Penguins 5

© Photo courtesy of Intrepid

Itinerary and Pricing Small-Ship Expedition Cruise
Journey to the Antarctic Circle

February 5 to February 18, 2024

From $12,900 to $24,240 USD

per person

Save until December 14, 2023

Discover antarctica with adventure canada

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Map

AA23 JC 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: Antarctic Circle
  • Day 11: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 12-13: At Sea – Drake Passage
  • Day 14: 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

    © Pixabay

    Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
    The Adventure Begins

    Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, located at the southern tip of Argentina. These parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, and often called ‘the end of the world’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure.

    You’ll meet your fellow travellers at the hotel this afternoon, where a welcome briefing will take place. If you arrive early, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself. Those with a day or two in hand may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill then why not take a stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel, or perhaps get a taste of Argentina’s famous cuisine at a local restaurant.

    An arrival transfer from the airport on day one is included in your voyage fare. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions.

  • Ocean endeavour antarctica

    © Photo courtesy of Intrepid

    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

    © Photo courtesy of Intrepid

    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.

  • Hiking in antarctica

    © Photo courtesy of Intrepid

    Day 5–8: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
    Step Foot on the Frozen Seventh Continent

    It’s time to take your first steps on Antarctica, courtesy of a Zodiac cruise through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites including Neko Harbour, Petermann Island and Port Lockroy, and while weather dictates which specific site you'll land at, each of them presents an opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible wildlife, watch penguins waddle and seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble.

    If you have any questions, look to your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world. A range of adventure options are available if you’re feeling active, including snowshoeing, kayaking and day paddling You'll also have an opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Endeavour. There’s nothing quite like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

    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 Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. When you are on board the Ocean Endeavour, the expedition team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the on-board wellness facilities including a spa, saltwater pool, sauna and gym, or perhaps join a yoga class with the incredible backdrop of Antarctica!

    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.

  • Zodiac cruise antarctica

    © Photo courtesy of Intrepid

    Day 9-10: Antarctic Circle
    Reach Your Furthest South

    Depending on the weather conditions, we will continue southwards in an attempt to reach latitude 66°33'S and cross the fabled Antarctic Circle. Our voyage south takes us past colossal, often beautifully sculpted icebergs, to a point on Earth only a few intrepid travellers have ever sailed. If we reach this momentous goal, we will toast the explorers who first ventured this far south and celebrate our own impressive achievement. This land is home to the midnight sun, shifting ice, and incredible ice formations. Weddell seals are found here, as are humpback whales and minke whales that feed on the krill-rich waters.

    Weddell seals in particular are specially adapted to this icy environment, using their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain breathing holes in the ice. They also have extremely accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down and they are no longer able to maintain or create breathing holes.

  • Penguin Colony

    © Photo courtesy of Intrepid

    Day 11: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
    Penguin Colonies & Birdwatching

    You’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters as the Ocean Endeavour begins heading north. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species, and finetune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard and Weddell seals. Zodiac excursions will continue, and your expedition guides will be on hand on the journey north to Ushuaia to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.

  • Whales antarctica

    © Pixabay

    Day 12-13: At Sea – Drake Passage
    Whale Watching & Iceberg Spotting

    The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife encountered throughout the voyage. Spend some time with fellow guests, who you’ve no doubt bonded with, and enjoy a final celebration together to toast the end of this Antarctic adventure.

  • Ushuaia Argentina

    © Pixabay

    Day 14: 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.

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.

Ship

Ocean Endeavour Scotland

Ocean Endeavour – Antarctica

Our spacious, ice-strengthened vessel features twenty Zodiacs, and advanced navigation equipment. 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

    Journey to the Antarctic Circle

    February 5 to February 18, 2024

    From $12,900 to $24,240 USD

    per person

    Save until December 14, 2023

  • 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.

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 the time of booking. For kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential.

Photography

Photography workshops are offered as an optional activity on our Ocean Endeavour departures. It is an opportunity for photography enthusiasts of any skill level to fast track their learning on board and make the most of the expert advice that is on offer. Participants will have dedicated Zodiac and photography guided landing where your photography guide will accompany you and give you tips along the way for taking the perfect picture. It is at an additional cost to you and needs to be booked in prior to departure as spaces are limited. If you are interested in taking part, please contact your booking agent for pricing and availability.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Take advantage of extra days at the Antarctic Peninsula on this extended expedition. That means more places, more landings and more time to see Antarctica’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.
  • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, abundant with birdlife and busy penguins, and witness icebergs in a thousand different shades of blue.
  • Experience almost endless daylight in high summer once you are inside the Antarctic Circle.
  • Push further south than most Antarctic expeditions venture, exploring the remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions. Explore the water by kayak, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with on-board yoga and massages or take a refreshing polar plunge.
  • While most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every eight passengers for a greater personal touch.
  • Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages between them. They’re experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, and they’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.
  • Rest assured that footprints are all you’ll leave behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, and we serve only sustainably sourced seafood, avoid single-use plastics and use biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products.

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

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Discover Antarctica with Adventure Canada

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Published itineraries are examples only, weather, ice, government regulations, and community requests may necessitate changes to the planned schedules. These sometimes necessary adjustments present exciting opportunities for exploration, discovery, and adventure.