Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey
Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey
11 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina
Visiting: Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GQMWJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 80
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a journey of discovery on this 11-day expedition designed for wildlife lovers. Set sail to where whales gather in their most significant numbers on the Antarctic Peninsula. While sailing on the ice-strengthened Ocean Nova and exploring by Zodiac daily, you can scan the icy waters for silhouettes of these marine mammals as they glide through ice floes. You’ll also spend your days searching for curious penguins, basking seals and lots of seabirds soaring above. As you enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, you’ll witness icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters – this is Antarctica!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. Take your included transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and your local team in Ushuaia during a welcome briefing at your hotel. If you have some time to spare before the meeting, we suggest you head downtown to do some souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia's fantastic local restaurants.
Day 2: Embarkation In Ushuaia,
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning is yours to explore Ushuaia or the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park in South America. Tierra del Fuego National Park offers a range of hiking trails that lead you through the stunningly beautiful and dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, rugged coastline, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes. Look out for guanaco, Andean foxes, muskrats and the North American beaver. Birds found here include the Andean condor, Magellanic oystercatcher, kelp goose, austral parakeet and torrent duck. In the afternoon, transfer to the port of Ushuaia to embark the Ocean Endeavour, your home on the sea during your Antarctic adventure. After meeting your fellow passengers and Expedition Team and settling into your cabin, set sail through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Soak up the incredible views as you glimpse your last sight of Argentina, then head inside to join the excitement and learn more about what’s to come over the coming days.
Day 3-4 • At Sea, Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. If conditions allow, you can explore the outer deck spaces, scouting for dolphins, whales and various seabirds, including the iconic wandering albatross with its enormous three-meter wingspan. The comprehensive lecture program will also get underway for you to join at your leisure, with your team of polar experts sharing insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in between. If the weather is on your side, you should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on Day 4 – the first sighting of land always builds great anticipation on any expedition south.
Day 5-8 • South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Location: South Shetland Islands
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Antarctic Peninsula is known for many wildlife sightings and the backdrops of mountains, icy landscapes and water provide incredible scenes as you search for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the migration season (February and March) is the best opportunity to see these ocean dwellers, as all Antarctic whale species migrate long distances, feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich Southern Ocean during the southern summer. The most common species found in the region are humpback, minke and fin whales and orcas. As whale season is in full swing, you have the unique opportunity to participate in one of the onboard Citizen Science projects – the Happy Whale Project. Here, you can upload photos of whale’s tails (flukes) online, along with details of where the images are taken, which are then used to analyse and identify the individual whale and track its movement across the oceans. Your contribution could make a real difference in understanding and conserving these magnificent creatures. Sightings can happen from the outer decks of the ship, during a Zodiac excursion, or on the ship’s bridge with your captain, where the open bridge policy allows you into the command centre of the Ocean Nova for a look at the inner workings of your expedition and access to the best place to spot whales.
Day 9-10 • At Sea, Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back home to the port of Ushuaia, now is your time to reflect. You’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 10, marking the beginning of your return journey. This evening, enjoy a slideshow of images taken by your Expedition Photographer during your voyage – these yours to take home as a lasting memento of your unforgettable Antarctic adventure. Your final dinner will be a highlight of your Antarctic adventurer, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team.
Day 11: Disembarkation In Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast as your Antarctic expedition comes to an end and the memories of an amazing adventure begin. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included if you are departing today.
What's Included
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Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship -
Meals
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners -
Welcome Briefing
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Daily Briefings and Recap
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Onboard Lecture Program
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Citizen Science Program
What's Not Included
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Non-refundable Deposit
A non-refundable deposit is required for booking confirmation.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
COVID-19 vaccination is a pre-embarkation requirement for all guests, staff, and crew on all Ocean Endeavour voyages.
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Paid Adventure Options
A range of paid adventure options is available on the Ocean Endeavour, on selected voyages, subject to availability.
Included Activities
Transport
The Ocean Endeavour has a fleet of 20 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.
Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship
Important Information
Your voyage is on board the Ocean Nova ship.SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONSThis voyage is operated by our Polar partner Ocean Endeavour Expeditions Pty Ltd referred to as ‘Polar Latitudes’’. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount) per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 95 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Nova).ADVENTURE OPTIONSAn optional day paddle is a one-off excursion available on all voyages for an additional cost. Pre-book via your booking agent.
Mode of Transport
The Ocean Nova has a fleet of 8 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.
Accommodation
The Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience. Designed for intimate and immersive journeys, this nimble and sturdy ship accommodates just 80 guests. Your expedition focuses on discovery, enriched by a close-knit community of fellow travellers. The Ocean Nova’s compact size allows access to remote coves, bringing you closer to Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Cosy cabins feature large windows for breathtaking views, while the Panoramic Lounge offers 200-degree vistas and insightful presentations from our expert Expedition Team. With one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, the Ocean Nova is perfect for those seeking an enriching Antarctic adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The Ocean Nova is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.
Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces.
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 like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the gym will keep you energised for when the weather clears. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions