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Days
11
Price from
17995USD
Map of Christmas in Antarctica including Antarctica and Argentina

Journey to Antarctica for the ultimate white Christmas.

Take the Christmas holiday of a lifetime – an 11-day expedition exploring the wonders of Antarctica, the Great White Continent. Set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, spot seals resting on the icefloe and witness seabirds nesting along the great landscapes that must be seen to be believed. Marvel at the surrounds of the ice-capped mountain ranges and be inspired as you explore bays filled with immense icebergs and glaciers. Visit penguin rookeries, spot minke and humpback whales and enjoy regular Zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife encounters. After a day of exploration, relax in in the ship’s heated saltwater pool, sauna or book into the health spa on board. Onboard experts, ample space and five-star lashings make this a Christmas adventure to remember.

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

  • The festive season is one of the most active times for wildlife and there are plenty of opportunities to see penguins, seals and whales with the midnight sun and our expert polar team leading the way

  • Enjoy the freedom to customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities. In addition to regular Zodiac excursions, choose to explore the water on a kayaking expedition, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with some onboard yoga and massage, or camp out 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, Peregrine expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every 8 passengers for a greater personal touch

  • Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages. Learn about the history, geography and wildlife of the Antarctic from experts in marine biology, glaciology and history

  • Rest assured you will leave only footprints 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 on board

  • This is the perfect adventure for solo travellers, with single cabins at the same price as some twins

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. We provide you with waterproof boots that are sturdy and warm. Please see the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for details on what to bring.  

  • Weather depending, 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 as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and 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 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 onboard library and educational lectures are ideal ways for keeping entertained.

Kayaking in the Antarctic
Enjoy your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula on the Ocean Endeavour
Your Antarctic ship - The 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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Your Christmas trip begins in Ushuaia, about as far as you can get from Santa without joining an Antarctic expedition – luckily that’s exactly what’s going on. You’ll be transferred from the airport to the hotel to meet your fellow travellers, but if you arrive early we highly recommend checking out the area. Tierra del Fuego National Park can be visited on a day trip if you have time, otherwise Ushuaia itself has got a bit of a vibe about it. Check out the Museo Maritimo for a history lesson or maybe just take a stroll down Avenida San Martin to do pick up some last-minute essentials for the journey.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour. After meeting your fellow passengers and settling into your cabin, begin the journey by cruising through the famed Beagle Channel. Enjoy the incredible views as the last glimpse of land fades away and the ship heads south towards Antarctica.
Accommodation
  • Ocean Endeavour (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The waters of the Drake Passage are legendary. Named for Sir Frances Drake, an English seafarer, they’re notoriously rough but luckily the Ocean Endeavour is a far cry from the vessels of old. The journey will take two days and if conditions allow, you’ll be able to enjoy the outer deck to catch your first glimpse of dolphins, whales and orcas, as well as seabirds including the iconic albatross. It’s no bad thing if the weather is misbehaving as a comprehensive lecture program will get under way, with polar experts sharing some fascinating insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, biology and everything else in-between. The Ocean Endeavour is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, sauna and library. We’re scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on Day 4, which will be a moment of great excitement.
Accommodation
  • Ocean Endeavour (2 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. Scheduled twice daily, excursions are tailored to suit the ship’s location. Zodiac rides allow for closer encounters with marine life including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries or on an optional activity such as snowshoeing, kayaking and overnight camping (these must be booked prior to departure). The lecture program will continue throughout your time at the peninsula and the team of experts will be available to answer any questions you may have about the region.The landing sites visited will depend on the ship's location and weather conditions, but for information on potential landing sites please visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/antarctica-landing-sites

If an excursion is deemed unsafe due to weather conditions, the crew will arrange for alternative activities on the shop. These might include wildlife presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the wellness spa, heated pool and other facilities.

If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is as white as it gets. Has Santa made it from the North Pole to the South Pole? It’s time to find out. Enjoy the festive spirit on board the ship, with your presents coming in the form of yet more landings and wildlife sightings throughout the day. These wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals; gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, and elephant seals.
Accommodation
  • Ocean Endeavour (4 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)

Leave Antarctica behind and cruise north to Ushuaia. Now is the time to reflect on the amazing journey and a truly unique Christmas. We’re scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening to ensure a restful night’s sleep before departure day. Our final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Ocean Endeavour (2 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

This morning you’ll disembark the ship after breakfast and your journey comes to an end. Transfer to the airport is included for flights departing today, but if you’re sticking around a little longer than there is so much to see in this incredible region. Adios!
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 an Intrepid 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, 9 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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