Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey (Ocean Endeavour)
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey (Ocean Endeavour)
11 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia
Visiting: Antarctica, Argentina
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GQMWJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 200
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
8-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
All aboard for the adventure of a lifetime! Set sail towards the location 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, sculptured icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, imposing mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters all lie in wait. While sailing on the Ocean Endeavour and exploring by Zodiac, scan the icy waters for the silhouettes of these mighty marine mammals as they glide through ice floes or break the Antarctic silence with spectacular acrobatics. Add in encounters with curious penguins, basking seals and many fascinating seabirds and you’re on track for a journey you’ll never forget.
Highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Ushuaia, gateway to the Antarctic. Take your included transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and a crew member during a welcome meeting at the hotel. If you have some time to spare before the meeting, maybe head downtown to do some shopping or taste some classic Argentinean flavours at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Ushuaia – Embarkation Day
This afternoon, transfer to Ushuaia’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour, your home on the sea during your Antarctic adventure. 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 non-polar land, then head inside to join the excited chatter about what’s to come.
Day 3-4 Drake Passage
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 passing by. A comprehensive optional lecture program will also get underway, 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.
Day 5-8 Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is known for a high number of wildlife sightings in front of stunning backdrops of mountains, ice and water, which combine to provide 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 (technically a type of dolphin). Sightings can happen from the deck of the ship or during a Zodiac excursion.
Day 9-10 Drake Passage
Leaving Antarctica, cruise north to 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.
Day 11 Ushuaia
Disembark the ship after breakfast as your adventure comes to an end. Transfer to the airport is included for flights departing today.
What's Included
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Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship -
Meals
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
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Transport
Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Available on the last day of tour
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Welcome Briefing
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Citizen Science Program
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Onboard Lecture Program
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Daily Briefings and Recap
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Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
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Guided walking Excursions
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
Transport
- The Ocean Endeavour has a fleet of 20 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.
Accommodation
- 1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship
Important Information
- 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)
- COVID 19 VACCINATION
- COVID-19 vaccination is a pre-embarkation requirement for all guests, staff, and crew on all Ocean Endeavour voyages. We will request a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination status on Day 1
- 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
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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. -
Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, available on the last day
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 8+ and accompanied by an adult
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.