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11 Days / 10 Nights
Specific Tour
200 people
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Up to 40% discount offer.
Valid until 30th September 2020.
Departure dates: November 2021 – March 2022
11 Days / 10 Nights.
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Welcome to Antarctica, the pinnacle of expedition travel. It’s a place of extremes, where the wildlife and landscape paint a picture like nowhere else in the world. The extraordinary islands around the Antarctic Peninsula are a stunning reward for those who conquer the infamous Drake Passage – which is all of you – and amid the Antarctic’s barren beauty you may well encounter orcas, humpback whales gracefully gliding through the water, seals and watch penguins dancing on the ice. Explore the ice-filled waters by Zodiac then set foot on the rock and ice that make up this mysterious continent. Spend your evenings enjoying the state-of-the-art ship and its health and wellness facilities. You’ll be talking about this journey for years to come!
Has it been a lifelong dream to witness the magnificent icebergs, glittering glaciers and unique wildlife of Antarctica? The 2021/2022 season is your chance. Book your place on one of the wide range of itineraries, a fantastic range of on- and off-board activities and a state-of-the-art ship, all the finer details are taken care of. Come and experience the very best in polar expedition travel.
If you think of it, early explorers didn’t have the luxury of booking their expeditions online, they just assembled a valiant crew, trained a few huskies and worked on their ‘First to reach the South Pole’ victory speech. These days it’s a bit easier, with a variety of Antarctic polar tours between November and March each year and cruising in comfort on state-of-the-art polar vessels. But don’t be fooled – as adventures go, this is the big one – you’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage and set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, explore ice-dotted bays by zodiac and get up close with gentoo penguins and migrating blue whales. ‘Antarctic tours’ doesn’t really do it justice. These are Antarctic adventures.
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina, Drake Passage, at sea including Anvers Island, Deception Island and South Shetland Islands.
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina.
To ensure that your trip is as comfortable as possible while on board, your chosen vessel is equipped with modern conveniences like LED televisions and internet connectivity, along with luxurious touches that make each voyage a true pleasure. Each ship boasts onboard chefs to prepare a range of hearty, quality meals, and onboard experts to ensure you spend more time seeing the sights and less time thumbing through a guidebook.
The Ocean Endeavour is a far cry from the expedition vessels of old. Not only is it one of the few polar expedition ships in Antarctica with a focus on health and wellness, but it also has one crew member for every eight travellers. This means you’ll enjoy a more personal, informative and comfortable trip. With a gym, library, wide range of cabin types, modern Zodiacs and 360° views from the unique fly deck, the Ocean Endeavour is quite literally the coolest way to take the trip of a lifetime. If you’re going to explore Antarctica, you might as well do it right.
| Classification | Expedition |
| Total number of passengers | 200 |
| Total number of crew | 124 |
| Passenger to crew ratio | 1:8 |
| Guide | Naturalist guide, ornithologist, marine biologist, historian, geologist, photographer |
| Regions | Antarctica |
Kayaking is available to book on all Antarctic voyages. Some voyages also offer other activities such as camping and 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.
Earth’s coldest, driest and windiest continent may not be very hospitable to human life, but the wonders of adaptation mean Antarctica’s waters and lands are home to 235 animal species. The creatures that thrive in this seemingly barren environment capture our imagination as living proof of the remarkable resilience and adaptivity of life on earth. They are also incredibly photogenic, so best get your camera ready.
Emperor penguin: The big daddy of the penguin world, emperor penguins can grow up to 1.2 metres tall (4 ft) and weigh up to 45 kilograms (100 lbs). They are only found deep in the coldest parts of Antarctica and huddle together in large groups to stay warm. Find them: Northern Antarctic Peninsula, breeding during winter.
Adelie penguin: Easily recognised by the white ring around their eyes, the Adelies also have stiff wings that can propel them to depths of 100 meters (330 ft) underwater. Aside from emperor penguins, Adelie penguins are the only true Antarctic penguins, meaning they live there all year long. Find them: Antarctic Peninsula, breeding from October to February, chicks present from late December to February.
Leopard seal: The only seals that kill other mammals for food, the solitary and adventurous leopard seal will migrate far and wide in search of a feast. They have long bodies covered in spots (hence the name) and incredibly sharp teeth. As they aren’t fond of company, spotting them is a rare treat. Find them: Southern Antarctic Peninsula.
Crabeater seal: Crabeaters are the most commonly found seal in the world, with an estimated population of up to 15 million. The male and females are both roughly the same size and have pale, cream coloured fur and a pointy face. You won’t care that they’re common when you see them – trust us. Find them: anywhere with pack ice.
Blue whale: The largest animal to have ever lived on planet earth. Just let that sink in for a minute. The biggest blue whale on record weighed nearly 200 tonnes – to put that in perspective, an adult male African elephant weighs 6 tonnes. Blue-grey in colour, these beauties are rarely spotted, but if seen are impossible to forget. Find them: South Georgia Island and Antarctic Peninsula, most active February to March.
Antarctic orca: The ‘killer whale’ is technically part of the dolphin family. With their iconic glossy black back and striking white bellies, there is little chance of missing this mammal if they are close by. Males grow up to nine-and-a-half metres (31 ft) in length, while females clock in at seven metres (23 ft). Find them: All over Antarctica, most active February to March.
Wandering albatross: One of the world’s largest seabirds, the albatross spends most of its time up in the air and can be easily spotted thanks to its long wings. They love to glide behind big ships, so when you’re standing out on deck, look up at the skies and you may spot these graceful birds. Find them: All over the continent, but most common in the skies around South Georgia.
Antarctic petrel: Petrels spend all their time out at sea, so are very resilient even in the harshest of Antarctica’s weather. The only time they will come inland is to nest. Look out for colonies resting on icebergs in November, December and January – their brown colouring stands out against the white ice. Find them: All over the continent.
Purpose-built ships: The ships are built for polar conditions, with ice-strengthened hulls and safety being the biggest priority. Each vessel is equipped with modern conveniences and provides the perfect platform for Antarctic exploration.
Expert leaders: Intrepid’s experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages. Learn about the history, geography and wildlife of the Antarctic from experts in the field, including naturalists and ornithologists who are always at the ready to answer questions.
Twice daily excursions: Frequent excursions take place to get up-close to wildlife, allowing you to experience what it’s like exploring onshore. Each day includes two excursions with your leaders exploring the sea ice, ready to encounter any wildlife that may waiting. You’ll be given life vests and waterproof boots for each excursion.
Full board: All cruises provide three course meals, 24-hour tea and coffee, and main activities including Zodiac excursions, onboard seminars and shore landings. The chefs know just how to warm you up after your Antarctic outing, just be ready for a second serving!
Safety: All the ships and operations teams undergo strict safety audits. Intrepid is committed to upholding the highest safety standards on all our trips operating within the Antarctic region.
Sustainable travel: Intrepid strives to use travel as a force for good. That’s why they choose to give back to the communities that they visit, carbon offset all trips and take social and environmental responsibilities seriously. They have officially been certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp.
This is the extended, 11-day version of the classic Antarctica cruise, perfect for first time explorers or seasoned adventurers. With an extra day on the Antarctic Peninsula, you will experience more of the Great White Continent.
Freezing is great but freedom is better. 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 some onboard yoga and a massage, take a refreshing polar plunge or camp overnight like a true polar explorer.
Whereas 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 8 passengers for a greater personal touch.
The 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.
Travelling solo? This is your perfect Antarctic adventure, with single cabins at the same price as some twins.
Although the ice-strengthened ships are big and sturdy, the Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings, so please be prepared with medications to combat this – we’d hate for you to miss a single minute of this journey. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.
Believe it or not, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing and yet it can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It’s best to dress in layers when you journey outside and you will be provided with waterproof boots that are sturdy, warm and highly fashionable (in Antarctica, at least).
Depending on the weather, you’ll be zipping around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. Being cold and miserable is one thing, having no photos to show for it is another. Sturdy sea legs are 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 for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands; the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to others (which are equally as interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. 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.
Category 4 & 4A: 40% OFF when customers pay in full by 30 September 2020.
Category 5 & 6: 15% OFF for a deposit payment, an additional 15% off IF paid in full by 30 September 2020.
Category 7, 8, 9: 20% OFF for a deposit payment , an additional 15% off IF paid in full by 30 September 2020.
Category 10: 25% OFF for a deposit payment, an additional 15% off IF paid in full by 30 September 2020.
T & Cs Apply.
Special offer also available on the following dates and cruises:
15% off Category 5 & 6 on the following voyages:
Best of Antarctica: 11 November 2021, 20 November 2021, 29 December 2021
Antarctic Eclipse: 29 November 2021
Christmas in Antarctica: 20 December 2021
WWF Giants of Antarctica: 16 February 2022
WWF Journey to the Circle and Giants of Antarctica: 25 February 2022
Antarctica Falklands and South Georgia Odyssey: 09 March 2022
20% off Category 7 & 8 on the following voyages:
Best of Antarctica: 11 November 2021, 20 November 2021, 29 December 2021
Antarctic Eclipse: 29 November 2021
Christmas in Antarctica: 20 December 2021
WWF Giants of Antarctica: 16 February 2022
WWF Journey to the Circle and Giants of Antarctica: 25 February 2022
20% off Category 9 on the following voyages:
Best of Antarctica: 11 November 2021, 20 November 2021
Antarctic Eclipse: 29 November 2021
Christmas in Antarctica: 20 December 2021
WWF Journey to the Circle and Giants of Antarctica: 25 February 2022
25% off Category 10 on the following voyages:
Best of Antarctica: 11 November 2021, 20 November 2021
Antarctic Eclipse: 29 November 2021
40% pay in full for Category 4 & 4A cabins on the following voyages:
Antarctic Eclipse: 29 November 2021
Christmas in Antarctica: 20 December 2021
Best of Antarctica: 29 December 2021
WWF Journey to the Circle and Giants of Antarctica: 25 February 2022
Note:
Offers available on new bookings only.
Made and deposited between 07th September 2020 and 30th September 2020
Travel from 01st November 2021 to 31 March 2022 on selected departures on the Ocean Endeavour only.
Spaces can only be held without payment for a period of 72 hours before being released.
Cannot be combined with any other discount.
Discounts apply to voyage fare only and are not applicable on land tours, additional on-board activities, additional hotel accommodation or transfers, flights, travel insurance.
Does not apply to group bookings.
Category 1, 2 and 3 cabins are not part of this promotion.
40% off Category 4 and 4A cabins on applicable voyages must be paid in full at time of booking. No discount applicable for deposit only.
All other voyages are applicable for a further 15% off the reduced price if full payment is made at time of booking.
Cabins are limited and offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time.
A deposit amount of ZAR17 545 per person for trips 11 days or less and ZAR35 090 for trips longer than 11 days. This is required at the time of booking with full payment due at 95 days prior to departure.
To receive the additional 15% full payment discount, full payment needs to be made at the time of booking.
All other booking terms and conditions apply as per the supplier website.
Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. Upon your arrival at the Malvinas Argentina’s Ushuaia International Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Ushuaia is a city on the island of Tierra del Fuego in the Tierra del Fuego Province of Argentina. At night you will be briefed, at the hotel, on the journey and details for tomorrow’s embarkation, but if you happen to arrive early there are a surprising amount of ways to entertain yourself at ‘The End of the World’. Check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the region’s history, or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you’re after any last-minute essentials before departing. Oh, and did we mention this is Argentina – if all else fails, head to a local restaurant to get your fill of red wine and steak. Muy bueno! Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
This afternoon you’ll board the Ocean Endeavour, settle into your cabin and begin cruising down the stunning Beagle Channel, named for Charles Darwin’s ship. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and as the ship pulls away from port there’s always an air of anticipation. Wave goodbye to Argentina and know that the next time you see land you’ll be staring at Antarctica. Meals Included: Breakfast & dinner.
The time has come to cross the Drake Passage, the legendary body of water named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake. If the conditions are right, enjoy some time out on the deck to spot dolphins, orcas or perhaps albatross. If the waters are a little rough, the Ocean Endeavour is equipped with some seriously lush facilities for you to take advantage of. As well as safety briefings, a comprehensive lecture program will run throughout the journey delivered by experts in Antarctica’s history, geology and biology. With any luck we’ll make it to land by early evening on Day 4 – a moment that always brings much excitement. Meals Included: Breakfast (2) / Lunch (2) / Dinner (2).
The adventure truly begins once the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake and exchanged for four incredible days of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Stare wide-eyed at glaciers, mountains and an unimaginable array of wildlife as the sheer magnitude and rawness of the area comes to light. Every day is a new adventure, and you’ll explore ice-filled bays and channels as well as Antarctica itself on Zodiac excursions and by foot. While the landscapes will no doubt take your breath away, Antarctica is all about the wildlife.
Visit penguin rookeries, spot humpback and minke whales and look out for leopard seals, all while calving glaciers crack through the immense silence. Meals Included: Breakfast (4) / Lunch (4) / Dinner (4)
Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula as we begin our return leg to Ushuaia. Take the opportunity to share photographs with fellow travellers, use your now expert skills in wildlife spotting and enjoy the final lectures from your polar experts. It’s also a great opportunity to make use of the Ocean Endeavour’s health and wellness facilities, including its saunas, spa, heated pool, yoga classes and gym. Meals Included: Breakfast (2) / Lunch (2) / Dinner (2).
Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close after breakfast this morning. Farewell your shipmates and transfer to the airport if you’re flying out today, or perhaps spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world. A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. 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. Meals Included: Breakfast.
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