Wonder at wildlife on an expedition with leading scientists
Join Intrepid and special guests from the World Wildlife Fund – Australia (WWF-Australia) on an 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. Scout icy waters and white shores for whales and other critters by day, then relax and enjoy a fascinating lecture program by night. Alongside our regular team of Antarctic experts, WWF-Australia scientists will join this tour to share insights into whale conservation as they conduct cutting edge research on these underwater giants. And whale tales are just the beginning! This adventure offers you the chance to explore Antarctica’s barren beauty on foot and by Zodiac, and encounter penguin rookeries, sight leopard seals and gawp at towering glaciers as they calve right before your eyes.
Travelling with Dr Ari Friedlaender and a team of researchers in peak humpback whale season, you’ll get the chance to learn about state-of-the-art whale research techniques and marine conservation. Good timing!
Get the chance to take daily excursions with experts in Antarctic biology, glaciology and history, then unwind at night with onboard lectures and presentations.
Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an enviable crew to passenger ratio – one expedition crew member for every 8 passengers – for a more personal journey.
Customise your trip with optional activities like kayaking, a photography masterclass, yoga classes, massage, a polar plunge or even an overnight camp on Antarctic shores.
Travel lighter with a carbon-offset expedition that serves only sustainably sourced seafood, avoids single-use plastics and uses biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products.
Joining you on this voyage is Dr Ari Freidlaender – a marine ecologist at UC Santa Cruz and the Californian Ocean Alliance. Dr Friedlaender’s work is currently focused on using tag technology to study the ecology and underwater behaviour of whales around the world, and the implications of climate change on these species. Having made over 35 trips to Antarctica over 20 years, he, along with an expert research team, is being supported by The Intrepid Foundation and WWF-Australia to join this polar voyage. The team will be continuing their research and data-gathering, along with advocacy for whale conservation.
Although our ice-strengthened ships are big and sturdy, the Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings, so please be prepared with medications to combat this – we’d hate for you to miss a single minute of this journey. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.
Packing right is crucial to your enjoyment of this trip and you might have to buy a few bits and pieces to get ready. Please see the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to bring.
A certain level of mobility is required for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as walking 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 for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. There are hundreds of recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and the ones mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to alternative – just as interesting – destinations.
The Ocean Endeavour is a far cry from the expedition vessels of old and, just quietly, we're tipping it’s the place be in the 2021 Antarctic season.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our WWF Giants of Antarctica trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 95 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 95 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 95 days and departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.
ADVENTURE ADD ONs
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.
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
