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Days
11
Price from
8847GBP
Map of Antarctic Whale Journey including Antarctica and Argentina

Follow the migration path of the earth’s most magnificent mammals

Want the chance to see spectacular Antarctic sea life and follow whales as they migrate south for the winter? This 11-day Antarctic Whale Journey offers the opportunity of a lifetime for wildlife lovers, increasing the likelihood of spotting orcas, minke and humpback whales during an adventure on the Antarctic Peninsula. When not searching out these gentle giants, spend your time exploring the rest of what the Great White Continent has to offer – seeking out penguin rookeries, spotting seals along craggy shores and (if the weather plays nice) taking excursions on land. With comfortable ship quarters, an onboard team of polar experts and wellness services, this is the best way (and time) to discover the majestic beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula and its inhabitants.

Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Polar
Code
PPAWJ
Physical rating
Ages
Min 8
Group size
Min 1, Max 200

Peregrine trips are now operated by Intrepid Travel

Why you'll love this trip

  • We stop for whales! If conditions allow, take Zodiac excursions to get closer to whales spotted by your expert expedition crew.

  • Get the chance to encounter a range of other wildlife like king and chinstrap penguins, fur and elephant seals, albatross and more.

  • Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour enjoy an enviable ratio of one expedition crew member for every eight passengers, allowing for a higher level of personal service.

  • Care about the planet? So do we. We carbon-offset all trips, serve only sustainable seafood, avoid single-use plastics and more to help preserve Antarctica (and the world) for future generations.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Although our 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.

  • Of course, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing, but 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 we’ll provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.

  • 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. Enduring the elements 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 just 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.

ushuaia at night mountains in background
Kayaking in the Antarctic

Boats

Ocean Endeavour boat sailing

Ocean Endeavour

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 Ushuaia. You’ll be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. If you’re arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park for the day or take a walk around town. Head to the main street of Avenida San Martin (San Martin Avenue), in downtown Ushuaia, for any last-minute shopping needs. The Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum) housed in an old prison sets the scene with its fascinating history. Enjoy the tantalizing flavours of Argentinean cuisine at a local restaurant.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port for boarding the Ocean Endeavour. After meeting your fellow passengers and settling into your cabin, set sail through the famed Beagle Channel. Look around at the incredible views as we glimpse our last sight of land and head south towards Antarctica.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake passage, named after the famous English seafarer, Sir Frances Drake. If conditions allow, enjoy the outer deck space for your first glimpses scouting for dolphins and whales, or the odd albatross trailing past. A comprehensive optional lecture program will also get under way, with some fascinating insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in-between. If the weather gods are on our side, we will reach the islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by the early evening on Day 4. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement on any expedition south.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (1)

The Antarctic Peninsula gives access to a high number of wildlife sightings on a mountainous backdrop of ice and water – this pulls together incredible scenes as we look for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the whale migration season (February and March) gives you the best chance to spot these majestic ocean dwellers. Species that are most commonly found in the Antarctic region are humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as orcas. Whale sightings can happen from the deck of the ship or during a Zodiac excursion. Reaching the Antarctic Peninsula also gives you the opportunity for onshore exploration and to take your first steps on Antarctica.

Wildlife encounters on the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals; gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, and elephant seals. Each excursion (scheduled twice daily) is tailored to suit the location of the ship. There are a number of potential landing sites and the crew will make a decision on which will be visited based on conditions. A list of these sites can be found at https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/antarctica/landing-sites. Zodiac rides allow for a closer encounter with marine life. Onshore exploration takes you to penguin rookeries and includes optional activities for the active adventurer – snowshoeing, kayaking and camping overnight (these must be booked before departure). Our lecture program from experts in polar wildlife continues during our voyage and throughout the trip the team is on-hand to answers any questions you may have.

An average day on board will include a wakeup call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow passengers for breakfast in the restaurant. You will usually have two excursions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch on the ship in-between excursions.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)

Leaving Antarctica behind we cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. Here’s your time to reflect on the amazing journey. By the evening we are scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel. Our last meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy as you celebrate the trip you’re your fellow travellers.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Disembark the ship after breakfast as your adventure comes to an end. Transfer to the airport is included for flights departing today.
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.

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.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

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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