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 12 reviews submitted.
Polar
Wildlife
From
EUR 9.680 €
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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
Argentina, Antarctica
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 425.01 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
Ocean Endeavour
BOAT TYPE: Expedition PASSENGERS: 200
The Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable and spacious ship with a gym, library and wide range of cabin types.
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)

COVID 19 VACCINATION
COVID-19 vaccination is a pre-embarkation requirement for all guests, staff, and crew on all Ocean Endeavour voyages. We will request a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination status on Day 1

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 12 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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Nansi · Traveled November 2022
Ocean Endeavor voyage by Intrepid/Chimu to Antarctica was fabulous. We spent 7 full days at the Antarctic. Each day was full of amazing excursions along with educational opportunities. Staff were very knowledgeable and supportive Sightings of animals, icebergs, and sunsets were abundant. The sea was calm during most of our travel, which was a wonderful surprise and gift.
Review submitted 17 Apr 2023

jae · Traveled November 2022
Such an amazing trip! As a 20 year-old taking her first solo trip, I recommend this trip to all who are looking for an adventure and great company! The staff, experience, and amenities are unbeatable.
Review submitted 24 Mar 2023

Penny · Traveled November 2022
Antarctica is Absolutely breathtaking. It's got us so interested in Science and the Colossal Squid. We feel very privileged to have been on this journey with such lovely people and to be onboard Ocean Endeavour. The guides and crew have been fantastic and would definitely recommend to everyone we know. This has been a life changing experience, thank you Intrepid.
Review submitted 24 Mar 2023

rob · Traveled November 2022
The Antarctic experience was far more than a holiday. The excellence of the expedition team and the involvement in Citizen science made this an adventure of a lifetime.
Review submitted 24 Mar 2023

George · Traveled November 2022
This trip is fantastic. The expedition crew went above and beyond to provide a varied experience the crew is knowledgeable, friendly and skilled. The food is fabulous along with the provided lectures and activities on board. I recommend this trip for those who want a real Antarctic experience.
Review submitted 17 Apr 2023
Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)
From
EUR 9.680 €