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.