HIGHLIGHTS
- Traverse
Antarctic Sound - a body of water that links east with west and is
usually home to large tabular icebergs and startling scenery.
- Explore
the Antarctic Peninsula's remote and rugged east side with its sweeping
landscapes and enormous icebergs
- We
will seek to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle
Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin
colonies, exploration history and geological features.
- Visit
the Peninsula's western side where Antarctica's more famous sites are
found such as the Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy and Paradise Harbour.
- After
turning north, explore the dramatic shores of the South Shetland
Islands or spot for albatross and orca while we cross the Bransfield
Strait.
- After
a final toast to Antarctica on the Ocean Endeavour's aft deck, enjoy
the fresh air and abundance of seabirds as we transit the Drake Passage
one last time.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | CAT 2 - Triple Inside | CAT 1 - Single Inside | CAT 3 - Interior Twin | CAT 4 - Exterior Twin | CAT 5 - Main Twin | CAT 6 - Comfort Twin | CAT 7 - Select Twin | CAT 8 - Superior Twin | CAT 9 - Junior Suite | CAT 10 - Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
CAT 2 - Triple Inside | (Mid-range)
CAT 6 - Comfort Twin | (High-end)
CAT 10 - Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
DAY
1 & 2 - Ushuaia, Argentina
Begin
your journey to the White Continent in the world’s
southernmost city – Ushuaia.
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. He/she will be holding a sign. Should you
not be able to contact them, please refer to the emergency contact
details of our representative office.
Backdropped
by towering mountains and glaciers, the windswept town looks over the
historic Beagle Channel where the Ocean Endeavour will begin its voyage
south. Enjoy exploring the streets and local café scene or
even hike among alpine conifers to the foot of the Martial Glacier
before an Argentine dinner at one of the city’s many
waterfront establishments.
After
embarkation, we’ll farewell Ushuaia from the decks of the
Ocean Endeavour while spotting for wildlife and enjoying a welcome
toast on board.
DAY
3 & 4 – At Sea, Drake Passage
On
day three of your voyage to the Antarctic, wake to the sights and
sounds of the famous Drake Passage where albatross and other seabirds
escort us south.
In
preparation for the days to come, your on-board experts in biology,
oceanography, history and photography will begin their presentations in
the Nautilus Lounge. Whether out on the Ocean Endeavour’s
decks or from the warmth of the observation area on the
ship’s bridge, keep your eyes peeled for the first sighting
of an iceberg as the continent of Antarctica appears on our horizon.
DAY
5-7 – East Antarctic Peninsula
In
the real spirit of exploration, day five will hope to see the bow of
the Ocean Endeavour round the eastern end of Antarctic Sound and point
south toward the truly wild coastlines of the Peninsula’s
eastern side.
It’s
within this ice-laden sea that Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men
sledged and floated their way north from their crushed and sunken
vessel and bordering this vast expanse is an endless coastline of
dramatic basaltic beaches, towering islands that rise straight from the
sea and a spattering of remote archipelagos barely seen by human eyes
since the heroic era.
From
here, the options for exploration are endless. From the secluded Danger
Islands to the north, the historically important and penguin-covered
Paulet Island, the sweeping Prince Gustav Channel to the south or the
protected and glacier-lined coves of Duse Bay.
Over
three days in this area, we will work with ice conditions to land and
zodiac cruise around as many remote locations as possible. Keep an eye
out for minke whales as captain and expedition leader navigate the
scenic channels around the eagle island group and for the most
intrepid: prepare for a polar plunge like none other or even a chance
to step onto your very own piece of sea ice.
Whatever
the weather delivers, what we are sure to find here is a rare Antarctic
experience and the closest one is likely to get to a true sense of
exploration on planet Earth.
DAY
8-11 – West Antarctic
Peninsula
Following
our three days of discovery on the Peninsula’s east side, the
Ocean Endeavour will plot a course to transit Antarctic Sound and to
visit the more welltrodden western shores.
As
we attempt to enter the sound, a collection of tabular icebergs
typically serves as a gateway from east to west and locations like
Esperanza Station and the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff are viable
landing points along the way.
From
here on out, we return to the more familiar sights and sounds of gentoo
penguin colonies, a collection of Argentine and Chilean bases
observable on craggy points and we lower the zodiacs again to explore
famous sites like Orne Harbour, Paradise Bay or Port Lockroy.
While
the east side afforded us the most true sense of isolation and
wilderness observable on Earth, the contrast becomes apparent on the
western side as no excursion lasts long without the presence of gentoo
or chinstrap penguins parading through the early-season snow and marine
mammals hauling themselves onto ice-floes.
After
our four days of excursions in this region, we will again turn north to
cross the Bransfield Strait. As we thread the Ocean Endeavour through
South Shetland Islands, we will take to the aft deck of the Ocean
Endeavour once more for a final toast to the Antarctic, to discovery
and to the new horizon ahead.
DAY
12 & 13 – Drake Passage
Over
days 12 and 13 we will watch as the outline of the Antarctic continent
disappears over the horizon and again the albatross and seabirds of the
open ocean join us for the voyage north.
Whether
enjoying some time out on deck to take in the sea air or making the
most of our expert guides’ presentations, this is a great
time to reflect on the journey behind us and all that we discovered on
the Antarctic Peninsula over the previous days.
For
those still looking to brush up on their Antarctic knowledge, our
guides will be out on deck binoculars in hand to help identify the
amazing sea life that abounds in this part of the world.
At
night, we will take the opportunity to celebrate together and to share
stories about this once in a lifetime voyage.
DAY
14 – Disembarkation in USHUAIA, Argentina
Following
a steady night in the protection of the Beagle Channel, the early
morning of our 14th day will see the Ocean Endeavour come alongside
Ushuaia’s pier.
Followed by breakfast, an 8am disembarkation means plenty of time to
wrap up your exploration of Ushuaia before a short drive to the airport
for any afternoon flight departures.
Our
guides will join you on the dock to say farewell and to wave goodbye to
the ship’s team and crew who have shared the journey with you.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All
meals onboard the vessel including snacks
- Onboard
lecture program (all voyages) from expedition staff and naturalists
- All
onshore excursions and Zodiac cruising (excluding optional activities
with cost)
- Free
use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
- Pre-night
accommodation prior to embarkation, breakfast and transfer to The Ocean
Endeavour for embarkation
- Transfer
to airport on return to port
- Use
of gym, sauna, pool and onboard Jacuzzi
- Onboard
yoga
- Use
of expedition jacket
- All
Port taxes
Not Included
- Airfares
to/from embarkation and disembarkation city
- Visa
and passport expenses
- Travel
Insurance
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
- Personal
expenses such as laundry, on-board communication (telephone calls,
faxes, email service)
- Gratuities
for the crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
- Optional
activities like Sea Kayaking or Ice Camping whilst onboard
- Entry
to the International Antarctic Centre in Punta Arenas
- Meals
ashore
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 1,299
- Forward-facing
Zodiac:
USD 50 (Payable onboard)
- Private
Photography
Workshops: USD 1,299
- Snowshoeing:
USD 150 (Payable onboard)
- Camping:
USD 349
- Hiking:
Free
- Zodiac
Cruising: Free
- Yoga: Free
