Map of Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour) including Antarctica and Argentina

Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Great White Continent

Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you voyage to Antarctica, a continent that has long captivated intrepid explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable, spacious and well-appointed Ocean Endeavour on an exclusive 11-day voyage, discovering truly unbelievable wildlife and the world’s most remarkable scenery. As you explore this icy wilderness, you’ll not only be accompanied by an expert expedition team, but also by penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-choked waters. Adventures like this don’t come along every day – there’s simply nowhere else on earth like Antarctica.


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

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore an unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds in their abundance are the true rulers.

  • Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.

  • Seal and whale sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed, ensuring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.

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

  • When you’re not out exploring, enjoy the 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

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. You will be briefed at your hotel this evening on the journey that lies ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you happen to arrive early there are many ways to entertain yourself at ‘the End of the World’. Check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the region’s history or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you're after any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina's famous red wine.
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.
This afternoon you will board the Ocean Endeavour and your epic adventure south begins. Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and as the Ocean Endeavour pulls away from the port, there’s always an air of anticipation. Wave goodbye to Argentina and know that the next time you see land, you will be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared!

The next two days at sea offer time to enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities. Maybe join a yoga class, or attend a presentation or two given by your expedition team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!

Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.

Head out on one of the spacious outer decks to look out for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead. Scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the Ocean Endeavour's observation deck. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – heralding your arrival to the White Continent!
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
You will spend the next four incredible days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers.

Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historic base. There may even be opportunities to day-paddle, snowshoe and learn more about photography with your talented expedition photographer capturing the moments as they unfold.

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore.

As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the Ocean Endeavour's wellness facilities, from the relaxing spa and saunas to the saltwater pool and gym.

An average day onboard 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)
Leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind as you set sail across the Drake Passage, enjoying some final lectures and presentations from your expedition team. Look out for wildlife from the observation lounge, outer decks, or the Ocean Endeavour's bridge as you head north across the Antarctic Convergence.

Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy a final dinner and approach your home port of Ushuaia.
Accommodation
  • Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour following breakfast. Farewell your fellow guests and your expedition team and join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey today. Or perhaps extend your stay to spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world.
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: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour) trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

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)

This trip used to be called "Best of Antarctica"

For the 23/24 season we now have 4 "Best of Antarctica" trips as follows:
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (trip code GQMDW)
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (trip code GQMDE)
Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (trip code GQMAC)
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey (trip code GQMWJ)

We also have a longer trip available with a duration of 14 days called
Best of Antarctica In Depth (GQMAW)

SPECIAL INFORMATION for the 27TH OF JANUARY 2024 DEPARTURE
We love travelling the world with like-minded travelers and Antarctica is no different. This sometimes means that our Antarctica vessel, the Ocean Endeavour, and our world- renowned expedition team join forces with other adventurers, such as Intrepid’s Polar specialists, Chimu Adventures. Please read the Itinerary Disclaimer in the Essential Trip Information for important details on who you’ll be travelling with and how this will contribute to your expedition experience.

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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