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Days
11
Price from
8280AUD
Map of Best of Antarctica from Punta Arenas including Antarctica, Argentina and Chile

Embark from Chilean shores on an Antarctic discovery expedition

Cruise to Antarctica on an 11-day expedition in search of incredible marine and bird life and rugged, icy terrain. Departing from historic Puntas Arenas in Chile’s deep south, traverse the Magellan Strait towards the Drake Passage and onwards to the Antarctic Peninsula’s wildlife-rich western shores. With marine biologists and environmental experts presenting onboard lectures, as well as the comforts of a fully equipped expedition vessel, visiting the incredible Antarctic has never been so relaxing. Take the plunge on a once-in-a-lifetime exploration to the wild and remote south.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Punta Arenas, Chile
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina, Chile
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Polar
Code
PPDAP
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

Why you'll love this trip

  • Begin your adventure in the historic centre of Puntas Arenas, the star of Chile’s southern shores and future home to the International Antarctic Center – this is the ideal gateway to Antarctica.

  • Attend insightful presentations and lectures, delivered on board the Ocean Endeavour by Antarctic experts including marine biologists, glaciologists and historians.

  • Discover the rich and varied wildlife of the Antarctic region, carefully monitored by your expedition crew to ensure multiple sightings. You could spot gentoo penguins, leopard seals, whales and more!

  • Experience the Antarctic Peninsula up close with a series of scheduled Zodiac boat excursions to extraordinary icebergs, wildlife-rich shores and crisp blue waters.

  • Disembark the Ocean Endeavour at the Argentinean port of Ushuaia, with the option to extend your adventure in this vibrant city at the end of the world.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Although our ice-strengthened ships are big and sturdy, Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings. Please be prepared with medications to combat this. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.

  • As you’d expect, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing. And yet it can get surprisingly warm at times – when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It is wise to dress in layers when you journey outside. We provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important notes on what to bring.

  • Depending on the weather, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. 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 will need to take 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. 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 interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. The onboard library and educational lectures are ideal ways to keep entertained.

Seal lays on ice in Antarctica
Passengers on ship balcony take in view of the Antarctic
Penguin frolics on rock in Antarctica
Wooden boat moored on black sand in Antarctica
Penguins on rock in Antarctica
Passengers on board small boat in the Antarctic
Bird takes flight between two icebergs in Antarctica

Boats

Ocean Endeavour boat sailing

Ocean Endeavour 2021/22

The Ocean Endeavour is a far cry from the expedition vessels of old and, just quietly, we're tipping it’s the place be in the 2021 Antarctic season.

Boat type
Expedition
Passengers
200
Learn more

Itinerary
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Welcome to Puntas Arenas – one of Chile’s fastest growing cities, and a perfect gateway to your Antarctic expedition. You can arrive at any time today, as there are no activities planned until an important welcome meeting at your hotel this evening, usually around 6 pm. Until then, why not experience the city yourself. Perhaps take a visit to the $50 million International Antarctic Center (set to open in 2021) which functions as a research hub and museum. After your important briefing tonight, perhaps gather with your fellow travellers for a meal – your local leader will be able to recommend you a restaurant.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Please speak to a booking agent to organise this.

During the day, set off through the picturesque Strait of Magellan towards the Drake Passage for your crossing to the Antarctic Peninsula. Your group leader will confirm with you all the relevant embarkation details at your welcome meeting on Day 1. If you have some spare time this morning, ensure that you are fully packed for your expedition, picking up any last-minute supplies.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

While crossing the Drake Passage, take advantage of all of the amenities and activities on board the fully equipped Ocean Endeavour. Spot seabirds, like albatross, flying south along their migration route. Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales and other marine mammals in the southern oceans or enjoy a drink with some of your shipmates at the bar. Throughout the day, there will also be a comprehensive lecture series and presentations to equip you with knowledge for your upcoming shore visits.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Expect to make your first sightings of land this morning as you cruise towards the volcanic South Shetland Islands. Take to the bridge for epic views towards the large icebergs and rugged mountaintops of this archipelago, often frequented by chinstrap penguins, elephant seals and fur seals. This afternoon, had out on one of the specialised Zodiac boats for a shore excursion. Exploration starts here, so be ready with your polar gear and charged camera.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Voyage further south across the Bransfield Strait towards the icy coves of continental Antarctica. During the next three days, there will be opportunities to participate in wildlife sightings, take excursions by Zodiac and soak up the unforgettable vistas. Your Ocean Endeavour crew will work out the best places to stop, taking into account weather conditions, accessibility and the possibility for wildlife sightings. There may be the chance for snowshoeing and kayaking adventures, and for those ready to brave the elements, an optional camping experience for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (weather and season dependent). As well as scheduled shore landings, your expedition will endeavour to visit a working science base along the peninsula.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)
Special Information
Potential excursions and landing sites in Antarctica are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites.

Kayaking, snowshoeing and other optional extra excursions must be booked in advance. Additional costs apply and space is limited. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information.

Beginners interested in kayaking should take an introductory course prior to the voyage, including how to complete a wet exit. Regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practice prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in icy conditions. Kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather.

Settle back into your comfortable surroundings for the return journey across the Drake Passage. The Ocean Endeavour will track north towards Cape Horn and your destination in Ushuaia, Argentina. Throughout the sail, participate in further onboard lectures, activities and workshops, including one on photo editing. Spend some time catching up with your shipmates and share stories about your voyage.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

This morning, farewell the Ocean Endeavour as you disembark in Ushuaia. With no further activities planned for today, you are free to explore one of the world’s southernmost cities, or to organise onward travel connections. If you would like to spend more time in Ushuaia, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
A departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to a Peregrine booking agent to organise this.

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfort hotel, 9 night expedition cruise ship

Dates & availability

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Important notes

BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 125 days before departure.

If a booking is cancelled 125 days or more before departure – the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.

If a booking is cancelled between 125 days and departure – the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.

Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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