Journey to the Circle: Ocean Endeavour

Antarctic Peninsula

This is nature at its harshest yet Antarctica’s wildlife thrives, having adapted to the beautiful, barren surrounds. Experience the thrill of seeing seals lie on the ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and penguins patrolling the rocky shoreline in vast numbers. Zip around the ice-filled bays by Zodiac, landing on Antarctica itself for onshore excursions and jaw-dropping views witnessed by seldom few. With towering mountains, glaciers and mammoth icebergs dotting the landscape, you may not understand how the wildlife survives here, but you can’t blame them for wanting to stay

  • In-depth exploration of Antarctica.
  • Cross the Polar Circle 66'33'' South
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Be aboard a specially designed ice strengthened vessel
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife - penguins, elephant seals, whales and more!

Earlybird rates

10% off Cat 1 – 7 cabins / 15% off Cat 8 – 10 cabins - valid until 31 March
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Mar 13 2024
 
As said, the cruise itself was well planned and the days on shore were excellent. The passengers gained much experience and knowledge.

Stewart's Take

Take things a step further as you cross the Antarctic Circle.

Overview

This is nature at its harshest yet Antarctica’s wildlife thrives, having adapted to the beautiful, barren surrounds. Experience the thrill of seeing seals lie on the ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and penguins patrolling the rocky shoreline in vast numbers. Zip around the ice-filled bays by Zodiac, landing on Antarctica itself for onshore excursions and jaw-dropping views witnessed by seldom few. With towering mountains, glaciers and mammoth icebergs dotting the landscape, you may not understand how the wildlife survives here, but you can’t blame them for wanting to stay.
Day 1: Ushuaia Hola! Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, located at the bottom of Argentina. These parts are known as Tierra del Fuego – ‘the End of the World’ – but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. You’ll meet your fellow travellers at the hotel this afternoon, but if you arrive early there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself. Those with a day or two in hand may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, but if you’ve only got a few hours to kill then why not take a stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel, or perhaps get a taste of Argentina’s famous cuisine at a local restaurant. Day 2: Ushuaia – Embarkation Day After you and your shipmates have boarded this afternoon, the ship will make its way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after the Charles Darwin’s historic ship, the channel presents many great photo opportunities and be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you’re not too busy snapping away – your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula. Days 3-4: Drake Passage 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 deck for a chance to spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins, or perhaps seabirds including albatross, prion and petrel. Over the next two days you’ll get to know your team of polar experts as a comprehensive lecture program gets underway. They’ll share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a great understanding of its wildlife, history and geology. The crew are familiar with the marine life that inhabits these parts and will help scout for sightings from the deck – it’s not like they get sick of these incredible places. The ship is scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of Day 4. Days 5-8: South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula You’ve heard about it. You’ve read about it. You’ve seen it from the ship’s deck. Now it’s time to take your first steps on Antarctica, courtesy of a Zodiac ride 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 team of polar experts to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world. There are some optional activities for the more active adventurer including snowshoeing, kayaking and – wait for it – overnight camping, and you’ll also have an opportunity to take a polar plunge off the ship. There’s nothing quite like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up. If the weather conditions make an excursion unsafe, the crew will arrange for alternative, ship-based activities such as wildlife presentations and documentary screenings. Alternatively, you can make the most of the wellness spa, heated pool and sauna, library and gym so you’re feeling fresh for when the weather clears. An average day on board begins with a wakeup call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow passengers for breakfast in the restaurant. You will usually have two excursions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch on the ship in-between excursions. Days 9-10: The Antarctic Circle Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in as not all expeditions come this far south. Weather conditions permitting, celebrations will be in order after reaching 66°33’ S. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surrounds and take it all in as a dream comes to fruition – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. Day 11: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands You’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters as the ship begins heading north. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species and finetune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard and Weddel seals. The Zodiac excursions will continue, and the expedition team will be on hand to make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities for those wanting to flex their photography muscles en route to Ushuaia. Days 12-13: Drake Passage The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife encountered over the course of the voyage. 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: Disembark Ushuaia Disembark in Ushuaia after having breakfast on the ship. You have the option to be transferred to the airport if you’re flying home today, otherwise enjoy some extra time exploring Tierra del Fuego and its rugged surrounds. A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

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Your Luxury Expedition Ship: M/V Ocean Endeavour

Expedition Ship M/V Ocean Endeavour

The Ocean Endeavour is an extremely well-appointed expedition ship expertly engineered to explore Antarctica. Carrying up to 199 guests, the ship offers a superb guest experience with a nautical lounge, two restaurants, sundeck, and plenty of deck space for observation of polar landscapes, and lounges for learning and reflection.

For full information about Ocean Endeavour click here...

Included
  • All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
  • Onboard lecture program from Expedition Team and Naturalists
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options 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 voyage
  • Transfer from airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel with breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
  • Transfers to airport on return to port
  • All port taxes
  • Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard yoga
  • Excluded
    • Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
    • Passport and visa expenses.
    • Government arrival and departure taxes.
    • Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation
    • Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance.
    • Excess baggage charges.
    • Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified.
    • Telecommunications charges.
    • The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew.
    Deposits Reservations require a non-refundable deposit of 20% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card or you may pay by wire transfer in your selected currency, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD or SEK. Bookings within 95 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. If cancellation occurs less than 95 days or more before departure we will retain your deposit; or fewer than 95 days before departure the cancellation fee is 100% of monies paid. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Solo Travellers Single Cabins (Solo Use) 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 at a surcharge of 1.7 x applicable Twin share rate, subject to availability. Single Supplement to create a Solo Use cabin in CAT 8, 9 & 10 is full double occupancy rate at a surcharge of 2 x applicable Twin share rate, subject to availability. Children Minimum age for children is 8 at time of travel. Minors under 18 years of age must travel with a Parent or Legal Guardian. Child rate equals 50% of full (non-discounted) adult rate in a suitable cabin. Children must be aged between 8 & 12 at time of travel to be eligible. Minors under 18 years of age must travel with a Parent or Legal Guardian in the same cabin. All minors under the age of 18 must have a child waiver completed on their behalf by a Parent or Legal Guardian. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Intrepid and The Antarctic Cruise Company and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
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