Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey

Arrive in Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, located at the southern tip of Argentina in Tierra del Fuego—often called "The End of the World." This is just the start of an unforgettable Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, take the included transfer to your hotel. If time allows, explore Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full-day excursion, or enjoy a stroll around town to take in the waterfront views overlooking the Beagle Channel. Stop by a local café to sample handcrafted chocolate and soak up the town’s unique charm. This evening, attend a welcome meeting at your hotel around 5 pm, then prepare for an early start tomorrow.

Spend a relaxed morning admiring the stunning Andes mountains or take a walk downtown before boarding the coach to the port of Ushuaia. There, step aboard the Ocean Nova, your home for the next nine nights. Meet the Expedition Team and settle into your cabin, then head to the outer decks as the ship sails through the historic Beagle Channel toward Antarctica. Inside, take part in engaging presentations to learn more about the journey ahead.

Spend two days traveling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. If conditions allow, you can explore the outer deck spaces, scouting for dolphins, whales, and various seabirds, including the iconic wandering albatross with its enormous three-meter wingspan. The comprehensive lecture program also gets underway for you to join at your leisure, with your team of polar experts sharing insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology, and everything in between. If the weather is on your side, you should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on Day 4 – the first sighting of land always builds great anticipation on any expedition south.

The Antarctic Peninsula is known for many wildlife sightings, and the backdrops of mountains, icy landscapes, and water provide incredible scenes as you search for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the migration season (February and March) is the best opportunity to see these ocean dwellers, as all Antarctic whale species migrate long distances, feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich Southern Ocean during the southern summer. The most common species found in the region are humpbacks, minke fin whales, and orcas. As whale season is in full swing, you have the unique opportunity to participate in one of the onboard Citizen Science projects – the Happy Whale Project. Here, you can upload photos of whales’ tails (flukes) online, along with details of where the images are taken, which are then used to analyze and identify the individual whale and track its movement across the oceans. Your contribution could make a real difference in understanding and conserving these magnificent creatures. Sightings can happen from the outer decks of the ship, during a Zodiac excursion, or on the ship’s bridge with your captain, where the open bridge policy allows you into the command center of the Ocean Nova for a look at the inner workings of your expedition and access to the best place to spot whales.

A typical expedition day 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 travelers for breakfast in the Dining Room. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning 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 invigorate you!

Special information
Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites.

Day Paddle is a one-time excursion. Little or no paddling experience is required; however, you must be an efficient swimmer, fit enough to enter and exit the kayak from the Zodiac, and able to maneuver the kayak with your paddle.

Optional activities like day paddling depend heavily on weather and sea ice conditions. Your experienced team provides regular updates on which days they are available throughout your voyage. This activity must be pre-booked via your booking agent before travel.

As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back home to the port of Ushuaia, now is your time to reflect. You’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 10, marking the beginning of your return journey. This evening, enjoy a slideshow of images taken by your Expedition Photographer during your voyage – these are yours to take home as a lasting memento of your unforgettable Antarctic adventure. Your final dinner is the highlight of your Antarctic adventure, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate with your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team.

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.

Special information
If you're flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday in case of any delays caused by unfavorable weather conditions.

You've got your transfers covered! Choose between a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia airport for your onward flight or a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia downtown. Enjoy complimentary luggage storage for the day. If you plan to head to the airport later or to your Ushuaia accommodation, it's entirely up to you and at your own expense.