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A whale plays near the surface at dusk.

Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey

Ushuaia Roundtrip - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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Enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, where you will see amazing, sculptured icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, imposing mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters, all lie in wait. Explore on foot, by kayak, snowshoe and Zodiac. Sailing and cruising by Zodiac, scan the icy waters for the silhouettes of these mighty marine mammals as they glide alongside the vessels or surface the waters in a spectacular breach. Can you imagine the thrill and excitement of kayaking alongside one of these majestic creatures? Not forgetting encounters with curious penguins, basking seals and many fascinating seabirds. This is the trip of a lifetime for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Zodiac cruising in polar watersCapturing the beautiful polar scenerySeal relaxing on the iceHumpback whale emerges from polar watersA whale plays near the surface at dusk.
Highlights
  • Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs, mountains, and glaciers
  • Explore the sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
  • Visit unspoiled wilderness with almost no human traces
  • Encounter an incredible variety of marine and bird life
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 again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park of South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastline, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats, and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean Condor, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Kelp Goose, Austral Parakeet, and Torrent Duck.

Late this afternoon transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for embarkation onboard the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome you aboard. This evening you sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As you leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic Penguins, Rock Cormorants, Petrels, and Black-browed Albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.

Day 3-4: At Sea | Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
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.

Continue your course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land— that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!

Day 5-8: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
The Antarctic Peninsula is known for a high number of wildlife sightings in front of stunning backdrops of mountains, ice and water, which combine to provide incredible scenes as we look to search for whales migrating along the coast. Opportunity to see these majestic ocean dwellers, and the most common species found in the region are humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as orcas (technically a type of dolphin). Sightings can happen from the deck of the ship or during a Zodiac excursion.
 

Day 9-10: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
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.

Day 11: Ushuaia | 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.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Ocean Endeavour in Antarctic waters
Polaris Restaurant at Ocean Endeavour
Sample buffet spread of Polaris Restaurant at Ocean Endeavour

Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,799
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Ocean Endeavour - Category 1 - Single Interior
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Category 2 - Interior
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Category 3 - Interior
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 4 - Twin Porthole
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 4A - Single Porthole
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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
Category 5 - Twin Window
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Category 5A - Single WindowOcean Endeavour - Category 5A - Single Window
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Category 8 - Comfort Twin
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Category 7 - Select Twin
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Category 8 - Superior Twin
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Category 9 - Junior Suite
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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
Ocean Endeavour - Category 10 - Owner's Suite
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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.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 10 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

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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