Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

11 days
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Small Ship Cruise
Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you voyage to Antarctica, a continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable, spacious and well-appointed Ocean Endeavour on an 11-day voyage, discovering unbelievable wildlife and the world’s most remarkable scenery. As you explore this icy wilderness, you’ll not only be accompanied b...
19%
$9,670
From$7,862
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Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Explore an unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds in their abundance are the true rulers.
    • Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
    • Seal and whale sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed, ensuring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
    • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
    • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.

What's this trip about?

    Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you voyage to Antarctica, a continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable, spacious and well-appointed Ocean Endeavour on an 11-day voyage, discovering unbelievable wildlife and the world’s most remarkable scenery. As you explore this icy wilderness, you’ll not only be accompanied by an expert expedition team, but also by penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-choked waters. Adventures like this don’t come along every day – there’s simply nowhere else on earth like Antarctica.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 200 people
Age range8 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityUshuaia
End CityUshuaia

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Antarctica

Attractions

  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Ushuaia

Activities

  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Welcome Briefing
    • Citizen Science Program
    • Daily Briefings and Recap
    • Onboard Lecture Program
    • Guided walking Excursions
    • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
    • Citizen Science Program
    • Daily Briefings and Recap
    • Onboard Lecture Program
    • Onboard Lecture Program
    • Daily Briefings and Recap
    • Citizen Science Program

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. You will be briefed at your hotel this evening on the journey that lies ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you happen to arrive early there are many ways to entertain yourself at ‘the End ...

Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia

This afternoon you will board the Ocean Endeavour and your epic adventure south begins. Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most...

Day 3-4 At Sea, Drake Passage

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be...

Day 5-8 South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula

You will spend the next four incredible days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers. Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted iceber...

Day 9-10 At Sea, Drake Passage

Leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind as you set sail across the Drake Passage, enjoying some final lectures and presentations from your expedition team. Look out for wildlife from the observation lounge, outer decks, or the Ocean Endeavour's bridge as you head north a...

Day 11 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour following breakfast. Farewell your fellow guests and your expedition team and join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey today. Or perhaps extend your stay to spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,862
Price per day$715
Last Updated: 4/22/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$7,862
1 spots left
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$10,370
14 spots left
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$10,240
19 spots left
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$10,960
4 spots left
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$9,988
7 spots left
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$11,960
Sold Out
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$8,288
2 spots left
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$8,712
20 spots left
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$12,622
8 spots left
18 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$9,138
29 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel,9 nights expedition cruise ship,

Transportation & Flights

Expedition cruise ship,zodiac,

Transportation & flights

Expedition cruise ship,zodiac
Guides
Your expedition will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader and at least one Assistant Expedition Leader. In addition, there will be a team of Polar experts and Expedition Guides who will be with you throughout. These experts will have various areas of expertise to inform you about the wildlife you may see, the terrain you'll pass through, the history of the area and to help you get the most out of photography opportunities, there will be a photography guide on board. In addition there will be specialist guides for kayaking, a yoga instructor and on some voyages, special guest presenters. With a guest to guide ratio of 8:1, there will always be someone around to answer any questions you may have.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all guests travelling to the Polar regions and is one of the most important components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. It is vital that you have the most suitable insurance with adequate levels of cover. We advise purchasing travel insurance at the same time as booking, ensuring you are covered for cancellation and curtailment from the moment that you confirm your Antarctic voyage, as well as ensuring cover for personal liability, loss of baggage and personal effects, as well as disruption to travel plans. Because of the remoteness of your expedition to Antarctica, advanced medical care and medical evacuations are extremely expensive which makes comprehensive travel insurance essential for all our clients. We encourage you to take the highest level of cover possible, but have a minimum requirement of USD250,000 coverage for medical-related expenses that must include medical evacuation and/or emergency repatriation cover, and specifically cover medical expenses, evacuation (including ship to shore transfer) and/ or emergency repatriation including COVID-19. Be aware that some travel insurance policies have minimum requirements for vaccination series (i.e 2 doses + booster) to cover COVID-19 related medical, evacuation and/or emergency repatriation. Your travel insurance policy must meet these minimum requirements. Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage may also be a mandatory requirement for other countries visited. Please refer to the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up to date information. There are many activities that can be undertaken in Antarctica. If you plan to participate in adventure options such as Kayaking, Day Paddle, Snowshoeing or Camping, please ensure your travel insurance specifically covers you for these activities. You need to ensure you know exactly what you are covered for and ensure that your policy covers this from the time you leave to arrive home. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number prior to the departure of your Cruise; you will not be able to join the Cruise nor receive your Final Travel Documentation without providing these details. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank's name and credit card details.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure from Ushuaia and also again at the end of your voyage.
Age Requirements
8 years and up
Additional Information
Finish point Ushuaia Port Array Ushuaia ARGENTINA
Trip ID
intrepid-GQMDE

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