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Penguins overlooking the bay

Journey to the Antarctic Circle

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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Embark on a 14-day cruise in the footsteps of Captain Cook as travelers venture into the Antarctic Circle, a region renowned for its perpetual sunlight and majestic ice formations. Aboard the Ocean Endeavour, bid farewell to Ushuaia, and set course for the icy landscapes of the Antarctic Continent. Observe seals on ice floes, witness whales leaping from the icy waters, and encounter colonies of penguins patrolling the rocky shores. Explore ice-filled bays on Zodiac boats, take in vistas that are rarely witnessed by others, and even step foot on the Antarctic land itself for onshore excursions. On select departure dates, alongside the regular team of Antarctic experts, WWF-Australia scientists will join this tour to share insights into whale conservation as they conduct cutting-edge research on these underwater giants.
Sleeping leopard seal in AntarcticaZodiac excursion in AntarcticaMidnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell SeaUshuaiaPenguins overlooking the bay
Highlights
  • Follow in the wake of Captain Cook as you cross the Antarctic Circle
  • Get the chance to learn about state-of-the-art whale research techniques and marine conservation.
  • Take in the Sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
  • Enjoy regular Zodiac excursions and onshore landings
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

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Your representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. You will be informed at the hotel of your journey and details of embarkation. If you happen to arrive early, there are a surprising amount of ways to entertain yourself. Check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the history of the region. Take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you are after any last-minute essentials before departing. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina's famous red wine.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
This afternoon you’ll board the Ocean Endeavour, settle into your cabin and begin cruising down the stunning Beagle Channel, named for Charles Darwin’s ship. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, the most southerly national park of South America. 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: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The Drake Passage is one of the most famous bodies of water on the planet. It can be a little rough, but if weather conditions are good, you can head out on the outer decks for a chance to spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins, or perhaps seabirds including the spectacular wandering albatross, prions and petrels. Over the next two days, you'll get to know your expedition team experts as the comprehensive lecture program gets underway. The polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a great understanding of its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead. Your expedition team are experts on the marine life that inhabit these parts and will help scout for sightings as you join them on the Ocean Endeavour's bridge and spacious outer decks. With favorable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of day four.

Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands | Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
It’s time to take your first steps on Antarctica, courtesy of a Zodiac cruise through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites including Neko Harbour, Petermann Island and Port Lockroy, and while weather dictates which specific site you'll land at, each of them presents an opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible wildlife, watch penguins waddle and seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble.

If you have any questions, look to your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world. A range of adventure options are available if you’re feeling active, including snowshoeing, kayaking and day paddling You'll also have an opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Endeavour. There’s nothing quite like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. When you are on board the Ocean Endeavour, the expedition team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the onboard wellness facilities including a spa, saltwater pool, sauna and gym, or perhaps join a yoga class with the incredible backdrop of Antarctica!

An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition leader around 7am, 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 a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

Day 9-10: Antarctic Circle

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in as not all expeditions come this far south. Few people can say they’ve crossed the Antarctic Circle, and you are one of them. Weather conditions permitting, celebrations will be in order after reaching 66°33’ S. This is now deep Antarctica, home to Weddell seals, spectacular ice formations, and the midnight sun. This region is also home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Antarctica. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in like a dream comes to fruition – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory.

Day 11: Antarctic Peninsula | South Shetland Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula as you begin your return leg to Ushuaia. Grab the opportunity to share photographs with fellow travelers, enjoy some final lectures from polar experts, and speak with the WWF-Australia team about their whale research findings from their time on the Peninsula. Ultimately, Dr. Friedlaender and his team hope that their research will lead to the establishment of an Antarctic marine protection area, preventing krill fishing in the region, and safeguarding the health of baleen whales. With The Intrepid Foundation helping to facilitate this research voyage and supporting WWF-Australia’s Protecting Antarctic Giants project, this is a cause to get behind.

Day 12-13: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife encountered throughout the voyage. Your last days onboard are also a great opportunity to make use of Ocean Endeavour’s health and wellness facilities, including its saunas, spa, heated pool, yoga classes, and gym. Spend some time with your shipmates, who you’ve no doubt bonded with, and enjoy a final together to toast the end of this Antarctic adventure.

Day 14: Ushuaia | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
You are scheduled to arrive in Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking 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
$11,099
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
  • 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 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
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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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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