Traveller Information page: Ocean Endeavour

We strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination and an up-to-date influenza vaccine, considering the presence of Avian Flu in Antarctica. Additionally, we will implement a range of health protocols to ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and crew on board the Ocean Endeavour. Please refer to our Travel Safe Strategy for more information.

Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages and is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released once you have provided us with your travel insurance details.

Travel insurance is one of the most critical components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. You must have the most suitable insurance with adequate coverage. Because of Antarctica's remoteness, medical attention and evacuations are extremely expensive, making insurance coverage an absolute necessity, particularly as you have invested large sums of money to travel there.

Your travel insurance must provide a minimum coverage of USD250,000 for medical expenses, evacuation (including ship-to-shore transfer), and emergency repatriation. It must also cover all significant pre-existing conditions, particularly those that have the potential to cause issues on board.

Your insurance must include coverage for COVID-19. Be aware that some travel insurance policies have minimum requirements for vaccination series (i.e., two doses + booster) to cover COVID-19-related medical, evacuation, and emergency repatriation. Your travel insurance policy must meet these minimum requirements.

We also strongly recommend that it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, personal accident, death, sickness, loss of baggage and personal belongings, and disruption to your travel plans. We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance simultaneously as booking to ensure you are covered for cancellation and curtailment from when you confirm your Antarctic voyage. You need to know precisely what you are covered for and ensure that your policy covers this from when you leave to when you arrive home.

If you plan to participate in adventure options such as Kayaking, Day Paddle, Stand-up Paddleboarding, Snowshoeing, or Camping, please ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers you for these activities.

Please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide for more information. 

Antarctic expedition voyages travel to remote areas with limited or no sophisticated medical facilities. Should a medical emergency arise, we must be armed with the necessary information to help you. Hence, any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care must be covered by your travel insurance and brought to our attention before the voyage. Medical forms will be available approximately four months before departure as part of your Cruise Enrolment (see above). Some conditions may preclude you from travelling aboard the Ocean Endeavour. If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition, please contact your booking agent as soon as possible to discuss your medical history with our Medical Team and ensure you meet our requirements for travel. 

Day 1 is an arrival day, and your itinerary includes one night's hotel accommodation in your embarkation city. Please refer to your confirmed itinerary for more information.  

An arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel is included if you are arriving on Day 1.  

Please discuss options with your booking agent if you wish to add additional arrangements before or after your Antarctic voyage. 

Please note that your cruise booking may be subject to fuel surcharges should world oil prices increase significantly before the time of your departure. Cruise operators do attempt to factor this price into your tour cost. However, unexpected rises in the cost of marine fuel can result in a fuel surcharge that will depend on the cost of oil per barrel. By booking a tour with us, you agree that this may be the case with your booking. If this situation arises, you will be advised of any surcharge once we have been notified of the surcharges. 

International flights to join your Antarctica cruise will be available for booking approximately 11 months before departure. Please get in touch with your booking agent to discuss flight options. 

A transfer to the airport or downtown is included on the day of disembarkation. Please do not book your flight to depart before 12 noon on disembarkation day in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

International Maritime Regulations require that we create a detailed manifest for each expedition. To fulfil our obligation, certain information is required for all passengers on board. Required forms will be made available approximately four months before departure and must be returned 95 days before departure. Based on the information provided, some passengers may be required to complete additional forms, which will be indicated to you. You will be notified by your booking agent once these forms are available.

Ocean Endeavour: English-speaking vessel

The Ocean Endeavour is an English-speaking vessel. All announcements, safety briefings, and lectures are provided in English only. For safety reasons, all passengers must speak and understand basic English to ensure their own safety during their expedition.

Antarctica is one of the most extreme environments you are ever likely to find yourself in, and the first rule of packing for your cruise is to pack early! Staying warm and dry throughout your Antarctic voyage is vital when the weather is unpredictable. We have provided a detailed Packing List to help you pack, refer to the Expedition Gear & Packing section of the Antarctica Travellers Guide for detailed information.

You will be provided with a robust outer layer Expedition Parka and rubber Muck boots on loan for use throughout your Antarctic expedition and an insulated Inner Jacket, yours to keep at the end of your voyage. We will request your sizing for your provided Expedition Gear as part of the Cruise Enrolment process (see above) approximately four months before your voyage's departure, and gear will be provided once on board. Please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide for more information. Please note that life jackets, Expedition Parka, insulated Inner Jacket, and Muck boots are unavailable on board for minors under 16 years of age at the time of travel; please get in touch with your booking agent, who can provide more details.  

IMPORTANT: It is a mandatory requirement that all passengers review the IAATO documents below: 

Expedition Cruising to Antarctica

Antarctic Visitor Guidelines

Reducing Waste Guidelines

Don't Pack a Pest

Update as of 03 June 2024

Since early 2024, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus has been detected on the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This naturally occurring virus impacts birds and marine mammals, but the risk to humans is very low. 

To protect you and the environment, we have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures, including thorough cleaning of equipment and pre-landing site inspections. If a landing site is affected, we will flexibly adapt and choose alternative sites.

Our goal is to protect the environment and preserve Antarctica's wonders for future generations while providing a unique and unforgettable experience for our travellers. We closely monitor potential impacts on your itinerary and will communicate any updates promptly. We look forward to an excellent 2024/25 Antarctic season with you!

For more information, please read our Important update regarding Avian Influenza and travel to Antarctica.

Approaching a looming glacier in a sea kayak, strapping on snowshoes to reach the best icy viewpoints, capturing the perfect photo of a seal hunting its prey or camping under an Antarctic perpetual twilight – these are just some of the ways you can enrich your exploration of the great White Continent with our additional activities. A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Endeavour, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.  

• Kayaking - Voyage-duration program available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. 

• Day Paddle - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team.

• Camping - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.  

• Photography Program - Voyage-duration program available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. 

• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team. 

• Stand-up Paddleboarding - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team.

Spaces on all adventure options are limited. For pre-booked activities, we recommend booking via your booking agent early to avoid disappointment. 

We have some additional resources to help you prepare for your upcoming trip to Antarctica.

See more of South America before or after your cruise with a land tour which could take you through the Amazon, on a hike to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise, or a dance club you can tango the night away in Buenos Aires.