Try your hand at wildlife photography, witness thousands of nesting penguins and spot the largest albatross colony in the world in the Falkland Islands.
Learn about the epic survival of Sir Ernest Shackleton in South Georgia and visit the site where he was buried, among sub-Antarctic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and cross the rarely experienced Antarctic Circle – reaching latitude 66°33’S. Keep your eyes out for migrating humpback whales!
Experience daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings in Antarctica and personalise your expedition with our wide range of optional adventures (like photography lessons and sea kayaking).
Benefit from a variety of onboard activities on the Ocean Endeavour, including educational lectures and the Citizen Science Program, all led by our expert Expedition Team.

Map/Itinerary

Day 1Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to the port city of Ushuaia for the start of your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel and settle in before meeting your fellow travellers. If you’re arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or perhaps take a walk around town, visiting the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. The Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum), housed in an old prison, will give you a sense of the city’s history, or enjoy a delectable combination of Argentinean wine and steak at a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare.

Day 2Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast, the morning is yours to explore windswept Ushuaia. Stroll through the quaint town with a camera or grab a last-minute necessity (you haven’t forgotten your waterproof pants and gloves, have you?) In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the port of Ushuaia and hop aboard the Ocean Endeavour – your home on the sea for the next 22 days. After greeting your fellow passengers and Expedition Team and settling into your cabin, set sail through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Find the perfect spot to soak up the incredible views, as you catch your last sight of Argentina – then, head inside to join the excitement and learn more about what’s to come on this Antarctic adventure. This evening is a great opportunity to explore the ship (and its amenities) and enjoy a delicious dinner at Polaris restaurant with your new crew.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Day 3At Sea

With nothing but you and the blue horizon for the next couple of days, your time at sea is the perfect chance to take advantage of all the amenities and activities on board. Spot seabirds from the sundeck, lounge in the day spa and sauna, keep warm in the gym and jacuzzi or study up in the Polar library. There will also be a series of lectures and presentations throughout the days aboard, so you can really sink your teeth into the local geography, environment and wildlife. Prepare for your expedition by attending comprehensive presentations from the Expedition Team, which highlight the dramatic history of upcoming spots, as well as the potential wildlife sightings that may await you. Up on deck, keep an eye out for wandering albatross on their migration route, as well as breaching whales and other mighty mammals. In the evenings, cosy up with a drink at the bar and get to know your shipmates.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4-5Falkland Islands

This morning, you’ll approach The Falklands – a wildlife photographer’s dream. Here, you can find the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world, as well as five species of penguins who breed on the islands (including gentoo, king, macaroni, Magellanic and rockhopper). As you approach the ruggedly beautiful archipelago, keep the camera ready to capture not only the abundant wildlife, but also the breathtaking scenery. East Falkland and West Falkland have so much to offer and provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinary landscapes and rich history of the southern islands. Learn about the intriguing and controversial past of the Falkland Islands from local experts, as you explore the quaint capital of Stanley. Near the town, you may see southern giant petrels, Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures! A spot of birdwatching, anyone?

Witness an ever-changing horizon, with wetlands, lakes and rolling peaks waiting to be trekked. Weather permitting, you may explore Saunders Island, the second-largest island in the Falklands, and The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces. The rookery stretches along the northern slopes of Saunders Island and is one of the largest black-browed albatross nesting colonies in the area. This is where the mighty birds nest in the cliffs, around October, with their chicks hatching about ten weeks later.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)

Day 6-7At Sea

Farewell the Falkland Islands and sail towards South Georgia. From the history and geology to the incredible wildlife, this next stop has a lot to offer. South Georgia Island is known for its thousands of nesting penguins, leopard seals, snow-capped peaks and otherworldly landscapes. From the cosy innards of the ship, you can engage in a few presentations to prepare for your next stop. From the outer decks, scan the horizon for seabirds and other passing wildlife. Why not take this opportunity to hit the jacuzzi or day spa for a bit of wellness action, too?

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)

Day 8-11South Georgia

Over the next few days, you’ll explore the island of South Georgia, once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers – now, a protected site with dedicated Antarctic research teams. You’ll explore a variety of different landing sites and learn about the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton, known for his incredible survival during a failed expedition south. Shackleton led the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition between 1914 and 1916 and planned to cross Antarctica from a base on the Weddell Sea to McMurdo Sound, via the South Pole with his crew. However, Endurance became trapped in ice off the Caird Coast and eventually sank, which began this epic story of survival. Through months of hard trekking, improvising and incredible leadership, Shackleton and all his men survived. It’s on these very shores in South Georgia that Shackleton landed his crew of the James Caird, in search of help for the rest of his party, who were stranded back on Elephant Island. You’ll spend several days retracing some of Shackleton’s steps, as well as visiting his grave at the ex-whaling station of Grytviken, located on the east side.

Wander among hundreds of thousands of king penguins in the dramatic South Georgian light, visit old whaling stations and enjoy educational presentations on the then and now of the area. Across the island, you’ll see dark volcanic beaches backgrounded by hanging glaciers and have the chance for day hikes among alpine lakes. Optional activities like day paddling, kayaking and expert photography lessons may be available, too.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (4)
Lunch (4)
Dinner (4)

Special Information

Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites. 
 
Kayaking and other optional extra excursions must be booked in advance. Additional costs apply and space is limited. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information. 

Beginners interested in kayaking should take an introductory course prior to the voyage, including how to complete a wet exit. Regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practice prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in icy conditions. Kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather. 

Day 12-13At Sea

During your next couple of days at sea, take in the stunning panoramic views from the observation lounge or the spacious decks and make the most of the onboard facilities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to reflect, or somebody to help you edit your photos of the penguin colonies, the Ocean Endeavour has something for you. Rejuvenate mind and body with one of the invigorating ‘floe’ yoga and meditation classes or indulge in a massage or facial at the day spa. You may want to take this opportunity to relax and recharge or play a few (hundred) games of cards at the bar with your shipmates. Whatever takes your fancy – the ship is yours to explore.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)

Day 14-18South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Today, you’ll voyage south towards continental Antarctica. An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader at around 7 am. This gives you time to get ready before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast. Usually, you’ll have two excursions per day – in the morning and the afternoon, with lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between. For the next five days, you’ll dedicate your time to searching for wildlife, both from land and from Zodiacs for smaller-group sails. Soak up the unforgettable vistas at every turn and take every opportunity that awaits you. With multiple landing sites available, your Expedition Team will work out the best places to stop, taking into account the wild-and-woolly elements, accessibility options and any wildlife sighting possibilities. There may also be the chance for snowshoeing, day paddle excursions and camping adventures, which are all weather and timing dependent.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (5 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (5)
Lunch (5)
Dinner (5)

Day 19-20Antarctic Circle

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in, as not all expeditions venture this far south. If weather conditions permit, a celebration will be in order after reaching latitude 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in! While not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. You’ll travel past colossal icebergs, to a point only a few travellers have ever sailed. Here in the Antarctic Circle, you may see Weddell seals, specially adapted to this icy environment. They use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice, using the holes to breathe. They also have extremely accurate powers of navigation, to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down and they are no longer able to maintain or create holes in the ice.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)

Day 21-22At Sea, Drake Passage

Settle back into your comfortable surroundings aboard 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 enjoy a slideshow of images captured by our Expedition photographer during your voyage – yours as a memento of your epic Antarctic expedition. These are sure to make your nature snaps the best they can be. Now is also the chance to catch up with your shipmates and share stories about your voyage over a meal or a drink at the bar.

Accommodation

Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)

Day 23Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to the Ocean Endeavour and disembark in Ushuaia. A transfer to Ushuaia airport or downtown is included if you are departing today. With much to see and do in Ushuaia, including the Museo Maritimo, Avenida San Martin or even an adventurous hike to the Martial Glacier, your adventure doesn’t have to end here. If you would like to spend more time in Ushuaia, just speak to your booking agent.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Inclusions/Exclusions

This expedition includes:

• Pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia – B&B

• Transfer from airport to hotel if arriving on Day 1

• Transfer from hotel accommodation for embarkation

• All meals onboard including snacks

• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)

• Onboard lecture program from Expedition Team and Naturalists

• Use of rubber boots and walking sticks

• Use of waterproof outer shell jacket

• Insulated inner jacket to keep

• Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard yoga

• 8:1 expedition member ratio per guests

• Transfers to airport on return to port

• All port and landing taxes & fees

This expedition excludes:

• International or domestic flights to/from port of call

• Visa and passport fees

• Travel insurance

• Paid adventure options and all personal expenses

• Laundry and communication charges on board

• Gratuities – recommended US$14 per day per person

Adventure Activities

Stand Up Paddleboarding – USD299
Snowshoeing – USD150
Camping – USD399

Photography Program – USD1299
Kayaking Program – USD1299
Day Paddle – USD299

Gallery

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