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Follow the migration path of the earth’s most magnificent mammals

Want the chance to see spectacular Antarctic sea life and follow whales as they migrate south for the winter? This 11-day Antarctic Whale Journey offers the opportunity of a lifetime for wildlife lovers, increasing the likelihood of spotting orcas, minke and humpback whales during an adventure on the Antarctic Peninsula. When not searching out these gentle giants, spend your time exploring the rest of what the Great White Continent has to offer – seeking out penguin rookeries, spotting seals along craggy shores and (if the weather plays nice) taking excursions on land. With comfortable ship quarters, an onboard team of polar experts and wellness services, this is the best way (and time) to discover the majestic beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula and its inhabitants.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • We stop for whales! If conditions allow, take Zodiac excursions to get closer to whales spotted by your expert expedition crew.

  • Get the chance to encounter a range of other wildlife like king and chinstrap penguins, fur and elephant seals, albatross and more.

  • Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour enjoy an enviable ratio of one expedition crew member for every eight passengers, allowing for a higher level of personal service.

  • Travelling solo? With single cabins at the same price as some twins, this adventure is perfect for independent explorers.

  • Care about the planet? Us too. We carbon-offset all trips, serve only sustainable seafood, avoid single-use plastics and more to help preserve Antarctica (and the world) for future generations.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

  • Of course, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing, but it can get surprisingly warm – when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It’s best to dress in layers when you journey outside and we’ll provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to bring.

  • Depending on the weather, you’ll be zipping around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. Enduring the elements is one thing, having no photos to show for it is another. Sturdy sea legs are 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 for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands; the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to others (which are just as interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. 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.

Map of Antarctic Whale Journey including Antarctica and Argentina
antarctica_humpback_whale
Passenger explores antarctic peninsula
Enjoy your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula on the Ocean Endeavour
Penguins stand on rock in Antarctica
Iceberg, Antarctica
Seal lays on ice in Antarctica
Your Antarctic ship - The Ocean Endeavour

Boats

Ocean Endeavour 2021/22 boat on a tour

Ocean Endeavour 2021/22

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.

Boat type
Expedition
Passengers
200
Learn more

Itinerary
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Welcome to Ushuaia, gateway to Tierra del Fuego National Park and the departure point for many Antarctic expeditions. Transfer from the airport to your hotel and if you happen to arrive early, there are plenty of ways to keep busy at ‘the End of the World’. Take a day trip to the epic national park or, if you only have a few hours, head downtown to do some shopping or taste some classic Argentinean flavours at a local restaurant. Later this afternoon you’ll meet some the people you’ll be sharing a memorable Antarctic experience with.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This afternoon you’ll transfer to Ushuaia’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour, your home for the next 10 days. After meeting your fellow passengers and settling into your cabin, set sail through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Soak up the incredible views as we glimpse our last sight of land, then head inside to join the excited chatter about what’s to come.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the famous English seafarer, Sir Frances Drake. If conditions allow there’ll be a chance to enjoy the outer deck space and scout for dolphins, whales and the odd albatross trailing past. A comprehensive optional lecture program will also get under way, with polar experts sharing some fascinating insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in-between. If the weather gods are on our side, we should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on Day 4 – the first sighting of land always brings great excitement on any expedition south.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

The Antarctic Peninsula is known for a high number of wildlife sightings in front of stunning backdrops of mountains, ice and water, which pull together for incredible scenes as we look search for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the migration season (February and March) is the best opportunity to see these majestic ocean dwellers, and the most common species found in the region are humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as orcas. Sightings can happen from the deck of the ship or during a Zodiac excursion, and there’ll also be an opportunity to take your first steps on Antarctica during onshore exploration.

Other wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, elephant, crabeater and leopard seals, as well as gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins. Excursions are scheduled twice daily and tailored to suit the ship’s location. Zodiac rides allow for a closer encounter with marine life, while the onshore exploration will take you to penguin rookeries and includes optional activities like snowshoeing, kayaking and camping overnight (these must be booked prior to departure). The landing sites visited will depend on the ship's location and weather conditions, but for information on potential landing sites please visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/antarctica-landing-sites

The lecture program will continue throughout the voyage and the polar experts will be on-hand to answer any questions you may have. An average day on board will begin with a wakeup call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow passengers for breakfast in the restaurant. You will usually have two excursions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch on the ship in-between excursions.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)

Leaving Antarctica behind we cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. This is your time to reflect on the amazing journey, and we’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 9. The last meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy as you celebrate the trip with your fellow travellers.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Disembark the ship after breakfast as your adventure comes to an end. Transfer to the airport is included for flights departing today.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Antarctic Whale Journey 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
You have the flexibility to change your travel plans up to 21 days before your scheduled departure, and you can pick new travel dates or an entirely different trip, with no change fees. Learn more

Important notes

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 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.

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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