Intrepid Best of Antarctica

• Freezing is great but freedom is better. Customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions. including kayaking, camping, photography masterclasses, onboard yoga, massage and even a polar plunge!
• Get a larger personal touch, with each Intrepid polar expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour having one expedition crew member for every eight passengers. All of your needs will be covered!
• Our experienced leaders are experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, and they’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program. Depending on your voyage date, you may even hear from revered Australian media personalities Andrew Denton and Jennifer Byrne!
• Rest assured you will leave only footprints behind, with your expedition fully carbon offset, serving only sustainably sourced seafood and opting for biodegradable products over single-use plastics.
• This is the extended, 11-day version of our classic Antarctica cruise, perfect for first time explorers or seasoned adventurers. With an extra day on the Antarctic Peninsula, you will experience more of the Great White Continent.

Meals

10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship , zodiac

Day - 1

Location: Ushuaia - Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. You’ll be briefed at the hotel tonight on the journey and details for tomorrow’s embarkation, but if you happen to arrive early there are a surprising amount of ways to entertain yourself at ‘the End of the World’. Check out the Museo Maritimo to brush up on the region’s history, or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin if you’re after any last-minute essentials before departing. Oh, and did we mention this is Argentina – if all else fails, head to a local restaurant to get your fill of red wine and steak. Muy bueno.

Day - 2

Location: Ushuaia – Embarkation Day - This afternoon you’ll board the Ocean Endeavour, settle into your cabin and begin cruising down the stunning Beagle Channel, named for Charles Darwin’s ship. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and as the ship pulls away from port there’s always an air of anticipation. Wave goodbye to Argentina and know that the next time you see land you’ll be staring at Antarctica.

Day - 3-4

Location: Drake Passage - The time has come to cross the Drake Passage, the legendary body of water named after 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, the Ocean Endeavour is equipped with some seriously lush facilities for you to take advantage of. As well as safety briefings, a comprehensive lecture program will run throughout the journey delivered by experts in Antarctica’s history, geology and biology. With any luck we’ll make it to land by early evening on Day 4 – a moment that always brings much excitement.

Day - 5-8

Location: Antarctic Peninsula - The adventure truly begins once the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake and exchanged for four incredible days of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Stare wide-eyed at glaciers, mountains and an unimaginable array of wildlife as the sheer magnitude and rawness of the area comes to light. Every day is a new adventure, and you’ll explore ice-filled bays and channels as well as Antarctica itself on Zodiac excursions and by foot. While the landscapes will no doubt take your breath away, Antarctica is all about the wildlife. Visit penguin rookeries, spot humpback and minke whales and look out for leopard seals, all while calving glaciers crack through the immense silence. 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

Day - 9-10

Location: At Sea - Say goodbye to the Antarctic Peninsula as we begin our return leg to Ushuaia. Take the opportunity to share photographs with fellow travellers, use your now expert skills in wildlife spotting and enjoy the final lectures from your polar experts. It’s also a great opportunity to make use of the Ocean Endeavour’s health and wellness facilities, including its saunas, spa, heated pool, yoga classes and gym.

Day - 11

Location: Ushuaia – Disembarkation Day - Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close after breakfast this morning. Farewell your shipmates and transfer to the airport if you’re flying out today, or perhaps spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world.