Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

14 Days | Take the chance to see Antarctica’s wildest side

4.8 out of 5 based on 31 reviews submitted.
Polar
Wildlife
From
EUR 10.230 €
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Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 14-day voyage to east and west Antarctica. This expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, with additional days to better explore the Antarctica Peninsula. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores. You will cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. Your ice-strengthened expedition ship, the Ocean Endeavour, is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness and onboard expedition guides offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour) including Antarctica and Argentina
Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Theme
Polar, Wildlife
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1 - Max 200
Trip code
GQMAW
This trip generates 524 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Cross the Antarctic Sound on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side, a sweeping landscape full of huge icebergs and legendary islands.
  • Towering icebergs, blue glaciers, rugged islands, white mountains, abundant and curious wildlife – the western side of Antarctica is a lifechanging destination in itself.
  • Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – your expedition crew will curate your adventure to ensure you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.
  • You might have the chance to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features.
  • Zodiac excursions open up exploration opportunities on both sides of the peninsula, from the Danger Islands to Paradise Harbour and the shores of the South Shetland Islands. We aim for two excursions on each expedition day to maximise your time on the Peninsula.

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 anchored in Antarctic waters surrounded by icebergs
Ocean Endeavour
BOAT TYPE: Expedition PASSENGERS: 200
The Ocean Endeavour is comfortable, spacious and the place to be in the Antarctic season. Not only is it one of the few polar expedition ships in Antarctica, it also has one crew member for every eight travellers. This means you’ll enjoy a more personal, informative and comfortable trip. With a gym, library, wide range of cabin types, modern Zodiacs, and superb views, the Ocean Endeavour is quite literally the coolest way to take the trip of a lifetime.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour) including Antarctica and Argentina

Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruis Ship (12 nights)

Activities
  • Welcome Briefing
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Guided walking Excursions
Add on activities
  • Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
  • Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from - USD95
  • Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
  • Photography Program - USD1299
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding - USD299
  • Day Paddle - USD299
  • Kayaking Program - USD1299
  • Snowshoeing - USD150
  • Polar Plunge - Free
  • Camping - USD399

Dates and availability

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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)

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
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 or Photography Program - Voyage-duration program available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
• Day Paddle or 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
• Camping - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 31 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Maisie · Traveled December 2023
Intrepid ' s 14 days Antarctica in Depth is a fantastic cruise. Antarctica itself is amazing. The itinerary includes Weddell Sea made the journey even more enchanting. The only shortcomings of the trip are some confusion when activity was cancelled and there was no follow-up. Overall it's a fabulous trip.
Review submitted 08 Jan 2024

Norbert · Traveled December 2023
Antarctica was my 7th continent and I'm happy I managed to do it with Intrepid Travel. I've traveled with Intrepid to several destinations across the world, so I knew the kind of experience to expect while on the trip, and they didn't disappoint. In fact, the trip was way better than expected and beyond what I hoped to experience.
Review submitted 07 Jan 2024

Elaine · Traveled December 2023
A totally amazing trip. Recommend to everyone who is physically able and has the funds. You will appreciate your life and have a better understanding of how the Antarctic impacts the world.
Review submitted 08 Jan 2024

Sue · Traveled December 2023
Such a wonderful experience to visit Antarctica with Intrepid. The ship was comfortable. There was definitely plenty of food which was varied and catered for all tastes. Viewing mind blowing scenery and the unique wildlife whist kayaking through the icy waters is such a fantastic experience. This trip to Antarctica truly surpassed my expectations.
Review submitted 08 Jan 2024

Cynthia · Traveled December 2023
If you have Antarctica on your bucket list go if you can and go with intrepid. They have the best combination of comfort combined with a sense of exploration. It matters not your age although you do need to leap into and out of zodiacs sometimes quite promptly but the staff are very diligent and are always there to offer assistance . As a healthy 78 year old I was able to enjoy all that the trip had to offer. The lectures complemented the activities well and the expedition team had a great depth of experience and knowledge. Being B corp certified was very important to me and I hope the company remains committed to these ideals! Thank you intrepid!!
Review submitted 07 Jan 2024
Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)
From
EUR 10.230 €