Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Experience Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ocean Nova. Explore during the early season, which unveils a landscape of white, raw beauty. Visit penguin rookeries that burst with life as they prepare for the season ahead – spot the Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins. From the outer decks or during Zodiac cruises, keep your eyes peeled for leopard seals resting on ice floes and the iconic albatross soaring above. Make daily excursions and on shore landings, listen to lectures from your onboard experts and learn about the wildlife and geology of the area. Engage in Citizen Science Projects and wake up every morning to the cold, vast landscape of the Great White Continent – this is Antarctica in its most unspoiled state, offering views that few are privileged to witness!
Highlights
- Take at least two excursions daily, either in Zodiacs or on land, to explore the incredible surroundings of the Antarctic wilderness. After winter, Antarctica awakens, and snow cloaks the continent in a pristine whiteness – a completely unique landscape.
- Cruise on Zodiacs through ice-strewn bays and channels, among floating electric blue icebergs. Look out for marine wildlife as you go!
- Attend informative lectures by your onboard polar experts, who can provide amazing insights into the region's diverse wildlife and unique geology.
- Participate in initiatives like NASA's GLOBE Observer program, where your observations help track environmental changes. You can also take part in Citizen Science Projects like the Seabird Survey, which gathers data on Antarctic birds.
- Become an expert birdwatcher – see the vast penguin populations in the rookeries, watching as they build their nests and court. Look out for albatross, fulmars and petrels as you sail the Drake Passage.
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 $11,904 ($1,082 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. When you arrive at Ushuaia Airport, take the included transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local team at a welcome meeting at about 6 pm. You’ll learn more about the exciting journey ahead and receive important details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you arrive early, maybe head downtown for souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia's local restaurants. You could also check out the Museo Maritimo to learn about the region’s history or stroll down Avenida San Martin for any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy your leisurely morning before your coach transfers to the port of Ushuaia, where you’ll board the Ocean Nova – your home for the next nine nights. After meeting your Expedition Team on board and settling into your cabin, head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sails through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Then, join the excitement inside to learn more about the upcoming days.
Included Activities:
- Welcome Briefing
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 1)
Named for its wild nature, the Drake Passage is unpredictable and constantly changing. Over the next two days at sea, you can laze on one of the Ocean Nova's outer decks, soaking up fresh sea air and feeling the breeze of the untamed waters. Your Expedition Team will provide insights into your exciting adventure that lies ahead with talks and presentations. Watch the birds circling above as you get to know your fellow travellers and Expedition Team. Head to the ship's bridge, where the open bridge policy invites you into the command centre, where you can see the captain and his team in action and get the best vantage point for spotting wildlife.
Included Activities:
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
Your Antarctic adventure begins once you have left the Drake Passage and can see the South Shetland Islands. During your time aboard, 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 region's glaciology, history and wildlife as you explore. Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to local bays, channels and landing sites, with wildlife opportunities always in mind. Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless leopard seal. You might hike to a penguin rookery one day and take a Zodiac cruise among towering icebergs the next. Maybe even treat yourself to an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing excursion or a day paddle excursion. You’ll also have the chance to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova!
Included Activities:
- Guided walking Excursions
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
Optional Activities:
- Polar Plunge - Free
- Snowshoeing (150 USD)
- Day Paddle (349 USD)
- Camping (399 USD)
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 4)
As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back to your home port of Ushuaia, it is time to reflect on your journey. You’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 10, signalling the end of your Antarctic adventure. During these final days at sea, attend additional onboard lectures and enjoy a slideshow of images captured by your Expedition Photographer throughout your journey – yours to keep as a memorable souvenir of your epic Antarctic adventure! Your final meal that evening will be a highlight, so live it up and enjoy yourself as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team.
Included Activities:
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Citizen Science Program
Optional Activities:
- Onboard Gym - Free
Accommodation:
- Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark as your unforgettable expedition comes to an end. You’ll have a morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or to downtown, if you have extra time. If you would like to stay longer and explore South America, 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
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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