evening programming will see a chance for a casual drink at the bar while you get to know your shipmates and guides.

Day 6: Total Solar Eclipse

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During the early hours of the fifth expedition day, you will be invited onto the deck of the Ocean Endeavour to view the incredibly rare spectacle that is an Antarctic Total Solar Eclipse. During the night, the ship will have sailed well into the zone of 100% obscuration, the navigators precisely measuring longitude in conjunction with local weather events to allow a viewing for approximately 1 and a half minutes - the longest possible for the region. Also on deck will be the resident experts in astrophysics and meteorology as well as the team of photography guides to interpret this astronomical phenomenon and instruct on how best to capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Following the early start to the day, the ship will turn back to face the west and you'll have an opportunity to rest and review your photographs while aiming to reach the historic Elephant Island.

Day 7: Elephant Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Join the crew on the bridge this morning as you scan the horizon for your first sighting of land since South America, when icebergs may well appear in numbers and when you first lay eyes on the continent of Antarctica. The Ocean Endeavour’s navigators will be aiming for the historic Elephant Island – a place central to the incredible survival story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men who used this very island as a camp and rendezvous point during the final and harrowing legs of their epic Endurance saga. Either from the ship or from zodiacs, you’ll witness Point Wild – the very place where Shackleton’s men clung to rocks for several months in anticipation of his return from South Georgia. Ashore, a monument marks this site and the incredible feat of survival that surmises their astonishing journey.

Day 8: Weddell Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The eighth day of your voyage will see the ship turn south and sail toward the eastern side of Joinville Island, at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Far less trodden than the western shores, this area affords time to truly explore some of the world’s most remote and rugged beaches and islands. This area is home to some of the largest Adelie penguin colonies on Earth which attract an abundance of leopard seals and other marine fauna. On this day, you’ll be in true expedition mode as you take the opportunity to visit this remote region on your way further south.

Day 9-10: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Perhaps the most profound experience and when the sights and sounds of the Antarctic really come to life is upon visiting one’s first gentoo penguin colony. Here, on the Peninsula’s western side, explore some of the continent’s most famous locations where tens of thousands of penguins find a rare piece of bare rock on which to nest for the summer months. At this time of year, penguins will be sharing incubating responsibilities and perhaps a few tiny penguin chicks will be appearing. Jumping out of a zodiac onto a beach laden with these vast congregations of birds makes for an unforgettable immersion into the Antarctic ecosystem and a sensory experience like none other! In addition to the penguins, on this voyage, explore glacial faces, channels and bays of the Peninsula offering you the chance to witness icebergs of every description and to get up close and personal with the various seal species that call this part of the continent home. Along the way, your expedition team will be constantly scouting for those leviathans of the ocean – the thousands of humpback whales that migrate to this part of the world at this time of year to feed on krill.

Day 11: South Shetland Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
After turning north again, your voyage will take you to the rugged, windswept vistas of the South Shetland Islands. Home to some peculiar species including elephant seals and fur seals, these islands also boast a water-bound volcano, a string of scientific bases and some of the best sunsets the Antarctic has to offer – making for a fantastic way to round out your excursions and take to the deck of the Ocean Endeavour for a toast to the Antarctic at sundown.

Day 12-13: At Sea – Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula behind, head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about your Antarctic experiences. By the evening you can hope to be back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring a restful night's sleep on board.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

  • 1 Breakfast
You are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or maybe spend a few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore further, maybe hiking in Tierra del Fuego National park.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Ocean Endeavour
Ocean Endeavour
Ocean Endeavour

Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$11,995
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Single Inside (Cat. 1)
Approximately 95 to 105 sq. ft. (9-10 sq. m), an interior Single cabin mid ship on Deck 5 with a lower berth and private bath, TV and radio.
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Triple (Cat. 2)
Approximately 225 sq. ft. (20 sq. m), a Triple on Deck 4 is an interior cabin with three lower berths, and private bath. Cabin 4100 has four lower single beds and one private bathroom with a separate shower room.
Ocean Endeavour
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Interior Twin (Cat. 3)
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
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Twin/Single (Cat. 4)
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
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Main Twin (Cat. 5)
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
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Comfort Twin (Cat. 6)
Deck four: Two portholes windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths - 175 sq.ft. Deck seven: picture window, partial view, two lower berths- 135 sq.ft. Deck eight: Picture windows, obstructed view, matrimonial bed, pvt. bath, fridge - 160 sq.ft.
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Select Twin (Cat. 7)
Deck five. Picture windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths, approx. 190 sq. ft. Deck eight: oversize windows, partially obstruction view, matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator - approx. 145 sq. ft.
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Superior Twin (Cat.8)
Superior Twin cabins on deck 5 are approximately 21 m² and feature a large picture window and two lower beds. Deck 7 Superior Twins are approximately 17 m² and offer queen beds.
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Junior Suite (Cat. 9)
Junior Suites on Deck 5 are at least 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), and at least 164 sq. ft. (15 sq. m) on Deck 7. All Junior Suites feature a picture window with an unobstructed view, one double bed and a private bath.
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Suite (Cat. 10)
Approximately 320 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), the Owner’s Suite on Deck 7 features two large bow-facing windows, one double bed, separate sitting room and private bath with tub.

Notes

Solo Travelers: Single Cabins are available in Cat 1. & Cat 4. Same gender shared cabins are available at no extra charge (not available in Cat 8, Cat 9 or Cat 10). Single occupancy of other cabins at 1.7x double occupancy rate. 

Child Policy: Child rate is 50% of adult double occupancy rate in selected cabin. Minimum age of 8.
Children must be aged between 8 & 12 at time of travel to be eligible for these rates.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Group Transfer to the Ship on Embarkation Day 
  • One Night Pre-Voyage Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast in Ushuaia
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Forward Facing Zodiac:  (Available on select days, payable onboard)
  • Private Photography Workshop: 
     
  • Snowshoeing Option: (payable on board)
  • Camping Option
  • Kayaking Option

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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