Map of Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (Ocean Endeavour) including Antarctica and Argentina

Don’t just dream of a white Christmas – experience it in Antarctica

Christmas getaways simply don’t get better than this. Journey to Antarctica on an 11-day expedition and experience the magic of the festive season among ice-capped mountain ranges, iconic wildlife and immense icebergs and glaciers. Set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, spot seals resting on ice floes and witness seabirds nesting in landscapes that must be seen to be believed. Visit penguin rookeries, spot minke and humpback whales while enjoying regular Zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife encounters. Our expert team will ensure that the spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour is festive and fun, delivering an unforgettable experience and making this a Christmas adventure to remember.


Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Style
Comfort
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Code
GQMAC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

Why you'll love this trip

  • Experience a guaranteed white Christmas as you explore the icy wilderness of the White Continent.

  • The festive season is a wonderful time for wildlife lovers to visit Antarctica, as penguin chicks are hatching and abundant on the peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

  • With over 22 hours of sunlight each day, you’ll have more time for exploration.

  • Enjoy daily zodiac excursions, on-shore landings and take advantage of optional activities during the voyage such as sea kayaking, ice camping and snowshoeing.

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

  • When you’re not exploring, avail of amenities onboard including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.  

  • Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack. 

  • Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to. 

  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears. 

Boats

Ocean Endeavour sailing

Ocean Endeavour

The Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable and spacious ship with a gym, library and wide range of cabin types.

Itinerary

Your Christmas adventure begins in Ushuaia - the most southerly city in the world. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel and meet your fellow travellers at our welcome briefing, but if you arrive early, we highly recommend checking out the area. Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) National Park can be visited on a day trip if you have time, otherwise Ushuaia itself has a lot to offer. Visit the Museo Maritimo for a history lesson or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin to pick up some last-minute essentials for your journey. 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.
Accommodation
  • 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. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions.
The morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia further. Late this afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour. The expedition team and ship's captain will be waiting to welcome you on board, and after settling into your cabin, your journey south begins by cruising through the famed Beagle Channel. Enjoy the incredible views as the last glimpse of land fades away and the Ocean Endeavour heads south towards Antarctica.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
The waters of the Drake Passage are legendary. Named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, they're often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. Your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula will take two days. If conditions allow, you’ll be able to enjoy the outer decks to catch your first glimpse of whales and orcas, as well as a wide range of seabirds that live in the region, including the largest of albatrosses, the iconic wandering albatross. If the weather is misbehaving, our comprehensive lecture program will get underway, with your team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, biology and everything else in between. Spend this downtime enjoying the fabulous onboard facilities including gym, polar library and yoga classes. You’re scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four, which will be a moment of great excitement!
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. Scheduled twice daily, Zodiac excursions are tailored to suit the Ocean Endeavour's location and allow for closer encounters with marine life, including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries. Choose from a range of paid adventure options to enhance your adventure, including snowshoeing excursions or overnight ice camping, hit the water for a day paddle or kayaking excursion, or learn how to capture that perfect shot by joining our dedicated photography program. Our lecture program will continue throughout your time on the Antarctic Peninsula, and our expedition team will always be available to answer any questions you may have about the region.

If you've been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is as white as it gets! Enjoy the festive spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour, where your presents come in the form of yet more landings and wildlife sightings throughout the day. These wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins.
An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)
Leaving Antarctica behind, cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. Now is the time to reflect on the amazing journey and a truly unique Christmas. You’re scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening to ensure a restful night’s sleep before disembarkation day. Your final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
This morning you will disembark the Ocean Endeavour in Ushuaia after breakfast as your Antarctic journey comes to an end. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for flights departing today, but if you're sticking around a little longer there is so much to see in this incredible region.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent to organise this.

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.

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (Ocean Endeavour) trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD1500, USD1000, EUR900, NZD1600, GBP800, CAD1300, CHF900 or ZAR17,000 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Full payment is required 95 days prior to departure.
Please refer to our “Booking and Conditions” section on our website including the special conditions that apply to Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Endeavour)

COVID 19 VACCINATION
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for joining this voyage. At the time of final payment, we will request a copy of your vaccination status.

ADVENTURE ADD ON's
Kayaking is available to book on all Antarctic voyages. Some voyages also offer other activities such as camping and snowshoeing. All of these activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. For kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography workshops are offered as an optional activity on our Ocean Endeavour departures. It is an opportunity for photography enthusiasts of any skill level to fast track their learning on board and make the most of the expert advice that is on offer. Participants will have dedicated Zodiac and photography guided landing where your photography guide will accompany you and give you tips along the way for taking the perfect picture. It is at an additional cost to you and needs to be booked in prior to departure as spaces are limited. If you are interested in taking part, please contact your booking agent for pricing and availability.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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