Journey To The Antarctic circle | Ocean Endeavour Expedition Ship

Journey To The Antarctic circle

On this 14-day journey to the Circle we will follow in Captain Cook's footsteps as we try to cross latitude 66deg33'S and the legendary Antarctic Circle. This is the home of the shifting ice, the midnight sun, and the deserted landscape. We leave Ushuaia behind us and the civilisation of Ushuaia to sail towards the icy wildernesses of Antarctica. The scenery will be nothing short but spectacular as we cruise amongst massive ice carvings and majestic mountains covered in snow. Explore the history and wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula with Zodiac Cruises, Shore Landings, Hikes and Kayaking.
Visit vast colonies of penguins and seals, scan the water for Orcas on the hunt and Leopard Seals and watch seabirds soar above.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Please proceed to the Arrivals hall where you will find our representative waiting to take you to your accommodation. The representative will hold a sign that has your name. If you are unable to reach them, the emergency number of our office is listed on your itinerary.
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 in the cafes. 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 this park and enjoy the dramatic and beautiful scenery, including snow-capped mountains, meadows with lush vegetation, rugged coasts, lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. 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 familiarise yourselves with the 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 noisy Sea Lion colonies 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: Antarctic Circle

Day 11: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica

Day 12 & 13: At Sea, Drake Passage

Day 14: 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.

Discover the top wildlife destination in the world where you can see penguins, seals, whales and albatrosses.

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

Enjoy daily zodiac excursions and on-shore landings.

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

Your cruise is full-board including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

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

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

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.