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Delve into Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands on this in-depth polar expedition.

Immerse yourself in another world on this in-depth exploration of Antarctica. Travel aboard the superbly equipped Ocean Endeavour and follow in the footsteps of the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton (though we’re guessing his vessel didn’t have a sauna). Set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, spotting all sorts of wildlife from whales to penguins, and discover first-hand the story of Shackleton’s astounding ordeal on Elephant Island. This extensive expedition allows for a taste of the British-tinged Falkland Islands and more time in South Georgia, Antarctica’s own Galapagos, where penguins can number in the hundreds of thousands within a single colony. With optional adventures including ice camping and kayaking, and rare touches of five-star luxury thanks to an onboard spa and wellness centre, this is as good as Antarctic expedition travel gets.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • With three weeks to explore not only South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula in depth, but also drop into the historic Falklands Islands, this Antarctica expedition sits on a rung of its own.

  • Freezing is great but freedom is better. Customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions. Explore the water by kayak, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with some onboard yoga and a massage, take a refreshing polar plunge or camp overnight like a true polar explorer.

  • Whereas most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every 8 passengers for a greater personal touch.

  • Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages between them. They’re experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, and they’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.

  • Rest assured that footprints are all you’ll leave behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, and we serve only sustainably sourced seafood, avoid single-use plastics and use biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products.

  • Travelling solo? This is your perfect Antarctic adventure, with single cabins at the same price as some twins.

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.

  • Believe it or not, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing. And yet 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, warm and highly fashionable (in Antarctica, at least). Please see the trip notes for information about 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. Being cold and miserable 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 equally 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 Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands Odyssey including Antarctica, Argentina, Falkland Islands (malvinas) and South Georgia
Your Antarctic ship - The Ocean Endeavour
Kayaking in the Antarctic
Enjoy your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula on the Ocean Endeavour

Boats

Ocean Endeavour

On this itinerary, you'll be travelling aboard the Ocean Endeavour

Boat type
expedition ship
Passengers
199
Learn more
Ocean Endeavour 2020/21 boat on a tour

Ocean Endeavour 2020/21

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 2020 Antarctic season.

Boat type
Expedition
Passengers
200
Learn more

Itinerary
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Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and the departure point for your South Georgia and Falklands adventure. You’ll meet your fellow travellers this evening to run through the details of tomorrow’s embarkation, but if you arrive early feel free to explore the town. Ushuaia, which overlooks the Beagle Channel and is surrounded by mountains, is a major port for Antarctica-bound vessels and the gateway to the aptly named Tierra del Fuego National Park – the ‘End of the World’.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Spend the morning picking up last-minute supplies or exploring Ushuaia. The Maritime Museum provides a fascinating history of the area and Avenida San Martin is Ushuaia’s main shopping strip. Board your ship in the afternoon and cruise down the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Expect an air of excitement as the ship pulls away and the last glimpse of South America fades into the distance. The next time you encounter land, you’ll find yourself at the world’s southernmost continent.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The time has come to cross the legendary Drake Passage, a body of water named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake. This is a notoriously rough passage of water, but if the conditions are favourable you can spend some time out on deck spotting dolphins, orcas or albatross. If the waters are a little rough, relax inside and take advantage of the Ocean Endeavour’s facilities. There’s a wellness spa, saunas, a gym and nothing works the core like a yoga class while crossing the Drake. A comprehensive lecture program will be well underway, which is a great chance to learn about Antarctica’s history, geology and biology from the experts that know it best. With any luck we’ll make it to land by early evening on Day 4 – a moment that always brings a lot of excitement to the ship.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake, the adventure really begins with three incredible days of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands. Feast your eyes on glaciers, mountains and an extraordinary array of wildlife as the immensity and beauty of the region really becomes apparent. Every day is a new adventure, and you’ll explore the shore, bays and channels on daily Zodiac excursions. While the surreal landscapes are sure to impress, these excursions are all about the wildlife as we encounter penguin rookeries, spot humpback and minke whales and scan the shore for leopard seals. You’ll see and hear calving glaciers crack through the Antarctic silence, and have opportunities to scramble up snowy tracks for unforgettable views of the vast landscape. If you’re feeling adventurous and the weather’s behaving, there’ll also be a chance to take a polar plunge by jumping into the Antarctic’s chilly (freezing) waters. It’s both a refreshing dip and ultimate bragging rights when you return home.

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

Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Today we head for the ice-covered island where Ernest Shackleton and his team found themselves stranded. Located on the north-eastern fringes of the South Shetland islands, Elephant Island takes its name from the elephant seals that were found to be plentiful here by 19th-century explorers, and from the shape of the island itself, which resembles an elephant’s head and trunk. You’ll no doubt learn more about Shackleton’s astounding ordeal, an essential slice of Antarctic history, while here and if conditions allow, we’ll attempt a landing or Zodiac cruise around the island to give you some idea of what the shipwrecked men faced.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today we set off to sea once more, hopefully arriving at South Georgia by the evening of Day 11. This is where Shackleton and his crew sailed to over 17 days in hopes of rescue, though your crossing will be slightly less hazardous than theirs. Make the most of an opportunity to relax onboard with the health and wellness facilities, read material from the library or listen to lectures from the Antarctic experts or, if it’s clear outside, taste the crisp Antarctic air from the deck as seabirds and perhaps even whales make themselves known.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)

Nicknamed the ‘Galapagos of the South’, South Georgia is one of the most remote and wild places on earth. Spend the next few days marvelling at its abundant seabirds, penguin colonies (numbering in the thousands), elephant and fur seal pups, glaciers, mountains and, last but not least, a fascinating history. South Georgia is sure to rate among the highlights of your voyage and the island has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775. At 3,755 square kilometres (1450 square miles), it’s the territory’s largest island and was a prominent whaling base in the 19th century, though the controversial practice ended in the 1960s. You’ll no doubt see for yourself that wildlife levels on South Georgia have thankfully enjoyed a resurgence. We’ll likely visit the old whaling settlement of Grytviken and pay a visit to the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who was buried here in 1922 after suffering a heart attack while on expedition.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)

Wave goodbye to South Georgia and its king penguins then sit back and settle in for two days at sea. We’re cruising in the direction of the legendary Falkland Islands, which are known for much more than the war that took place here in 1982.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Stretch those sea legs on the Falkland Islands, our base for the next two days. We’ll be exploring the two main islands (east and west) on Zodiac excursions, and if all goes to plan we should sight at least three species of penguin and two endemic bird species – Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. The expedition crew will educate you on the local flora and fauna so you know what you’re looking for, and other potential landing sites include West Point Island, Saunder’s Island, Sea Lion Island and Bleaker Island.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

As this journey comes to an end we’ll follow the Argentinean coastline north towards Puerto Madryn. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the past few weeks, which have no doubt been the experience of a lifetime, and trade memories and stories with your shipmates. The wildlife, history and landscape of these southern regions are truly unique and this trip is something you’ll treasure and talk about for years to come.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as the adventure comes to an end. A transfer will take you to Trelewn airport for your flight home, or you may like to spend a few days in the region. Puerto Madryn is the gateway to the Valdez Peninsula, a World Heritage-listed area with abundant wildlife including whales, sea lions and elephant seals – because who could get sick of these magnificent creatures?
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

19 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 18 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Dates & availability

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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 120 days before departure.

If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.

If a booking is cancelled between 119 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.

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