Join the 12-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Ocean Endeavour. Witness an abundance of whales, fulfilling the dreams of wildlife enthusiasts and daring explorers. Tracing the migration routes of majestic marine creatures, be captivated by the sight of seals, penguins, and seabirds as the trip progresses. From the comfort of Ocean Endeavour and intimate Zodiac boats, experience the perfect vantage point to admire the frozen wilderness and search for underwater shapes. Additionally, thrilling day paddles and expert guidance on capturing stunning photographs on the pristine White Continent are available. Amidst awe-inspiring electric blue glaciers, this maritime adventure presents unparalleled opportunities for spotting whales and embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime exploration.
Highlights
Witness an abundance of whales, seals, penguins, and seabirds
Enjoy the perfect vantage point to admire the awe-inspiring electric blue glaciers
Expert guidance on capturing stunning photographs on the White Continent
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina – the gateway to Antarctica. Before you embark on this epic journey, take an included transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow travelers and Expedition Team in Ushuaia with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not head downtown for some souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavors at one of Ushuaia’s fantastic local restaurants? If you get the chance, watching the sun go down at 'The End of the World' (the nickname for the Tierra del Fuego archipelago) is the perfect way to cap off your first night.
This morning is yours to explore Ushuaia. You can always ask your Expedition Leader for suggestions, but exploring this remote town on foot makes for a beautiful start to the day. Ushuaia offers enough stunning scenery for any nature buff, so make sure you’ve grabbed your camera to snap that snow-capped backdrop. In the afternoon, transfer to the port of Ushuaia where you will board the Ocean Endeavour – your home on the sea for the next 10 nights. After meeting your fellow passengers and Expedition Team and settling into your cabin, you’ll set sail through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Soak up incredible views as you glimpse your last sight of Argentina, then head inside to join the excitement and learn more about what to expect over the coming days.
Spend two days traveling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. If conditions allow, there will be a chance to enjoy the outer deck spaces, scouting for dolphins, whales, and a variety of seabirds that pass by – including the iconic wandering albatross, with its enormous three-meter wingspan. Our comprehensive lecture program will also get underway for you to join at your leisure, with our team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into
Antarctic history, geology, biology, and everything in between! If the weather is on your side, you should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four. Ensure you’re on deck for this, as the first sighting of land always builds great anticipation on any expedition south.
Day 5-9: South Shetland Islands | Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is known for a high number of wildlife sightings, not to mention the stunning backdrop of mountains, icy landscapes and water. The perfect combination, as you search for migrating whales. This is why you have five full days to enjoy wildlife opportunities, both from the expansive outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour and via Zodiac cruises and shore excursions. The peak of the migration season is the best opportunity to see these majestic ocean dwellers, as all Antarctic whale species migrate long distances, feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich Southern Ocean during the southern summer. The most common species found in the region are humpback, Minke and fin whales, as well as orcas.
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 lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.
As whale season is in full swing, you may like to participate in one of our exciting onboard Citizen Science projects – the Happy Whale Project, where you can upload photos of whales’ tails (called flukes) online, along with details of where the images are taken. These are used to analyse and identify individual whales and track their movement across the oceans. Sightings can happen from the outer decks of the ship, on the ship’s bridge with your Captain or during a Zodiac excursion. Our open bridge policy allows you into the command centre of the Ocean Endeavour for the ultimate behind-the-scenes access and the best place to spot whales.
You will also have the daily opportunity for optional adventure activities, including kayaking or day paddle excursions through ice floes, or photography sessions and workshops led by our expert photography guides.
As the Ocean Endeavour starts its return journey north to our home port of Ushuaia, now is the time to reflect on your amazing adventure. We’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of day 11. This evening, your final meal together in the Polaris restaurant is often a highlight, so make sure to live it up and enjoy the moment as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travelers and Expedition Team. Don’t forget the group selfie!
Day 12: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast as your Antarctic expedition comes to an end and the memories of an amazing experience begin. A transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included if you’re departing today.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,8992-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
Single Interior - Cat. 1
122 sq.ft (11 sq. m)
Interior location
Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobe
Single bed
Flatscreen TV
Located on Deck 5
Select a Date
Triple Interior - Cat. 2
Approximately 220 to 230 sq. ft. (20 to 21.5 sq. m)
Three lower berths
One or two private bathrooms with hair dryer and bathrobes
Flatscreen TV
Interior location
Located on Deck 4
Select a Date
Interior Twin - Cat. 3
Approximately 120 sq.ft (11 sq. m)
Two lower berths
Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes
Interior location
Flatscreen TV
Located on Deck 4
Select a Date
Twin Porthole - Cat. 4
Approximately 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m)
Two lower berths
Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes
Flatscreen TV
One porthole* or window (unobstructed views)
*Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution
Located on Deck 4 or Deck 5
Select a Date
Single Porthole - Cat. 4A
Approximately 76 sq. ft. (7 sq. m)
Two lower berths
Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes
One porthole* (unobstructed views) *Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution
Flatscreen TV
Located on Deck 4
Select a Date
Twin Window - Cat. 5
Approximately 141 sq. ft. (13 sq. m)
One or two windows (partially or fully obstructed views)
Two lower berths or one double bed
Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes
Flatscreen TV and refrigerator
Located on Deck 7 and Deck 8
Select a Date
Single Window - Cat. 5A
Approximately 155 to 174 sq. ft. (14 to 16 sq. m)
Two windows (partially obstructed views)
Double bed
Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes
Flatscreen TV and refrigerator
Located on Deck 8
Select a Date
Comfort Twin - Cat. 6
Approximately 228 sq. ft. (21 sq. m)
Two single berths
Separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed
*Two portholes (unobstructed views) *Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution
Private bathroom (some cabins have 2 bathrooms) with hair dryer and bathrobes
Flatscreen TV and refrigerator
Located on Deck 4
Select a Date
Select Twin - Cat. 7
Approximately 214 sq. ft. (20 sq. m)
Two single berths
Separate living area with a pull-out sofa bed
Two windows (unobstructed views)
Private bathroom (some cabins have two bathrooms) with hair dryer and bathrobes
Flatscreen TV and refrigerator
Located on Deck 5
Select a Date
Superior - Cat. 8
Deck 5 - Approximately. 225 sq. ft. (21 sq. m), two lower berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed, two large windows | Deck 7 - Approximately 165 to 200 sq. ft. (15 to 19 sq. m), one double bed, a sofa, two large windows
Two single berths or one double bed
Two windows (unobstructed or partially obstructed views)
Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes
Flatscreen TV and refrigerator
Located on Deck 5 or Deck 7
Select a Date
Junior Suite - Cat. 9
Deck 5 are at least 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), and at least 243 sq. ft. (22.5 sq. m) on Deck 7
Bow or port-facing picture windows (unobstructed views)
Double bed
Separate sitting area with sofa
Flatscreen TV and refrigerator
Private bathroom with shower (3 cabins), bathtub (1 cabin), hair dryer and bathrobes
Located on Deck 5 or Deck 7
Select a Date
Owner's Suite - Cat. 10
Approximately 305 sq. ft. (28 sq. m)
Four forward-facing windows (unobstructed)
Double Bed
Separate sitting area with sofa
Flatscreen TV and refrigerator
Private bathroom with bathtub, hair dryer and bathrobes
Located on Deck 7
Notes
RATES
Rates correct at date above but are subject to change & subject to availability at time of booking.
SINGLES POLICY
Single Cabins (Solo Use) are available in CAT 1, CAT 4A & CAT 5A. Willing to share (same-sex) available at no extra charge in CAT 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8, subject to availability. Single Supplement to create a Solo Use cabin is available in CAT 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 (only) at a surcharge of 1.7 x applicable Twin-share rate, subject to availability.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
11 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.