Whale antarctica

Itinerary and Pricing Small-Ship Expedition Cruise
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey

February 17 to February 27, 2024

From $8,810 to $17,210 USD

per person

Save up to 30% until July 31, 2023

Get a Quote Pricing and Cabins
Discover antarctica with adventure canada

Watch Webinar

Discover Antarctica with Adventure Canada

GET INSTANT ACCESS

Learn more about the highlights of our Antarctica expeditions, the day-to-day itineraries, and what makes small-ship expedition travel so special.

Watch Now

Map

A23 JW Map optimized 80
  • Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Day 2: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Day 3–4: At Sea – Drake Passage
  • Day 5–8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 9-10: At Sea - Drake Passage
  • Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina

Itinerary

Please Note: You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

  • Ushuaia Argentina

    Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
    The Adventure Begins

    Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. Take your included transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet fellow guests and our local team in Ushuaia during a welcome briefing at your hotel. If you have some time to spare before the meeting, we suggest you head downtown to do some souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia's fantastic local restaurants.

    An arrival transfer from the airport on day one is included in your voyage fare. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent to organise this.

  • Ocean endeavour antarctica

    Day 2: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Embark the Ocean Endeavour

    Enjoy some free time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area before boarding the Ocean Endeavour this afternoon. Once settled, you’ll cast off and make your way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s historic ship The Beagle, the deep open water of the channel presents many great photo opportunities.

    Be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you're not too busy snapping away at the incredible landscapes – your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

  • Onborad learning

    Day 3–4: At Sea – Drake Passage
    On-board Learning

    The Drake Passage is one of the most famous bodies of water on the planet. It can be a little rough, but if weather conditions are good, you can head out on the outer decks for a chance to spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins, or perhaps seabirds including the spectacular wandering albatross, prions and petrels.

    Over the next two days, you'll get to know your expedition team experts as our comprehensive lecture program gets underway. Our polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a great understanding of its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead.

    Your expedition team are experts on the marine life that inhabit these parts and will help scout for sightings as you join them on the Ocean Endeavour's bridge and spacious outer decks. With favourable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of day four.

  • Penguin Colony

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

    The Antarctic Peninsula is known for a high number of wildlife sightings in front of stunning backdrops of mountains, icy landscapes and water, which combine to 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 majestic 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 humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as orcas.

    As whale season is in full swing, you may like to participate in one of our exciting on-board citizen science projects, the Happy Whale Project, where you can upload photos of whale’s tails (flukes) online, along with details of where the images are taken, which are then used to analyse and identify the individual whale and track its movement across the oceans. Sightings can happen from the outer decks of the ship or during a Zodiac excursion, or on the ship's bridge with your captain, where our open bridge policy allows you into the command centre of the Ocean Endeavour for a look at the inner workings of your expedition and access to the best place to spot whales.

    An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7:00 a.m., giving you time to prepare for the day before joining fellow guests 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.

  • Whales antarctica

    © Pixabay

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

    As the Ocean Endeavour starts its return journey north to our home port of Ushuaia, now is your time to reflect on your amazing journey. We’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of day ten.

    This evening, your final meal together in the Polaris restaurant is often a highlight of our Antarctic adventurers, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate an incredible adventure with fellow guests and expedition team members.

  • Ushuaia Argentina

    Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina
    A Fond Farewell

    Disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast as your Antarctic expedition comes to an end and the memories of an amazing adventure begin. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included if you are departing today.

    A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent to organise 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.

Pricing and Cabins

Intrepid Travel is the operator for our Antarctic expeditions in 2024. You can join Adventure Canada's hosted group and embark on an unforgettable journey with Intrepid. Our collaborative efforts guarantee an engaging, informative, and enjoyable travel experience. Along with Intrepid's highly skilled expedition team, Adventure Canada hosts will also be present to enhance your educational journey.

Ship

Ocean Endeavour Scotland

Ocean Endeavour – Antarctica

Our spacious, ice-strengthened vessel features twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and stabilizers. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind. Roomy facilities offer comfortable travel with plenty of breathing room for all.

Learn more about Ship name

Details

  • Small-Ship Expedition Cruise

    Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey

    February 17 to February 27, 2024

    From $8,810 to $17,210 USD

    per person

    Save up to 30% until July 31, 2023

  • Single Supplement: No single supplement on a limited quantity of cabins!

  • Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina

    Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina

  • Group size: 200 guests
  • Fitness Level: Moderate
  • Age Limitation: 8 and over
  • Cruise Payments: International Cruise fares are priced in US dollars and are per person, per Cruise. A $2,000 USD deposit per person, per cruise is required to register. Your final balance for the Cruise is due 120 days prior to the scheduled departure date (“Departure Date”). All late payments are subject to a penalty of 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. Adventure Canada reserves the right to cancel your booking if it is not paid within 120 days of the Departure Date or deny boarding due to any unpaid balances, without a refund to you. Name changes are not permitted.
  • Cancellation by the Passenger: Adventure Canada receiving a written notice of cancellation at least 121 days prior to the Departure Date, you shall receive a refund of the amount paid for the Cruise, less an administrative penalty of $2,000 USD per person, per Cruise. If a written notice of cancellation is received by Adventure Canada between 91 and 120 days prior to the Departure Date, the cancellation penalty is 65% of your total cruise cost. A refund of 35% of the amount paid for the Cruise and Charter flight will be issued provided the passenger is up to date on all payments. In the event of a cancellation made 95 days or less before the scheduled date of departure, you will forfeit any amount paid for the Cruise to that date. For these and other reasons mentioned within these Terms and Conditions, you are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive cancellation insurance at the time of registration.
  • Travel Insurance: A minimum of Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance is mandatory for participation in all Adventure Canada Cruises. You must carry a minimum of $500,000 USD per person emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
  • Future Travel Credit: Future Travel Credits do not apply to and will not be issued for any cancellation reason by the passenger.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included:

  • All meals on board the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
  • On-board lecture program from expedition team and naturalists
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options that have an additional cost)
  • Use of rubber boots on land and waterproof outer shell jacket
  • Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of your voyage
  • Transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
  • Transfer to Ushuaia airport on return to port
  • All port taxes
  • Use of on-board gym, sauna, pool, jacuzzi and yoga

Not Included:

  • International or internal flights unless specified
  • Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
  • Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
  • Visa and passport fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Paid adventure options and all personal expenses
  • Tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages
  • Miscellaneous extras
  • Laundry and communication charges
  • Medical care
  • Life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots for minors under sixteen years of age at time of travel
  • Waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and rubber boots for guests who require larger sizing
  • Gratuities for expedition team and crew

Intrepid Travel is the operator for our Antarctic expeditions in 2024. You can join Adventure Canada's hosted group and embark on an unforgettable journey with Intrepid. Our collaborative efforts guarantee an engaging, informative, and enjoyable travel experience. Along with Intrepid's highly skilled expedition team, Adventure Canada hosts will also be present to enhance your educational journey.

Registration Agreement

Please note that you are not considered booked until your registration agreement and deposit have been received by Adventure Canada.

If completing the form digitally, please use Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Download Registration Agreement

Terms and Conditions

Please review our full Specialty Cruise Terms and Conditions for complete details on your booking with Adventure Canada. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help.

Covid-19 vaccination

Mandatory Covid-19 vaccination is a requirement for joining this voyage. At the time of final payment, we will request a copy of your vaccination status.

Adventure add on's

Kayaking is available to book on all Antarctic voyages. Some voyages also offer other activities such as snowshoeing. All of these activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. For kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Witness an incredible abundance of humpback whales as these serene marine mammals migrate to Antarctica to feed on krill each year. If conditions allow, take Zodiac excursions to get closer to whales spotted by your expert expedition crew.
  • Get the chance to encounter a range of other wildlife like king and chinstrap penguins, fur and elephant seals, albatross and more.
  • Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour enjoy an enviable ratio of one expedition team member for every eight guests, allowing for a higher level of personal service.
  • Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.
  • Enjoy the amenities on board including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.
  • Care about the planet? Us too. We carbon-offset all trips, serve only sustainable seafood, avoid single-use plastics and more to help preserve Antarctica (and the world) for future generations.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.  
  • Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack. 
  • Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to. 
  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty of on-board resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears. 
Discover antarctica with adventure canada

Watch Webinar

Discover Antarctica with Adventure Canada

GET INSTANT ACCESS

Learn more about the highlights of our Antarctica expeditions, the day-to-day itineraries, and what makes small-ship expedition travel so special.

Watch Now

Adventure Canada itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather, ice, and sea conditions