Best of Antarctica Cruise | 11 days

From Ushuaia to Ushuaia
  • All Antarctic Cruises
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Small Ship Cruising
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Tour Description

Discover Antarctica on our popular Best of Antarctica voyage! A fantastic introduction to the wild frontier that is Antarctica, our 11-day expedition cruise aboard the Ocean Endeavour is one of the most comprehensive and best value-for-money Antarctica tours available. Chock-full of exciting optional activities like zodiac outings, day paddling, kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding, snow-shoeing and ice camping (yes, really!) this unique Antarctica travel experience is for the explorer who wants to have it all – waddle with penguins, sunbake with seals and gently kayak alongside a pod of whales.

Aboard the Ocean Endeavour, you’ll find a wealth of indulgences: yoga classes, pool, jacuzzi, gym, spa facilities and sauna. For more leisurely R&R, a well-stocked library, two restaurants, bar and outdoor sundeck will keep you busy and entertained in-between on-land explorations. Daily presentations by experts will enlighten and inform you on the wilderness and wildlife you’ll see on your visit to Antarctica. Recently renovated and boasting a 1:8 crew to guest ratio (about the best in the business) the Ocean Endeavour is a fantastic choice for your Antarctica travels and this 11-day itinerary shows off the unmissable highlights of the great white continent.

 Want to travel in February or March? Check out  Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey 

Or would you like to extend your journey?  Check out Journey to the Antarctic Circle or Shackletons Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands

Video Highlights

Viva's Best Bits...

One of the most affordable Antarctica cruises available that still includes all the comforts like a wellness centre, two restaurants and inclusion of all meals. Plus dedicated single cabins! At least 1 expedition member per 8 guests!

Visit the South Shetland Islands, and Antarctica with possibilities for unforgettable activities such as Zodiac excursions, guided hikes on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, kayaking, camping and more! Zodiacs for every guest onboard!

"I knew I would see lots of penguins in Antarctica, but really there are thousands everywhere, and they are so amusing and curious, I could watch them for hours!" Tara, Team Viva

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

The first night of your voyage is spent in the quaint town of Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).

The remainder of the day is at leisure and you are free to explore, maybe making a few last-minute purchases from the many shops or artisan markets, or relaxing in a café. Avenida San Martin is the main street and there are some excellent museums to visit or you may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town’s dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Overnight in Ushuaia

Day 2
Embarkation in Ushuaia

This morning is again free for you to explore Ushuaia further, or maybe discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the most southerly national park of South America. The 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.

Late this afternoon we transfer to the port of Ushuaia in time for embarkation on board the Ocean Endeavour. The Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers will be waiting to welcome us aboard. As we set sail, familiarise yourself with the layout of the Ocean Endeavour and its great amenities and enjoy a welcome dinner.

This evening we sail along the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel, towards the White Continent of Antarctica. As we leave the lights of Ushuaia behind, look out for Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the deck as well as noisy sea lion colonies.

Day 3-4
At sea crossing the Drake Passage

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Frances Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared!

Enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities, maybe join a yoga class, attend a presentation or two given by the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead – from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice!

As we sail towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.

Head out on deck to look out for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead, scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs, or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the observation deck.

Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land – that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!

Day 5-8
South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula

The next four days are spent exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers.

We explore by Zodiac, cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where we mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, maybe visiting a scientific or historic base.

There may even be opportunities to sea kayak and snowshoe and of course learn more about photography with one of the experts.

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, to Crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge in the icy waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing site.

As we cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour. Make the most of the health and fitness facilities from the relaxing spa and saunas to the pool and gym.

Day 9-10
Cruising back across the Drake Passage

As we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, we take with us our memories and photographs. We set a course for the Drake Passage as we enjoy some final lectures and presentations and look out for wildlife from the observation lounge and the outer decks.

Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, we enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel bound for Ushuaia.

Day 11
Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour following breakfast. Farewell your fellow guests and your Expedition Team and join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey (included for selected flight departures today) or to the city centre of Ushuaia, where you can make your way to your hotel if you are extending your stay and want to spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world. With much to see and do in this quaint ‘End of the World’ town, including the Museo Maritimo, Avenida San Martin or even an adventurous hike to the Martial Glacier, your adventure doesn’t have to end here. If you would like to stay additional nights in Ushuaia, please speak to your booking agent.

Please note: A transfer to the city centre after disembarkation OR a transfer to the airport for onward flights (for selected departures today only) is included. If you are extending your stay or do not meet the requirements for the included transfers then we can arrange transportation at an additional cost, please discuss this with your booking agent.

You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia
  • Included Copy 20 9 nights accommodation aboard the Ocean Endeavor
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals including snacks whilst aboard the Ocean Endeavor
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Group transfer from hotel to pier
  • Included Copy 20 All shore excursions and zodiac excursions (special forward facing zodiac additional charge)
  • Included Copy 20 Guiding and lectures
  • Included Copy 20 English-speaking expedition team
  • Included Copy 20 Rubber boots whilst exploring Antarctica
  • Included Copy 20 Use of the sauna, gym and the jacuzzi
  • Included Copy 20 Yoga
  • Included Copy 20 Clients will be provided with a wind and water resistant jacket, provided for the voyage
  • Included Copy 20 All port taxes
  • Included Copy 20 Transfer airport to hotel on day 1 and pier to airport on day of disembarkation
  • Included Copy 7 Domestic and International Airfares & Travel insurance. Personal expenses such as laundry, on-board
  • Included Copy 7 Gratuities for the crew (recommended US$15.00 per person per day)
  • Included Copy 31 Optional Activities whilst on-board: Camping (Nov-Dec only), kayaking, day paddling
  • Included Copy 31 Private photo workshops, Snowshoeing, Stand-up Paddleboarding (subject to weather conditions)
Transportation

Ocean Endeavour

200 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Wildlife viewing and shore landings
  • Included Zodiac expeditions
  • Included Explore the South Shetland Islands
  • Included Optional Stand-up Paddleboarding
  • Included Optional kayaking
  • Included Optional snowshoeing
  • Included Optional photography workshops
  • Included Relax or workout in the wellness center
  • Included Optional camping
  • Included Optional paddling
Tour on Special!
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Tour on Special!
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Duration

11 days

Price from

$7,899 $6,714 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Triple Cabin

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