Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (Ocean Endeavour)
Experience Overview
Experience the raw and pure beauty of the Great White Continent on an 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. During this magical time, landscapes are at their most pristine as the thawing of sea ice draws you into an unspoiled polar wilderness. Icebergs are at their greatest mass, penguins are busy courting, nest building and squabbling over pebbles. As the Ocean Endeavour edges its way through the fractured ice, maybe entering the narrow, sheer-sided Lemaire Channel, you’re invited onto the bow of the Ocean Endeavour. Scan for Leopard seals on ice floes as you follow the continent’s inhabitants further south into the untouched snowscapes of pristine Antarctica.
Highlights
- Antarctica awakens after the harsh winter and extensive snow cloaks the continent in a pristine whiteness. Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs and glaciated mountains.
- Penguin populations in the rookeries are thriving and the birds are busy nest-building and courting. Albatross, fulmars and petrels fly the Drake Passage and blue-eyed shags reappear in Antarctica.
- This is an incredible time for photographers – the lengthening days are concluded with fantastic evening light, noctilucent clouds and beautiful rose-coloured sunsets.
- Experience daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings, and take advantage of a range of paid adventure options during your voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
- Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology and participate in our citizen science program, all led by our expert expedition team.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2055
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Expedition cruise ship,zodiac
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GQMDW
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica
Finishes: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (8), Dinner (9)Accommodation: 1 night comfortable hotel,9 nights expedition cruise ship
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $14,005 ($1,273 /day)
Itinerary
Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia boasts many shops, museums, restaurants and cafes that you can enjoy before your voyage. This Argentine town is the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. If you feel adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park offers plenty of outdoor activities.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Following your embarkation onto the Ocean Endeavour in the late afternoon, begin your Antarctic journey south, passing through the infamous Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds.
Included Activities:
- Welcome Briefing
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 1)
Famed for its wild nature, the Drake Passage is unpredictable and always changing. Be sure to spend some time out on one of the Ocean Endeavour's many outer decks soaking up the fresh sea air and feeling the breeze of the roaring forties and furious fifties – waters not yet tamed even by the most intrepid of explorers. Your expedition team will provide insights into your exciting adventure that lies ahead. During these two days on the sea, you will have plenty of time to gaze out at the Southern Ocean, capture photos of the birds circling the Ocean Endeavour and get to know your fellow travellers and expedition team. There is always great excitement on board when the first sighting of land appears, which with favourable sea and weather conditions will be early evening on day four.
Included Activities:
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities:
- Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
- Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from (95 USD)
- Photography Program (1099 USD)
- Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once you have left the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view, a region that has long captured the attention of explorers. Every visit to Antarctica reveals something unexpecting or new, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other – a unique and personal experience. During your time aboard the Ocean Endeavour, your expedition team and captain will scout for whales and seabirds and alert you to any new sightings. Enjoy in-depth explanations and lectures from your expedition team on the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region as you explore.
Even more exciting will be your first land excursion – something you will never forget! Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to explore local bays, channels and landing sites with wildlife opportunities always at the forefront of your expedition team's mind. Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal. Each day and each landing is different, but every day presents new photo opportunities and sightings, so it won't take long until you know the difference between an Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.
You might hike to a penguin rookery one day and take a Zodiac cruise among towering icebergs the next. From coming eye to eye with a humpback whale to the sound of a calving glacier, you will wake up excited each day with a desire to explore this icy wilderness. If you can't get enough and find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an overnight ice camping experience on land, a snowshoeing excursion to explore further afield, or a hit the water for a day paddle excursion.
An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.
Included Activities:
- Guided walking Excursions
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities:
- Stand Up Paddleboarding (299 USD)
- Kayaking Program (1099 USD)
- Polar Plunge - Free
- Day Paddle (299 USD)
- Camping (399 USD)
- Snowshoeing (150 USD)
- Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from (95 USD)
- Photography Program (1099 USD)
- Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
- Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 4)
Your journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the Antarctic air. Be sure to spend some time on the outer decks scouting for whales, watching seabirds, or enjoying a presentation by your expedition team on a wide range of topics. Celebrate the experiences you have shared with your fellow passengers exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.
Included Activities:
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free
- Photography Program (1099 USD)
- Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from (95 USD)
- Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
You arrive in the port of Ushuaia in the morning and your expedition team will gather on the deck to farewell you as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast. Your morning transfer to Ushuaia airport is included.
Similar Tours
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
Jennifer - Traveled, November 2023
From the moment you board the ship you know your in for adventure. This trip was more than I could have ever imagined. The sight of whales, seals and penguins in this magical wilderness makes you feel so insignificant. A highlight was the cracking ice, the enormous icebergs moving majestically and the snow covered mountains with billowing snow drifts. A truely magical....life changing experience resting in my heart forever more. Thanks Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Ken - Traveled, November 2023
This trip exceeded expectations. The very professional and friendly Intrepid crew and hospitality staff do everything they can to make your trip a delight. Well done everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Javiera - Traveled, November 2023
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: 11/20/2023
Kirrily - Traveled, November 2023
An amazing adventure! One highlight was Paddle boarding in a winter wonderland was so peaceful. Surreal experience paddling amongst the ice bergs, snow capped mountains listening to the penguins! Words can't describe the serenity! I highly recommend the experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Chad - Traveled, November 2023
I recommend intrepid in helping your travel experience be kicked into overdrive
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Jay - Traveled, November 2023
I love the trip it was terrific and fun I will Rate it from 9/10 the only downside was the photography program where they promise to have review our photos every night also the photography program is just really for beginners not for the people who know photography. But overall I'm so Happy with the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Lawrence - Traveled, November 2023
Come do this trip! It's is truly amazing! Intrepid does an incredible job. Really good and fun people all around! You can handle Drakes Passage! Take some Dramamine! It's truly worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Fiona - Traveled, November 2023
Intrepid is one of the most helpful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Jemma - Traveled, November 2023
Most amazing experience and something I will never forget.. Truly has made my dreams come through.. the Intrepid staff were amazing and so helpful and knowledge. Our expedition leader Stefi was amazing in everyway and always made us aware of everything and made us feel so safe at all times. I also want to acknowledge our Kayak leader Nikki who was amazing and made the kayaking such an amazing experience..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Nate - Traveled, November 2023
This trip was the best way to see Antarctica. The expedition team and crew went out of their way every day to make sure our experience was incredible. They seemed to enjoy it just as much (or even more) than we did.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Carl - Traveled, November 2023
Intrepid have given an incredible experience, their programs enhanced the Antarctica experience multi-fold. For me, this adventure will never end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2023
Jeffrey - Traveled, November 2023
This Intrepid cruise was a great experience. The team was very knowledgeable and provided me all the information I needed to make the trip south. I enjoyed meeting so many friendly people and adventuring with a team that always did their best to make outing work and feel safe in spite of difficult conditions at times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Juan - Traveled, November 2023
A voyage to reconnect with myself surrounded by amazing people and really skilled crew in a unique place. I will need some time to digest all I've experienced these days in Antarctica.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Roisin - Traveled, November 2023
The whole experience was a 10/10. All the staff were amazing and everything ran like clockwork. Stephi in particular was a great leader and was so positive. I hope to come back again one day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Gina - Traveled, November 2023
Antarctica cannot be described... you have to experience it for yourself. Intrepid was fantastic and made this experience exceptional
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Denise - Traveled, November 2023
What a fantastic trip, the staff and crew are so enthusiastic and always smiling and happy to help with anything, so much knowledge, thanks so much
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
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