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Brown Bluff  and Speret Islands, Antartica

Best of Antarctica In Depth

Ushuaia Roundtrip - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 14-day voyage to East- and West- Antarctica. Like our ‘Best of Antarctica’ voyage, this expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, but with three additional days to better explore the Antarctica Peninsula. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores. You will cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship, the Ocean Endeavour, is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness and onboard expedition guides offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.
Penguin loveChinstrap penguins hopping along the rocksNesting Chinstrap penguinsSeal enjoying the sun in AntarcticaBrown Bluff and Speret Islands, AntarticaZodiac excursion in the Antarctic PenisulaBrown Bluff  and Speret Islands, Antartica
Highlights
  • Cross the Antarctic Sound on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife- Adelie and gentoo penguins
  • Visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group
  • Observe towering icebergs, turquoise glaciers, and craggy islands
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia

Welcome to the port city of Ushuaia for the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to settle in before meeting your fellow travelers this evening at the welcome briefing. If you're arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from in the area. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, tackle part of the Martial Mountains for a memorable view over the Beagle Channel, or perhaps just take a walk around town and enjoy the cafe scene.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

Explore the charming town of Ushuaia in the morning before embarking on your home away from home for your Antarctic expedition, the Ocean Endeavour. In the morning perhaps visit the Museo Maritimo to brush up on local history, or just enjoy a morning strolling this languid town. Board the Ocean Endeavour in the afternoon and meet your expedition team before taking a tour of the amenities and services available on the ship. After you have settled into your cabin, head out onto the outer decks to wave goodbye to Argentina and then find your sea legs as you say hello to the legendary Drake Passage. Next stop: Antarctica.

Day 3-4: At sea, Drake Passage

The next two days are all about relaxing and getting to know your team of polar experts as they share their in-depth knowledge about all things Antarctica. You will have the opportunity to enjoy presentations about the continent’s geography, environment, and wildlife. Spot seabirds flying with the Ocean Endeavour as she heads south to the Great White Continent, keeping an eye out for albatross on their migration route. Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales and other marine mammals in the Southern Ocean as you cozy up with a drink at the bar while getting to know your fellow shipmates. If the lecture program by the expert guides is not enough to fill your days, the Ocean Endeavour's gym, polar library, and sauna will keep you busy while crossing the Drake Passage. With favorable conditions, you should see your first sighting of land by early evening on day four.

Day 5-7: East Antarctica Peninsula

This is a true exploration, so all going to plan, day five will see the ship’s bow cruising around the eastern end of the Antarctic Sound, leaving you facing the wild coastlines of the Peninsula’s eastern side. The vast Weddell Sea is edged by a seemingly endless coastline of basaltic beaches, islands that tower from the sea, and collections of islands that few humans have laid eyes on. This is where British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew began their legendary journey north after their ship 'Endurance' was crushed by sea ice and sank. There are so many potential landing sites from this location, like Paulet Island with its large Adelie penguin rookery and Swedish Antarctic expedition history; the sweeping Prince Gustav Channel to the south, and the protected and glacier-lined coves of Duse Bay. Spend the next few days exploring via Zodiac cruises and onshore excursions across a number of potential remote landing sites around the Eagle Island group.

No two days of any expedition are the same, and landing sites are subject to change depending on the elements and potential wildlife spotting opportunities, but the expert team of expedition guides will ensure that each day is memorable, offering you a sense of exploration and adventure unlike anywhere else on earth.

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.

Day 8-11: West Antarctica Peninsula & South Shetlands Islands

After three days exploring the peninsula’s rarely visited east side, it’s time to cross back through the Antarctic Sound for the better known, but no less spectacular, western shores. As the ship attempts to enter the sound, a collection of tabular icebergs typically serves as a gateway from east to west, and locations like the Argentinean research station, Esperanza Station, and the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff are viable landing points along the way.

For the next four days, explore well-known sites like Orne Harbour, Paradise Bay, or Port Lockroy as you head on wildlife sightings, take to the Zodiacs for small group outings and soak up the unforgettable vistas that greet you at every turn. With multiple landing sites available, your expedition team will work out the best places to stop, taking into account the elements, accessibility, and wildlife opportunities. You'll soon notice the contrast with the sense of isolation on the east side, as you won't find an excursion on the western side that lasts long without a parade of penguins or marine mammal sightings. After four memorable days, the Ocean Endeavour will turn north, cross the Bransfield Strait, and head through the South Shetland Islands. Now’s the perfect time to join your crew and fellow explorers on the aft deck for a final toast to the Antarctic.

Day 12-13: At sea, Drake Passage

Settle back into the comfortable surroundings of the Ocean Endeavour for the return journey across the Drake Passage as you track north towards Cape Horn to your destination of Ushuaia, Argentina. This is your last chance to soak up the experience and knowledge of your expedition team before the end of your voyage, so make sure you join them on the outer decks with binoculars in hand to spot the surrounding wildlife. Now is also the chance to catch up with your shipmates and share stories about your voyage over a meal or a drink at the bar before bidding farewell.

Day 14: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning, farewell to the Ocean Endeavour as you disembark in Ushuaia. Following breakfast, disembark for the short transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey. Your expedition team, ship’s crew, and staff who have shared the journey with you will join you on the dock to say farewell.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Ocean Endeavour in Antarctic waters
Polaris Restaurant at Ocean Endeavour
Sample buffet spread of Polaris Restaurant at Ocean Endeavour

Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Ocean Endeavour - Category 1 - Single Interior
Single Interior - Cat. 1
122 sq.ft (11 sq. m) Interior location Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobe Single bed Flatscreen TV Located on Deck 5
Ocean Endeavour - Category 2 - Interior
Triple Interior - Cat. 2
Approximately 220 to 230 sq. ft. (20 to 21.5 sq. m) Three lower berths One or two private bathrooms with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV Interior location Located on Deck 4
Ocean Endeavour - Category 3 - Interior
Interior Twin - Cat. 3
Approximately 120 sq.ft (11 sq. m) Two lower berths Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Interior location Flatscreen TV Located on Deck 4
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 4 - Twin Porthole
Twin Porthole - Cat. 4
Approximately 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) Two lower berths Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV One porthole* or window (unobstructed views) *Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution Located on Deck 4 or Deck 5
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 4A - Single Porthole
Single Porthole - Cat. 4A
Approximately 76 sq. ft. (7 sq. m) Two lower berths Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes One porthole* (unobstructed views) *Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution Flatscreen TV Located on Deck 4
Category 5 - Twin Window
Twin Window - Cat. 5
Approximately 141 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) One or two windows (partially or fully obstructed views) Two lower berths or one double bed Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 7 and Deck 8
Ocean Endeavour - Category 5A - Single WindowOcean Endeavour - Category 5A - Single Window
Single Window - Cat. 5A
Approximately 155 to 174 sq. ft. (14 to 16 sq. m) Two windows (partially obstructed views) Double bed Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 8
Ocean Endeavour - Category 8 - Comfort Twin
Comfort Twin - Cat. 6
Approximately 228 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) Two single berths Separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed *Two portholes (unobstructed views) *Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution Private bathroom (some cabins have 2 bathrooms) with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 4
Ocean Endeavour - Category 7 - Select Twin
Select Twin - Cat. 7
Approximately 214 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) Two single berths Separate living area with a pull-out sofa bed Two windows (unobstructed views) Private bathroom (some cabins have two bathrooms) with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 5
Ocean Endeavour - Category 8 - Superior Twin
Superior - Cat. 8
Deck 5 - Approximately. 225 sq. ft. (21 sq. m), two lower berths, a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa bed, two large windows | Deck 7 - Approximately 165 to 200 sq. ft. (15 to 19 sq. m), one double bed, a sofa, two large windows Two single berths or one double bed Two windows (unobstructed or partially obstructed views) Private bathroom with hair dryer and bathrobes Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Located on Deck 5 or Deck 7
Ocean Endeavour - Category 9 - Junior Suite
Junior Suite - Cat. 9
Deck 5 are at least 325 sq. ft. (30 sq. m), and at least 243 sq. ft. (22.5 sq. m) on Deck 7 Bow or port-facing picture windows (unobstructed views) Double bed Separate sitting area with sofa Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Private bathroom with shower (3 cabins), bathtub (1 cabin), hair dryer and bathrobes Located on Deck 5 or Deck 7
Ocean Endeavour - Category 10 - Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite - Cat. 10
Approximately 305 sq. ft. (28 sq. m) Four forward-facing windows (unobstructed) Double Bed Separate sitting area with sofa Flatscreen TV and refrigerator Private bathroom with bathtub, hair dryer and bathrobes Located on Deck 7

Notes

RATES
Rates correct at date above but are subject to change & subject to availability at time of booking.

SINGLES POLICY
Single Cabins (Solo Use) are available in CAT 1, CAT 4A & CAT 5A. Willing to share (same-sex) available at no extra charge in CAT 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8, subject to availability. Single Supplement to create a Solo Use cabin is available in CAT 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 (only) at a surcharge of 1.7 x applicable Twin-share rate, subject to availability.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard lecture program from Expedition Team and Naturalists
  • Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of your Antarctic cruise.
  • Transfer from hotel to ship for embarkation
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
  • Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
  • Transfer from airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel
  • All port taxes
  • Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool, and jacuzzi and onboard yoga
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Optional Activities
  • For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details
  • Visa and passport fees
  • Life jackets, waterproof outer shell jackets, insulated inner jackets, and boots for minors under 16 years of age at the time of travel
  • Airport transfers, taxes, and excess baggage charges, unless specified
  • Laundry and communication charges
  • Tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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