Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey

11 days4.532 reviews
Polar
Wildlife
From
USD $8,195

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

All aboard for the adventure of a lifetime! Set sail to where whales gather in their largest numbers on the Antarctic Peninsula on this 11-day journey designed for wildlife lovers. As you enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, icebergs, calving glaciers, mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters lie in wait. While sailing on the Ocean Nova and exploring by Zodiac, you’ll scan the icy waters for the silhouettes of mighty marine mammals as they glide through ice floes or break the Antarctic silence with their spectacular acrobatics. See penguins, basking seals and many fascinating seabirds too, and you’re on track for a journey you’ll never forget!

Map of Best Of Antarctica: Whale Journey including Antarctica and Argentina
Trip code: GQMWJ
Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
End
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Meals
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship
Days
11
Group size
Min 1 - Max 80
Ages
Min 12
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Polar, Wildlife
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Orginal: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Comfort
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
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Witness an incredible abundance of humpback whales as these marine mammals migrate to Antarctica to feed on krill.

Encounter a range of other wildlife on your daily Zodiac excursions, like king and chinstrap penguins, fur and Weddell seals, albatross and many other seabirds.

Engage in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to meaningful research by photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale, helping track and identify individual whales across the oceans.

Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the Expedition Team.

Enjoy the amenities onboard including the expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, library, gym and sun deck.

Boats

Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
BOAT TYPE: ExpeditionPASSENGERS: 80
The Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience. Designed for intimate and immersive journeys, this nimble and sturdy ship accommodates just 80 guests. Your expedition focuses on discovery, enriched by a close-knit community of fellow travellers. The Ocean Nova’s compact size allows access to remote coves, bringing you closer to Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Cosy cabins feature large windows for breathtaking views, while the Panoramic Lounge offers 200-degree vistas and insightful presentations from our expert Expedition Team. With one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, the Ocean Nova is perfect for those seeking an enriching Antarctic adventure.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Antarctica: Whale Journey including Antarctica and Argentina

Inclusions and activities

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship

Included activities
  • Welcome Briefing
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising

Optional activities
  • Onboard Gym - Free
  • Polar Plunge - Free
  • Day Paddle - USD349

Is this trip right for you?

  • The Ocean Nova 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 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 gym will keep you energised for when the weather clears. 

Dates and availability

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Important notes

Your voyage is on board the Ocean Nova ship.

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Ocean Endeavour Expeditions Pty Ltd referred to as ‘Polar Latitudes’’. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount) per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 95 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Nova).

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
An optional day paddle is a one-off excursion available on all voyages for an additional cost. Pre-book via your booking agent.

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

4.5 out of 5 based on 32 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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Tobe · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 24 Feb 2024

Donna · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024

Russ · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 25 Feb 2024

Katty · Traveled February 2024
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Paul · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey
From
USD $8,195