Trip Length
11 Days
Trip Starts
Ushuaia
Trip Finishes
Ushuaia
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 11 Day Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (Ocean Endeavour). 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, perhaps entering the narrow, sheer-sided Lemaire...read more 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.
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, perhaps entering the narrow, sheer-sided Lemaire...read more 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.
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.
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. (B/D)
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. (Bx2/Lx2/Dx2)
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. (Bx4/Lx4/Dx4)
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. (Bx4/Lx4/Dx4)
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. (Bx2/Lx2/Dx2)
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. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- 1 night comfortable hotel
- 9 nights expedition cruise ship
- 10 Breakfasts included
- 8 Lunches included
- 9 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Intrepid Antarctica & The Arctic (2022-24)
We don’t believe in travel as simply a way to tick items off a bucket list. We take the time to get under the skin of a destination and discover what makes it unique. Of course, we all want to see a polar bear in the Arctic or king penguins on South Georgia Island, but while we’re there we’ll spend time with the Inuit people and learn about their way...more of life, or cruise around in Zodiacs to gaze at the monolithic icebergs up close. Seeing the famous landmarks and wildlife is a must, but experiencing them with a passionate expert is what makes these trips truly special.
Availability
Monday 18 Nov 2024
Thursday 28 Nov 2024
Status
From: $12,460
Sold Out
Limited Time Sale
Wednesday 27 Nov 2024
Saturday 07 Dec 2024
Status
From: $13,210 $11,116
Save $2,094 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Category 2 (Triple Interior) | Less $ 670 |
| Category 3 (Twin Interior) (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category 4 (Twin Porthole) | From $ 670 |
| Category 5 (Main Twin) | From $ 1,340 |
| Category 6 (Comfort Twin) | From $ 2,020 |
| Category 1 (Single Interior) | From $ 2,540 |
| Category 7 (Select Twin) | From $ 3,140 |
| Category 8 (Superior) | From $ 3,880 |
| Category 9 (Junior Suite) | From $ 5,000 |
| Category 4 A (Single Porthole) | From $ 6,570 |
| Category 10 (Ownerâs Suite) | From $ 6,570 |
| Category 5 A (Single Window) | From $ 8,510 |
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
