1ST PRIZE: Antarctic Whale Journey
Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you voyage to Antarctica, the world’s final frontier - a continent that has lured intrepid explorers for centuries and now draws travellers with a taste for adventure.
Set sail aboard the comfortable, spacious and well-appointed Ocean Endeavour for this exclusive 11-day voyage to the White Continent. Stark, hauntingly beautiful, surreal, breathtaking – words cannot adequately describe the sights and sounds of this pristine, remote landscape.
This is a true ice wilderness, one where you will be surrounded by penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, set against a backdrop of towering, sculpted icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-choked waters. The wildlife viewing is unparalleled, as is the majestic scenery.
This is a once in a lifetime voyage to the world’s final frontier.
Due to COVID related travel restrictions we understand there needs to be flexibility around departure dates for a travel prize. The trip can therefore either be delayed until the 2023 season or alternatively a similar expedition can be offered with a departure date in November 2021.
- Unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where the penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are the true rulers.
- Experience the White Continent and encounter an incredible variety of wildlife.
- Take in the Sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands and the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula.
- Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs, glaciated mountains and volcanoes.
- Enjoy daily zodiac excursions and on-shore landings.
- Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the expedition team.
- Take advantage of optional activities during the voyage such as kayaking and snowshoeing.
- Enjoy the amenities onboard including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, sun deck, spa facilities and sauna.
On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the front of your itinerary for emergency contact details of our representative office.
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.
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.
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.
We continue our course south and hope to make landfall by the evening of Day 4, depending on the weather conditions. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land – that heralds your arrival to the White Continent!
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 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 programme 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.
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.
We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and we disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
After saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend some extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
Enjoy the onboard wellness activities, including yoga classes, sauna, jacuzzi, heated salt water pool & gym or venture further afield with shore landings, cruising in zodiacs, hiking, kayaking, photography workshops or camping.
Shore Excursions
Step foot on Antarctica and other landing sites to take the opportunity to mingle with the local wildlife and climb to vantage points. This activity is only available in some locations and is weather dependent.
Cost: Included in tour.
Zodiac
Enjoy regular zodiac excursions and on-shore landings, cruising amongst the icebergs, watching the local wildlife. This activity is weather dependent.
Cost: Included in tour.
Additional: Dedicated forward-facing zodiacs may be available on selected days at a cost of US$50 pp (payable on board).
Kayaking
Paddling in small groups, you’ll glide between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs dotted with wildlife. Previous kayaking experience is required. We provide a full itinerary kayaking program as part of excursion days. This activity is weather dependent.
Cost: from US$790 pp.
Camping
A true outdoor adventure – fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds, with a once in a lifetime opportunity to camp on the Antarctic ice for one night in purpose built bivvy bags. Available on select voyages only and subject to conditions.
Cost: US$290 pp.
Yoga
Enjoy a unique experience and take part in yoga sessions onboard the ship. This activity is weather and swell dependent.
Cost: Included in tour.
Photography
Includes onboard workshops prior to arrival in Antarctica, critiquing sessions while in Antarctica and editing workshops on the return journey. Some excursions on dedicated forward-facing Zodiacs with dedicated photography guide on landings.
Cost: from US$790 pp.
