Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Odyssey (Ocean Endeavour)
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Odyssey (Ocean Endeavour)
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Odyssey (Ocean Endeavour)
21 Days Starting in Ushuaia and ending in Puerto Madryn
Visiting: Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Hurd Peninsula, Elephant Island, South Georgia Island, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Puerto Madryn
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GQMSG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 200
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
8-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, River Cruise, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This special polar voyage sees you taking to the high seas. Before too long you’ll be exploring the frosted beauty of Antarctica, observing penguin colonies that number in the thousands and looking for whales in deeper water. Travel in sustainable style on the Ocean Endeavour, tracing the same path as legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton – including Elephant Island. Watch everything turn to white as you enter the waters around the frozen continent on this rare expedition.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. On arrival at the airport, meet your Intrepid representative and transfer to your hotel. Attend a welcome meeting and briefing this evening to run through the details of embarkation tomorrow. If you arrive early and have some time, Ushuaia is (unsurprisingly) a fantastic place to try cold-water seafood like king crab.
Day 2 : Ushuaia – Embarkation Day
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your morning is free before you transfer to and board the vessel in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin and meet the ship staff and expedition crew. Enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers. Who knows, gravy might even be on the menu. Set off on your expedition in the late afternoon or early evening. Cruise down the historic Beagle Channel, maybe getting your first view of some of the region’s spectacular wildlife on the rocky shores.
Day 3 : Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Spend the next few days traversing the infamous Drake Passage, named after Sir Frances Drake, on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula. While crossing the passage you can get acquainted with the many first-class amenities available on the Ocean Endeavour – maybe do a yoga class or brush up on your photography skills in preparation for your arrival. The researchers and scientists travelling with you will begin their onboard lecture program over the next few days and (if conditions are favourable) you’ll also be able to join them on deck to spot seabirds and maybe whales. Expect to reach the peninsula on the evening of Day 4.
Day 5 : Antarctic Peninsula
Location: Hurd Peninsula
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Spend three unforgettable days exploring the Great White Continent with your expert crew. While landing sites will be chosen based on wildlife-spotting opportunities and weather conditions, you can expect to explore on land and by Zodiac boat during daily excursions. The Antarctic Peninsula is home to leopard seals, adelie penguins and chinstrap penguins, among many others. Nights will be spent on board, listening to lectures from the expedition crew. One or more of Paul Kelly’s three planned performances might happen during our time on the peninsula.
Day 8 : Elephant Island
Location: Elephant Island
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we make for the ice-covered isle where Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team were stranded in 1915. Located on the north-eastern fringes of the South Shetland islands, Elephant Island has tall and craggy rock formations. If conditions allow, we will attempt a landing or Zodiac cruise around Elephant Island, which will give you a real sense of just how impressive Shackleton and co’s survival really was.
Day 9 : At Sea
Location: South Georgia Island
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Hit the sea once again, bound for South Georgia, arriving by the evening of Day 11 if conditions are favourable. Maybe take the opportunity to relax and unwind with some onboard health and wellness services. Or perhaps you’d prefer to taste the crisp Antarctic air from on deck as seabirds and perhaps whales rear their heads.
Day 11 : South Georgia
Location: South Georgia Island
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Begin exploring South Georgia, not only one of the most remote and wild places on earth, but also holder of the nickname ‘Galapagos of the South’ due to the incredible wildlife that calls the island home. Marvel at the many seabirds, encounter penguin colonies and spy elephant and fur seal pups. While the wildlife is incredible, it’s not all about the animals. The glaciers, mountains and fascinating history of South Georgia are also captivating. The island has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775 and at 3755 square kilometres (1450 square miles) is the territory’s largest island.
Day 15 : At Sea
Location: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Settle in for two days at sea as we cruise towards the Falkland Islands. As with your other times at sea, you can spend your time relaxing, learning, or both.
Day 17 : Falkland Islands
Location: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Explore the two main islands of the Falklands (East and West) by Zodiac and on foot over the next two days. Wildlife sightings should include at least three species of penguin and two endemic bird species – Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. The expedition team will educate you on the local flora and fauna so you will know what you’re looking for. Probable landing sites include the quaint capital Port Stanley, West Point Island, Sea Lion Island and Bleaker Island.
Day 19 : At Sea
Location: Puerto Madryn
Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour cruise ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Hit the seas for the return journey to Argentina. Soak up the last of the knowledge shared by the onboard experts and make the most of the facilities while you can. On your last night on board, enjoy a farewell captain’s dinner and toast to the epic journey that was.
Day 21 : Puerto Madryn – Disembarkation
Location: Puerto Madryn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure comes to an end in Puerto Madryn. If you are flying out of Trelew Airport today, a transfer is included in your trip price.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (19 nights)
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Transport
Expedition Cruise Ship, Zodiac
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Meals
20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Expedition cruise ship , zodiac
Accommodation
- Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruise Ship (19 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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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.