Early Bird Specials:
- 20% off for categories 4 and above for Nov 2023 to Mar 2024 departures
Please click "Prices and Departures" above for departure dates, cabin types and prices.
Day 1 – Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire). It has a dramatic setting, surrounded by mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, making it a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic adventure.
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.
Day 2 - Embarkation in Ushuaia
This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you time to wander the streets of this quaint port town, or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the late afternoon and you will be welcomed on board the Ocean Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers.
This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and is rich in wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as sea lion colonies.
Day 3-4 At Sea
Day 5-7 South Shetlands and Peninsula
We explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice-strewn waters and abundance of wildlife. The scenery, wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthral and you will soon realise why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travellers for centuries. Your days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be different as we cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Unpredictable weather and ice conditions mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings, as we aim to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas as well as visiting sites of historic and scientific interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a unique and personal experience and unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a pebbled beach, scout for whales and seals as you cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters! As we cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture programme continues and sightseeing is at its most spectacular off the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly designed health and fitness features, with facilities that include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool and gym plus yoga sessions..
DAY 8: Elephant Island
Early this morning we leave the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands behind, we chart a course for historic Elephant Island. The crew of Shackleton’s Trans Antarctic Expedition (1914-17) took refuge on Elephant Island following the loss of their ship.
Day 9-10. At Sea
Day 11-14 South Georgia
The next days are spent exploring the incredibly beautiful island of South Georgia with its emerald green bays, snow-covered peaks and blue glacier ice, where you will be exposed to one of the world’s greatest wildlife areas. Known as the ‘Galapagos of the South’, 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.
The island is also steeped in history. It was an intrinsic part of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance Expedition and was once the centre of the whaling industry.
We will explore by Zodiac, kayak and on foot, standing in awe amongst tens of thousands of penguins, looking out across beaches littered with elephant seals, visiting the remains of abandoned whaling stations and the grave of Shackleton. Sites that we may visit include Prion Island, Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour, Grytviken and Stromness Bay.
Day 15-16 At Sea
Day 17-18 Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is an archipelago that lies 490 kilometres east of Patagonia in the South Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by decades of controversy, the Falkland Islands (or Islas Malvinas as they are known in Argentina) have been settled and claimed by France, Spain, Britain and Argentina.
The Falkland Islands are largely unknown gems that offer an abundance of wildlife - they are a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Although often primarily remembered for the Falklands War between the UK and Argentina in 1982, the archipelago is a haven for wildlife. There are 5 species of penguin found here as well as vast populations of black-browed albatrosses, large colonies of elephant and fur seals, Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins, orcas and a myriad of bird species.
Day 19-20. At Sea
Day 21. Disembarkation
We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
