Journey to the Antarctic Circle
Experience Overview
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 Nova, 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.
Highlights
- Set sail to the Antarctic Circle and experience nearly endless daylight during the high summer as you journey further south, uncovering the remoteness and untouched beauty of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
- Soak up the beauty of this wild place and take advantage of the extra days on the Antarctic Peninsula with this extended expedition. Enjoy more landings, visit more locations and have additional opportunities to witness Antarctica’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes.
- Gain insight from onboard polar experts who will cover a range of fascinating topics during their daily lectures, from the diverse wildlife to the unique geology of the region.
- Look for gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur and Weddell seals, albatrosses and more, all set against the backdrop of towering icebergs and glaciated mountains.
- Take part in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to meaningful research by photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale, who help to track and identify individual whales across the oceans.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2051
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Expedition cruise ship,zodiac
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GQMCN
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica
Finishes: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (13), Lunch (11), Dinner (12)Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel (1 night),Expedition Cruise Ship (12 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $14,701 ($1,050 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 5 pm at your hotel, then you’re free to get ready for an early morning tomorrow!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy some free time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area before boarding the Ocean Nova – your home for the next 12 nights. Today, your ship will make its way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s historic ship, 'The Beagle', the deep open water of the channel presents many great photo opportunities. Be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you’re not too busy snapping away at the incredible landscapes – your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.
Optional Activities:
- Welcome Briefing - Free
Accommodation:
- Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 1)
The Drake Passage is one of the planet's most famous bodies of water. It can be rough, but if weather conditions are reasonable, you can head out on the outer decks to spot ocean dwellers like whales, dolphins or seabirds, including the wandering albatross, prions and petrels. Over the next two days, you’ll get to know your Expedition Team as your comprehensive lecture program gets underway. Your polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can understand its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure. Your Expedition Team consists of experts on the marine and bird life that inhabits these parts. They will help you scout for sightings as you join them on the outer decks. Step onto the ship's bridge and take advantage of our open bridge policy, inviting you into Ocean Nova's command centrr. This is your chance to observe the captain and the expedition in progress from an ideal viewpoint for spotting wildlife.
Included Activities:
- Citizen Science Program
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 2)
Over the next few days, you’ll make Zodiac cruises through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites, and while weather dictates which specific site you’ll land at, each presents an opportunity to get up close with some incredible wildlife. Look out for chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguin colonies as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals. When you are on board the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings. A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am, followed by breakfast. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion that offers a new perspective of this frozen expanse. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!
Included Activities:
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
- Guided walking Excursions
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities:
- Polar Plunge - Free
- Day Paddle (349 USD)
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 4)
Weather and ice conditions permitting, you’ll celebrate reaching the latitude of 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. Travel past colossal icebergs to a point on Earth where only a few travellers have sailed. Home to Weddell seals that are specially adapted to this icy environment, they use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice through which to breathe. They also have highly accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down, and they can no longer maintain or create breathing holes in the ice.
Included Activities:
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Guided walking Excursions
Optional Activities:
- Day Paddle (349 USD)
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 2)
As the Ocean Nova begins heading north, you’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species and fine-tune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and landings will continue to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.
Included Activities:
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Guided walking Excursions
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 1)
The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific encounters. During the final days at sea, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by our Expedition Photographer throughout your journey—yours to keep as a cherished reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition. By the evening of Day 13, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel, signalling the start of your return home. That evening, enjoy a final celebration with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team to mark the end of this Antarctic adventure.
Included Activities:
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Ocean Endeavour (Number of Nights: 2)
After breakfast, disembark the Ocean Nova as your Antarctic expedition ends. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included, but if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Tejdeep - Traveled, February 2024
I had such a great experience going to Antarctic circle and peninsula. Activities are well organized and staff is knowledgeable and educated me about Antarctica ecosystem and wildlife
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Paul - Traveled, February 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed the Antarctica experience with Intrepid. Saw and did many unique things in the 12 days. Highly recommended as a bucket list item. Thanks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Norman - Traveled, February 2024
Fantastic Antarctic voyage. Made it to below the Antarctic Circle. I did the sea kayaking add on which put me in proximity with orcas and humpback whales. Very well run. Good food on the boat and numerous informative lectures. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Diane - Traveled, February 2024
This expedition entitled Journey to the Antarctic Circle is a unique opportunity to appreciate and understand how all life on this beloved Earth is interwoven and interconnected. I fell in love with this sublime continent. Oftentimes there were no words to express what I was feeling. One wow moment after another. It will stay with me
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Suzanne - Traveled, February 2024
Best trip ever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Claire - Traveled, February 2024
What a trip on the Ocean Endeavour with Intrepid! This has been a dream of mine for years to go to Antarctica and to Antarctic Circle , I don't think it could have gone any better from the amazingly beautiful Antarctic to the amazing intrepid guides , crew and all staff 10 out of 10 from me . Would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to go to Antarctica. I have truly loved every minute and will never forget it !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
David E - Traveled, February 2024
Intrepid's Antarctic Expedition was an amazing experience. All the views and amenities of a cruise, but with the added adventure of zodiac tours of Antarctic waters, hikes on land, kayaking with icebergs and wildlife, and the ability to observe penguins, seals, birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. We had a truly unique experience and highly recommend their expeditions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Yilin - Traveled, February 2024
It's an amazing journey,I have learnt a lot of knowledge about Antarctic and marine creature. I hope another trip with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Tracy - Traveled, February 2024
This was a voyage like no other there are no words to describe the beauty of the Antarctica and its wildlife. To see this continent travelling on the Ocean Endeavour and hosted by a very knowledgeable team of Intrepid guides was outstanding!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Douglas - Traveled, February 2024
Just do it. So much more than you could imagine. It's another world
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Gregory - Traveled, February 2024
It was an excellent trip with superb organization and logistics. The staff and guides were all friendly and helpful. The educational presentations were very informative. The daily opportunities for kayaking and short land excursions made it particularly enjoyable for me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Christopher - Traveled, February 2024
An incredible trip to an incredible place that far exceeded my expectations!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Robert - Traveled, February 2024
Great experience. Intrepid staff are very knowledgeable and professional
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Helen - Traveled, February 2024
What and amazing journey! The intrepid crew make everything over the top to make this incredible voyage to Antarctica even more incredible. The details that we experienced every day, from the morning gretting till the late bar drinks. The expeditions where way more I expected, always with a smile from the crew and the staff.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Constance - Traveled, February 2024
Antarctica surpasses my expectations and the Intrepid expedition team made every excursion, on land or on the water, educational and safe, for us and the birds and animals. Don't hesitate, go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Victoria - Traveled, December 2022
There are no words to describe this trip and Antarctica itself. All I can say is DO IT!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2023
Tamara - Traveled, December 2022
my trip to Antarctica was so inspiring, a massive learning curve and difficult to articulate - I will be processing what I saw, learnt and experienced for many months to come.....thanks so much, Tamara
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2023
karen - Traveled, December 2022
The trip surpassed all expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. We were lucky with the weather, but I know the expedition team would have made the best of it, had it not been so good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2023
Scott - Traveled, December 2022
Antarctica is life-changing, and Intrepid have made my trip down perfect. A dedicated team made sure our time was safe, amazing and environmentally conscious. I will be back, and it will be with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2023
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