Antarctic Whale Journey: Ocean Endeavour

Antarctic Peninsula

As we enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, amazing, sculptured icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, imposing mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters, all lie in wait. Explore on foot, by sea kayak, snowshoe and Zodiac. We scan the icy waters for the silhouettes of these mighty marine mammals as they glide alongside the vessels or surface the waters in a spectacular breach. Can you imagine the thrill and excitement of kayaking alongside one of these majestic creatures? Not forgetting encounters with curious penguins, basking seals and many fascinating seabirds

Perfect for first-time visitors to Antarctica.
Great Value Cruise from Argentina to Antarctica.
Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula
The comfortable ship Ocean Endeavour - specially designed and ice strengthened with wellness program
Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
Witness the abundant wildlife - penguins, elephant seals, whales and more!

This is the trip of a lifetime for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Stewart's Take

Late summer brings the giants of Antarctica out to play!

Overview

As we enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, amazing, sculptured icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, imposing mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters, all lie in wait. Explore on foot, by sea kayak, snowshoe and Zodiac. We scan the icy waters for the silhouettes of these mighty marine mammals as they glide alongside the vessels or surface the waters in a spectacular breach. Can you imagine the thrill and excitement of kayaking alongside one of these majestic creatures? Not forgetting encounters with curious penguins, basking seals and many fascinating seabirds.

DAY 1: Ushuaia, Argentina On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the front of your itinerary for emergency contact details of our representative office. The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets, or relaxing in a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south. DAY 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia This morning is again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park of South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastline, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean condor, Magellanic oystercatcher, kelp goose, austral parakeet and torrent duck. Late this afternoon we transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for embarkation on board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome us aboard. As we set sail, familiarise yourself with the layout of the Ocean Endeavour and its great amenities and enjoy a welcome dinner. This evening we sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As we 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. DAYS 3 & 4: At Sea, Drake Passage The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared! Enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities, maybe join a yoga class, attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead – from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice! As we sail towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Head out on deck to look out for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck. We continue our course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land – that heralds your arrival to the White Continent! DAYS 5-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula The next four days are spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers. We explore by Zodiac, cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where we mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, maybe visiting a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and of course learn more about photography with one of the experts. 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. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing site. As we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture programme and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the health and fitness facilities from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym. DAYS 9 & 10: At Sea, Drake Passage As we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, we take with us our memories and photographs. We set a course for the Drake Passage as we enjoy some final lectures and presentations and look out for wildlife from the observation lounge and the outer decks. Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, we enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel bound for Ushuaia. DAY 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and we disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour. After saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend some extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas. PLEASE NOTE: You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

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Your Luxury 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

Pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Ushuaia.
Arrival transfers to the hotel and to the ship.
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage.
Complimentary wine with dinner
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
All shore landings per the daily program. Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leader.
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program. Formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and guest speakers.
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock.
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin.
Comprehensive pre-departure materials.
A group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport. All luggage handling aboard ship.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

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 deposit of USD1000/EUR850/GBP800/AUD1450/SEK10000 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 120 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a fee of US$ 1250, AU$1600, £830, €1100 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the full deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. Booking Terms Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by 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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Antarctic Whale Journey: Ocean Endeavour

Antarctic Peninsula

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Trip Quick Facts

Stewart's Take

Overview

Your Luxury Expedition Ship: M/V Ocean Endeavour

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Antarctic Whale Journey: Ocean Endeavour

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