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Days
11
Price from
16220EUR
Map of WWF Giants of Antarctica including Antarctica and Argentina

Join leading scientists on an unforgettable polar expedition

Set sail on an exclusive polar voyage, together with Peregrine Adventures and the World Wildlife Fund – Australia (WWF-Australia), as you spend 11 days travelling to the Antarctic Peninsula. On board the Ocean Endeavour, cruise from Argentina towards Antarctica, participating in a comprehensive lecture program presented by biologists, geologists and WWF-Australia researchers, and enjoying onboard amenities such as a library, a bar and health and wellness facilities. As the Great White Continent comes into view, admire wildlife lazing on ice floes, whales breaching in icy waters and albatross flying high above as you embark on multiple shore landings. Enhanced with expert wildlife knowledge, personalised activities and a destination so remote, this once-in-a-lifetime journey is not to be missed.

Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Polar
Code
PPWWF
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

  • This expedition focuses on the rare wildlife that calls Antarctica home. Travelling with Dr Ari Friedlaender and a team of researchers in peak humpback whale season, you’ll get the chance to learn about state-of-the-art whale research techniques and marine conservation.

  • On board the Ocean Endeavour, you'll get the chance to further your Antarctic knowledge with a series of onboard lectures from leading biologists, glaciologists and photographers.

  • Consider enhancing your Antarctic wilderness adventure on a series of optional experiences, including kayaking expeditions, or for the brave, a polar plunge!

  • Sleep soundly in the comfort of a fully-equipped polar vessel – the Ocean Endeavour – staffed with an enviable ratio of one expedition crew member to eight passengers, attending to all your needs.

  • Travel lighter knowing that this expedition is conscious about its environmental footprint, as you eat sustainably sourced seafood, avoid single-use plastics and use phosphate-free cleaning products.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Joining you on this voyage is Dr Ari Friedlaender – a marine ecologist at UC Santa Cruz and the Californian Ocean Alliance. Dr Friedlaender’s work is currently focused on using tag technology to study the ecology and underwater behaviour of whales around the world, and the implications of climate change on these species. Having made over 35 trips to Antarctica over 20 years, he, along with an expert research team, is being supported by The Intrepid Foundation and WWF-Australia to join this polar voyage. The team will be continuing their research and data-gathering, along with advocacy for whale conservation.

  • Although our ice-strengthened ships are large and sturdy, the Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some passengers may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings, so please be prepared with appropriate medications if you are affected by rough seas. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance during the voyage.

  • Temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing cold; however, it can get surprisingly warm – when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It is best to dress in layers when you journey outside and we’ll provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to bring.

  • Depending on the weather, you may be cruising in a small 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. 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 on board but some parts of the ship, such as the gangway, are only accessible by stairs.

  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there is an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that your voyage will cover everything as planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. There are hundreds of recognised landing sites in the Antarctic Peninsula, and as such, the places mentioned in the itinerary are subject to change.

Kayakers in Antarctica see whale
Kayaking in the Antarctic
Antarctica penguin
Your Antarctic ship - The Ocean Endeavour
Antarctica passengers in zodiac
Antarctica Lemaire Channel
Enjoy your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula on the Ocean Endeavour
Antarctica
PPCJA antarctica passengers ocean endeavour

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, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. On arrival at the airport, meet your Peregrine representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Attend a briefing at 7.30 pm to run through the details of the following day’s embarkation. If you arrive early and have some time, feel free to explore Ushuaia as you please. This city, a major port for Antarctica-bound vessels, has quite the dramatic setting, overlooking the Beagle Channel and surrounded by mountains.
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions.

Embarking late afternoon, cruise down the gorgeous Beagle Channel. This channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Travelling with you on this voyage is marine ecologist Dr Ari Freidlaender and a small team of scientists, who are heading to Antarctica to undertake crucial research on the migration and feeding patterns of baleen whales. Expect an air of excitement as you depart, and the last glimpse of land disappears into the distance. The next time you see land you will find yourself in the world’s southernmost continent.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The time has come to cross the Drake Passage, the legendary body of water named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake. If the conditions are right, enjoy some time out on deck to spot dolphins, orcas or perhaps albatross. If the waters are a little rough, perhaps relax and partake in some of the superb onboard facilities of the Ocean Endeavour. As well as safety briefings, there will be briefings on what lies ahead. A comprehensive lecture program from onboard experts will run throughout the journey; this will explore the history, geology and biology of the Great White Continent, as well as special presentations from Dr Freidlaender and his team of researchers. With any luck we will 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)

As the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake, the adventure really begins. Four incredible days of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula ensue. Feast your eyes on glaciers, mountains and an extraordinary array of wildlife, as the immensity and beauty of the region really comes into view. Every day is a new adventure, and each day you will explore landings, bays and channels on excursions by Zodiac. There are a number of potential landing sites, and the crew will decide which are most appropriate based on conditions. While the landscapes themselves dazzle, it is all about the wildlife on these excursions as we encounter penguin rookeries, spot humpback and minke whales, look out for leopard seals. There will also be the chance to see and hear calving glaciers cracking through the Antarctic silence, and you can scramble up snowy tracks to behold 360-degree views. As you head out on your guided Zodiac cruises and immersive shore landings, the research team travelling with you will take another Zodiac in search of whales. Dr Friedleander and his team will deploy non-invasive tracking tools to gather data such as whale orientation, movement and speed. The suction-capped devices used also have two cameras attached, providing a first-person (or first-whale!) view of underwater lives. The researchers will also use drone technology to track whale size and movement from above, as well as to observe krill populations in the southern oceans. While they may be exploring in different regions to you on any given day, they will report back regularly at the evening recap presentations. Dr Friedlaender presents engaging research lectures worldwide, and will contribute to your onboard lecture program as well as being available for less formal interactions on the vessel.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)
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 peregrineadventures.com/antarctica/landing-sites.

Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula as you set off for Ushuaia. Take the opportunity to share photographs with fellow travellers, scout for wildlife once again from on deck, enjoy some final lectures from polar experts and speak with the WWF-Australia team about their whale research findings from their time on the Peninsula. Ultimately, Dr Friedlaender and his team hope that their research will lead to the establishment of an Antarctic marine protection area, preventing krill fishing in the region and safeguarding the health of baleen whales. With The Intrepid Foundation helping to facilitate this research voyage and supporting WWF-Australia’s Protecting Antarctic Giants project, this is a cause to get behind. Your last days on board are also a great opportunity to make use of the Ocean Endeavour’s health and wellness facilities.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)
Special Information
If you would like to further support WWF-Australia’s Protecting Antarctic Giants project via the Intrepid Foundation, find out more at theintrepidfoundation.org/wwf.

Farewell your shipmates as the adventure draws to a close back in Ushuaia.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Expedition Voyage (9 nights)

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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