Itinerary and Pricing Small-Ship Expedition Cruise
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
The Adventure Begins

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. The first night of your voyage will be spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). Take the opportunity to explore at your leisure independently.

Visit the excellent museums along the main street, Avenida San Martin, or wander the streets and take in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south. Be sure to check out the many shops, artisan markets, and cafés.

If you have the time, discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park in South America. The park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastlines, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats, and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean condor, Magellanic oystercatcher, kelp goose, austral parakeet, and torrent duck.

Day 2: Ushuaia, Argentina
Embark on the Ocean Endeavour

After a morning of independent exploration in Ushuaia, transfer to the port of Ushuaia and embark on the Ocean Endeavour in the late afternoon.

In the evening, we’ll set sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As we leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels, and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.

Day 3–4: At Sea — Drake Passage
On Board Learning

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

Enjoy the fabulous on-board facilities: join a yoga class or attend a presentation or two given by the expedition team to prepare you for what lies ahead—from the geology of Antarctica to its history and wildlife, and even the ice!

Sailing towards Antarctica there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales, and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.

Head out on deck to look for the mighty albatross that flies overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.

Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land—that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!

Day 5–8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Penguin Colonies and Birdwatching

Spend four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals modern-day travellers. Enjoy exploring by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs. We’ll make the most of every opportunity to go ashore, where friendly penguins and spectacular panoramic views await. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and, of course, learn more about photography from on board experts.

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife—from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals, and a plethora of fascinating seabirds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites.

As we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the views from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Make the most of the ship’s health and fitness facilities, from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.

Day 9-10: At Sea — Drake Passage
Whale Watching and Iceberg Spotting

Leaving the magnificent Antarctic Peninsula behind, we take with us our memories and photographs and set out on our journey back through the Drake Passage. As we sail, take pleasure in engaging lectures and presentations while keeping a keen eye out for wildlife from the comfort of the observation lounge and the outer decks. Before our voyage concludes, perhaps you'll indulge in some relaxation at the spa and sauna.

Once we’ve successfully crossed back through the Drake Passage, we enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel heading towards our destination of Ushuaia.

Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina
A Fond Farewell

Disembark in Ushuaia after enjoying your final breakfast on the Ocean Endeavour. You have an included transfer to Ushuaia airport if you're flying home today, otherwise, enjoy some extra time exploring Tierra del Fuego and its rugged surroundings.

A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to your agent to organize this.

If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.