Best of Antarctica | Polar Cruises

Best of Antarctica | Ocean Endeavour Expedition Ship

Best of Antarctica

Discover a world of magic and snow as you travel to Antarctica. This continent has attracted intrepid travellers for centuries, and is now a magnet for those who love adventure. This exclusive 11-day trip to the White Continent will take you on the spacious, comfortable and luxurious Ocean Endeavour.
This remote, pristine landscape is awe-inspiring, stunning, and surreal. Words cannot describe its sights or sounds. It is an ice-wilderness, where penguins are everywhere, as well as seals, seabirds and whales. The scenery includes sculpted, towering icebergs with snowcapped peaks and glaciers, and waters choked by ice. Wildlife viewing and the magnificent scenery are both unmatched. It is an opportunity of a lifetime to visit the last frontier.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Arriving at Ushuaia Airport please proceed to the Arrivals hall where the representative is waiting to take you to your Hotel. The representative will hold a sign. If you are unable to reach them, contact the emergency number of the local representative.
Ushuaia is the southernmost city of the world, and capital of Tierra del Fuego.

You can spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city, making last-minute shopping in the shops and artisan markets or just relaxing at a café. Avenida San Martin, the main road in town has some great museums. You can also wander around the streets and take in the dramatic scenery of the city with its views to the Beagle Channel and mountains.

Day 2: Embarkation In Ushuaia

You can explore Ushuaia or Tierra del Fuego National Park in the morning. It is South America's most southern national park. You can hike through the park's stunning scenery, which includes snow-capped mountains, meadows with lush vegetation, rugged coasts, lakes, glaciers and waterfalls. Be on the lookout for Andean Foxes, North American Beavers, and guanaco. The Andean Condor, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Kelp Goose, Austral Parakeet, and torrent Duck are among the birds found in this area.
We will arrive in Ushuaia late this afternoon to embark on the Ocean Endeavour. We will be welcomed aboard by the Expedition Team, as well as Ship Officers. While we are at sea, you can familiarize yourself with Ocean Endeavour's layout and all its amenities. You will also be treated to a delicious welcome dinner.

We will sail through the Beagle Channel towards the White Continent of Antarctica. Look out from the deck for Magellanic Penguins, Rock Cormorants, Petrels, Black-browed Albatross as well as noises sea lions as we depart the lights of Ushuaia.

Day 3 & 4: At Sea, Drake Passage

Day 5, 6, 7 & 8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Day 9 & 10: At Sea, Drake Passage

Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

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Cruise Includes

All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks

Onboard lecture program from expedition staff and naturalists

All shore excursions and zodiac cruising (except optional activities with cost)

Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket

Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the Cruise

Transfer from airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel accommodation with breakfast

Transfer from hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation

Transfers to airport on return to port

All port taxes

Use of gym, sauna, pool and on-board jacuzzi and onboard yoga

Cruise does not include

International or internal flights unless specified

Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified

Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information

Visa and passport fees

Travel insurance

Optional activities and all personal expenses

Tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages

Miscellaneous extras

Laundry and communication charges aboard

Medical care

Life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots for minors under 16 years of age at time of travel

Waterproof outer shell jacket and insulated inner jacket for guests who require sizing larger than 3XL

Boots for guests who require sizing larger than men’s size 14 boots

Gratuities for crew and expedition staf

Highlights

Unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where the penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are the true rulers.

Experience the White Continent and encounter an incredible variety of wildlife.

Take in the Sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands and the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula.

Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs, glaciated mountains and volcanoes.

Enjoy daily zodiac excursions and onshore landings

Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the expedition team.

Take advantage of optional activities during the voyage such as sea kayaking and snowshoeing.

Enjoy the amenities onboard including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography