Best of Antarctica

Start your journey by exploring the charming streets and rugged coastline of Punta Arenas, Chile on the shores of the historic Strait of Magellan. Established on the wealth of the Patagonian wool export industry, the town’s splendor has been continued by a shift in focus to facilitating Antarctic exploration and research.

It’s from the Punta Arenas post office that Sir Robert Falcon Scott penned his 400 letters announcing his return from the Antarctic and the town also hosted Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men for the closure of their harrowing Endurance expedition - all of which and more is detailed in the town’s newly built $50 million International Antarctic Center - adorned with an ice-like facade and an homage to Shackleton’s adventurous spirit - the center’s museum is a brilliant opportunity to learn about the history, ice and animals that await you on the voyage ahead.

At the town’s port, the Ocean Endeavour eagerly awaits your traverse of the Strait of Magellan before turning south for the legendary Drake Passage.

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is unpredictable—often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake—so be prepared!

Enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities: join a yoga class or attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead—from the geology of Antarctica to its history and wildlife, and even the ice! Sailing towards Antarctica there is a fall in temperature as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales, and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Head out on deck to look out for the mighty Albatross that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.

On the morning of the fifth day of your voyage, large icebergs and the shape of the volcanic South Shetland Islands can be seen from the Ocean Endeavour’s bridge. Spend the day exploring this Antarctic archipelago - a string of islands that is frequented by chinstrap penguins, elephant seals and fur seals. The feeling of a true expedition will come to life as you take to the water in the fleet of zodiacs and make your first Antarctic excursion. Over the coming days, voyage further south across the Bransfield strait and into the icy coves of continental Antarctic Peninsula. Sprawling gentoo penguin colonies will provide for a sensory immersion into the continent’s ecology and the seals and whales that thrive in these waters will be a highlight of your first few landings and zodiac cruises. It’s also here that the true extent of Antarctic glacial ice can be witnessed. Famous sites like Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour or Skontorp Cove will draw the captain’s gaze as we seek the region’s most stunning icy vistas for camping, snowshoeing and kayaking adventures. As well as sites rich in natural history, you will also visit a working science base as well as seek out historic huts and landmarks that punctuate the white wilderness.

As you leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, take with your memories and photographs. Set a course for the Drake Passage as you enjoy some final lectures and presentations and look out for wildlife from the observation lounge and the outer decks. 

Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel bound for Ushuaia.

Arrive in Ushuaia early this morning and disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

After saying your farewells to your Expedition Team and the Ocean Endeavour crew, transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend an extra few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.