Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula on a 12-day polar expedition from the southern shores of Chile’s Punta Arenas. Taking on the Magellan Strait and the mighty Drake Passage, jump aboard Intrepid’s Ocean Endeavour in search of rare bird and marine life, jagged icebergs, and mountainous landscapes like no other. Travel with experts who will present a comprehensive lecture program, head on extraordinary shore landings, and take advantage of onboard comforts after a day of exploring.
Highlights
Visit the newly completed $50 million International Antarctic Center
Tour the historic town of Punta Arenas, the return site of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men
Explore the wildlife rich Antarctic Peninsula's western shores
See penguin colonies, zodiac cruise around icebergs, and hike near glaciers
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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 the continental Antarctic Peninsula. Sprawling gentoo penguin colonies will provide a sensory immersion into the continent’s ecology. 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.
Voyage further south across the Bransfield Strait towards continental Antarctica. For the next four days, head on wildlife sightings, take to Zodiacs for small-group outings, and soak up unforgettable vistas that greet you at every turn. With multiple landing sites available, your Ocean Endeavour crew will work out the best places to stop, taking the elements, accessibility, and the possibility for wildlife sightings. There may be the chance for snowshoeing, Sea kayaking, and camping adventures, which are weather and timing-dependent. Well-known sites like Neko Harbour, Orne Harbour, and Skontorp Cove will be on the captain’s radar, as well as a working science base.
As you leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, take with your memories and photographs. Settle back into your comfortable surroundings for the return journey across the Drake Passage. The Ocean Endeavour will track north towards Cape Horn and your destination in Ushuaia, Argentina. During this time, you can attend more onboard lectures and workshops, including one on photo editing. Make sure your nature snaps the best it can be to 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.
Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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.
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.
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
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day 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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
