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Set sail on a voyage to outshine all others

Discover what it means to be a true Antarctic explorer on a 14-day expedition to the Great White Continent. On board the sophisticated Ocean Endeavour, gain an insight into wildlife spotting, solar eclipse viewing, photo taking and weather watching with a series of lectures and workshops to make the most out of your voyage. Aside from the rugged icy landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spotting and immersive Zodiac explorations, gear up for the main event: an early morning viewing of a total solar eclipse, captivating all eyes on the main deck. How could you eclipse that?

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • Witness a rare total solar eclipse on board the Ocean Endeavour deep in Antarctic oceans. You’ll have onboard experts to not only explain this natural phenomenon, but also help you snap the perfect shot.

  • Get up close and personal with Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales and so much more will greet you along the way.

  • Hate looking from afar? With custom Zodiac boats to transport you close to the action and ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll be waddling with penguins with all the gear (and some idea).

  • Discover the sweeping vistas and stunning sunsets of the South Shetland Islands, toasting to your multiple days exploring Antarctic inlets.

  • Sea days between Ushuaia and Antarctica aren’t just cooped up in a cabin. Get insider info with a series of presentations from expert guides, as well as an expedition vessel decked out with all the mod cons.

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 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 Eclipse including Antarctica, Argentina and South Georgia
Two passengers drink champagne at sunset in Antarctica
View of the front deck of ship in Antarctica
Seal lays on ice in the Antarctic
Penguins on the ice in Antarctica
Penguins on island in Antarctica
Passengers kayak in the Antarctic peninsula

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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Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ushuaia. With nothing planned apart from an important welcome meeting this evening, you’ve got today to begin exploring the world’s southernmost city. Take a stroll down Avenida San Martin, or for the more adventurous, how about tackling part of the Martial Mountains for a killer view over the Beagle Channel. After meeting your local leader and fellow travellers at your welcome meeting, why not head out for an optional dinner. Tonight’s all about introductions, and what better place to do it than with a traditional asado – an Argentinean-style barbecue.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Please speak to a booking agent to organise this.

You’ll jump aboard the Ocean Endeavour for your Antarctic expedition later in the day, so this morning, continue to explore Ushuaia. Perhaps check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on local history, or just enjoy a morning strolling this languid town. Once you’ve boarded the ship, wave goodbye to Argentina and say hello to the Drake Passage. Next stop: the Antarctic.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The next three days are all about chilling out and learning about the wildlife, geography and natural weather events coming up. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy presentations from marine biologists, astrophysicists and meteorologists to get you up to speed on all things Antarctica. You’ll also have the chance to get to know your fellow explorers in the onboard bar and dining areas. There are things on at different times of the day, so do as little or as much learning (and chatting) as you like! The Ocean Endeavour is equipped with a gym, library, heated saltwater pool, jacuzzi, sauna and more, so there’s always something to keep you busy while crossing the open waters.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)

This morning is your best chance to view an incredibly rare total solar eclipse in one of the best places to do so. Overnight, the ship will have travelled into what’s called the zone of 100% obscuration – a specific region of coordinates which will allow the eclipse to last the longest possible time. Early in the morning, you’ll be invited on deck to experience the eclipse in all its glory through (provided) specialised goggles. On deck with you will be the ship’s resident astrophysicist and meteorologist, as well as expert photographers who are on hand to help you capture the magic moment. Afterwards, head back to your cabin to relax and take stock as the ship continues to head west to Elephant Island.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Catch a glimpse of the first stretch of land since the Beagle Channel as Elephant Island comes into view today. This land mass sits in the outer reaches of the South Shetland Islands, close to the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The island is where British explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 28 landed in 1916 after losing their ship – the Endurance – far off the coast. You’ll pass by a monument on Point Wild commemorating Captain Luis Alberto Pardo who led the rescue – survivors used the point as refuge for over four months. Icebergs, jagged mountaintops and marine life – you’ve definitely hit the Antarctic now.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Continue your exploration further south towards the Antarctic Peninsula and stop by the eastern shores of Joinville Island. Here you’ll go in search of Adelie penguins, easily recognised by the white ring around their eyes. Adelies nest at this time of year, and if you’re lucky you might get to witness some hatchlings scattered across the shores. This is one of the largest Adelie penguin colonies in the world, and as a result attracts other, predatory, marine life such as leopard seals.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Head towards the main Antarctic Peninsula today – this is where the south really comes to life. During the summer months, tens of thousands of gentoo penguins find a piece of rock that they can nest on and incubate their eggs. You’ll get the chance to jump on a Zodiac and land on shore beside the wildlife – an unforgettable experience deep in the Antarctic wilderness. Over the next two days, you’ll also catch sight of rugged glacial faces, icebergs and a heap more wildlife, including many seal species. The onboard expedition team will also be scouting for humpback whale sightings off the boat, with thousands migrating to Antarctic waters at this time of year to feed. Make sure your camera is fully charged and you’ve got ample image storage available – you won’t want to miss a thing!
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
Special Information
Potential excursions and landing sites in Antarctica are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites.

The Antarctic adventure isn’t over just yet. Your ship will head north towards the Shetland Islands, known for their elephant and fur seal colonies, water-bound volcanos and a number of scientific bases. Be sure to spend twilight out on deck, too – the Shetlands have some of the best sunsets in the south. With a drink in hand and surrounded by your shipmates, toast another Antarctic day in style.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

It may be time to cross the Drake Passage and head back to civilisation, but these sea days on board the Ocean Endeavour are not without things to do. Gaze out to the horizon to spot orca and seabirds, participate in onboard workshops, learn a thing or two about photo editing, and catch up with some travel pals over a drink, sharing your best memories of the expedition.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Arrive in Ushuaia port early in the morning for disembarkation. With no other activities planned for the day, you are free to depart from the port at any time for another day of exploring Ushuaia or to catch a connecting flight. Arriving back doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Ushuaia, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship

Dates & availability

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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Antarctic Eclipse trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read 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.

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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