Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

14 days4.732 reviews
Polar
Wildlife
From
USD $9,520

Follow the footsteps of early explorers on a journey across the Antarctic Circle

Set sail for an adventure like no other. Spend 14 days following in the wake of Captain Cook as you cross the Antarctic Circle, home to the midnight sun and towering icebergs. On board the well-appointed Ocean Endeavour, leave Ushuaia and civilisation behind and journey towards the hauntingly beautiful icy wilderness of the Antarctic Continent. Experience the thrill of witnessing seals lie on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and penguins patrolling the rocky shoreline in vast numbers. Enjoy jaw-dropping views witnessed by seldom few as you explore ice-filled bays by Zodiac, landing on Antarctica itself for onshore excursions.

Map of Journey To The Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour) including Antarctica and Argentina
Trip code: GQMCN
Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
End
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Meals
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
Transport
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruise Ship (12 nights)
Days
14
Group size
Min 1
Ages
Min 8
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
This trip generates 583 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, abundant with birdlife and busy penguins, and witness icebergs in a thousand different shades of blue.

Experience almost endless daylight in high summer once you are inside the Antarctic Circle. Then, push further south than most Antarctic expeditions venture, exploring the remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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 onboard yoga and massages or take a refreshing polar plunge.

While 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 eight 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.

Boats

Ocean Endeavour anchored in Antarctic waters surrounded by icebergs
Ocean Endeavour
BOAT TYPE: ExpeditionPASSENGERS: 200
The Ocean Endeavour is comfortable, spacious and the place to be in the Antarctic season. Not only is it one of the few polar expedition ships in Antarctica, it also has one crew member for every eight travellers. This means you’ll enjoy a more personal, informative and comfortable trip. With a gym, library, wide range of cabin types, modern Zodiacs, and superb views, the Ocean Endeavour is quite literally the coolest way to take the trip of a lifetime.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Journey To The Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour) including Antarctica and Argentina

Inclusions and activities

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruise Ship (12 nights)

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

Optional activities
  • Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
  • Photography Program - USD1299
  • Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from - USD95
  • Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding - USD299
  • Day Paddle - USD299
  • Polar Plunge - Free
  • Kayaking Program - USD1299

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. 

Dates and availability

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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)

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Approaching a looming glacier in a sea kayak, strapping on snowshoes to reach the best icy viewpoints, capturing the perfect photo of a seal hunting its prey or camping under an Antarctic perpetual twilight – these are just some of the ways you can enrich your exploration of the great White Continent with our additional activities. A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Endeavour, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.
• Kayaking or Photography program - Voyage-duration program available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
• Day Paddle or Stand Up Paddleboarding - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team

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

4.7 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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Tejdeep · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 16 Feb 2024

Paul · Traveled February 2024
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Norman · Traveled February 2024
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Diane · Traveled February 2024
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Suzanne · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 16 Feb 2024
Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)
From
USD $9,520