HIGHLIGHTS
- You
will visit the Falkland Island archipelago and South Georgia. These
places offer an abundance of wildlife and are a paradise for wildlife
enthusiasts and photographers alike.
- You
will have the possibility to step foot on the great white continent to
experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing and inspiring
scenery in the world.
- While
at sea, the expedition team will prepare you for your Antarctic
experience. They will provide you with insights on everything Antarctic
- from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife.
- In
three weeks, you will gain an extensive Antarctica experience including
the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and
several locations on the Falkland Islands.
- You
will experience the incredible diversity of the Antarctic region: from
the rich wildlife and unique ecosystems to historic sites and research
stations.
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: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
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 with your
name on it.
The
first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the
most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego
(Land of Fire).
The
day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last
minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets, or relaxing in
a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are
some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets
taking in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the
mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.
DAY
2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
This
morning is again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe
discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national
park of 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 coastline, 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.
Late
this afternoon we transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for
embarkation on board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the
Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome us aboard. As we
set sail, familiarise yourself with the layout of the Ocean Endeavour
and its great amenities and enjoy a welcome dinner.
This
evening we 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.
DAYS
3-4: At Sea
The
infamous 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.
Enjoy
the fabulous on board facilities, maybe 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 the history,
wildlife and even the ice!
As
we sail 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 albatrosses that fly overhead, scan
the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the
panoramic windows of the observation deck.
We
continue our course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of
Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the look out for
the first sighting of land - that heralds your arrival to the White
Continent!
DAYS
5-8: South Shetlands & Antarctica
The
next five days are spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and
Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for
centuries and now enthrals travellers. We explore by Zodiac, cruising
amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings
where we mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the
spectacular panoramic views, maybe visiting a scientific or historic
base. There may even be opportunities to kayak and snowshoe and of
course learn more about photography with one of the 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 Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and
a plethora of fascinating birds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the
mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave
few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Every day brings a new
experience and new landing site.
As
we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued
lecture programme and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the
Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the health and fitness facilities
from the relaxing spa and saunas to the saltwater pool and gym.
DAYS
9-10: At Sea
En
route to South Georgia, weather and sea conditions permitting, we may
attempt to call at Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked
with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetlands.
We’ll learn the story of Shackleton and hear how his ship,
the Endurance, was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, before him
and his men climbed into three open boats, spending 16 months at sea,
before finally making landfall on this tiny toe of rock and ice in the
vastness of the Southern Ocean on 14 April 1916.
Attend
lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team as they prepare you
for what lies ahead on South Georgia - from the history and geology to
the incredible wildlife. Take in the panoramic views from the
observation lounge and spacious decks or make the most of the on board
facilities that include a spa, saunas, pool, gym and yoga classes.
DAYS
11-14: South Georgia
South
Georgia captivates every traveller that steps foot on its shores. Home
to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, here penguins
number in the hundreds of thousands, carpeting beaches as far as the
eye can see.
We
aim to spend four days exploring this stunningly beautiful island, an
island that is not only overrun with an incredible array of fauna, but
one that is steeped in history. South Georgia was an intrinsic part of
Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance Expedition and was once the
centre of the whaling industry.
South
Georgia is home to over 30 million breeding birds, thousands of seals,
the introduced Norwegian reindeer, nesting sites of the wandering
albatross, four breeding species of penguin and the largest colony of
king penguins on this planet. It is known as the ‘Galapagos
of the South’. If the wildlife is not enough of a draw card -
then the spectacular scenery against which it is set can only enhance
your visit - emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks and blue glacier
ice.
We
explore by Zodiac and kayak and on foot, with opportunities to learn
more about photography from one of our expert guides.
Every
day provides a different experience and a different location. Stand in
awe amongst tens of thousands of penguins, look out across beaches
blanketed with elephant seals, visit the remains of abandoned whaling
stations and even the grave of Shackleton himself.
DAYS
15-16: At Sea
Saying
goodbye to the wildlife of South Georgia, we head west towards the
isolated and sparsely populated Falklands archipelago, where the
silence is broken only by the call of birds. Attend lectures and
presentations by the Expedition Team, relax and unwind in the His and
Hers saunas and spa and take advantage of all the other amenities on
board.
DAYS
17-18: Falkland Islands
Have
your camera at the ready as we approach the ruggedly beautiful
Falklands archipelago to capture not only the abundant wildlife but
also the incredible scenery.
Over
the next couple of days we explore the Falkland Islands by Zodiac and
on foot as we make daily shore landings and maybe even discover smaller
inlets by kayak.
Learn
about the intriguing and controversial history of the Falkland Islands
as we explore the quaint capital of Port Stanley, with its British
outpost feel. Near the town you may see Southern giant petrels, the
endemic Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls and dolphin gulls. There are
also black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons
and turkey vultures.
As
we explore the islands, look out for the 5 species of penguins found
here, large populations of black-browed albatrosses, elephant and fur
seals, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins, orcas and
a myriad of bird species including the Falkland’s flightless
steamer duck, imperial shags and Cobb’s wrens.
DAYS
19-20: At Sea
Departing
from the Falklands, we set our course for Puerto Madryn.
The
next few days are spent at sea, as we head towards Puerto Madryn, but
there are the many on board amenities to enjoy including a spa, saunas,
pool and gym and relaxing yoga classes and of course a final
presentation or two.
These
last days at sea give you one final chance to view the marine life of
these southern waters.
On
the last night join the captain for a farewell dinner tonight on board
the ship as we toast the end of an epic voyage.
DAY
21: Disembarkation in Puerto Madryn
We
are scheduled to arrive into Puerto Madryn early this morning, and we
disembark after a final breakfast on board the Ocean Endeavour.
After
saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean
Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or
you may like to spend extra days in Puerto Madryn, the gateway to the
Valdez Peninsula and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for
its abundance of wildlife.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
night hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, pre cruise
- Cabin
accommodation on board the ship
- All
meals whilst on ship
- All
scheduled landings/excursions
- Guiding
and lectures by English-speaking expedition leader and team
- All
port fees
- All
landing fees
- Expedition
jacket provided
- A
pair of expedition boots for use during your voyage
- Group
arrival and departure transfers in Ushuaia*
EXCLUSIONS:
- Airfares
to/from embarkation and disembarkation city
- Visa
fees (if applicable)
- Travel
insurance (compulsory)
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea)
- Personal
expenses such as laundry, onboard communication (telephone calls,
faxes, email service)
- Gratuities
for the crew (recommended US$15 per person per day)
- Pre
or post cruise travel expenses
- Optional
activities, refer optional activities section for details
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking
- Camping
- Photography
- Hiking
- Yoga