Classic Antarctica - M/S Ocean Endeavour

12 days
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Small Group Tour
Set sail towards Antarctica where whales gather in their largest numbers on the Antarctic Peninsula on this 11-day journey designed for wildlife lovers. As you enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, sculptured icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, imposing mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters all lie in wait. While sailing on the Ocean Endeavou...
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$10,492
From$8,530
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

What's this trip about?

    Set sail towards Antarctica where whales gather in their largest numbers on the Antarctic Peninsula on this 11-day journey designed for wildlife lovers. As you enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, sculptured icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, imposing mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters all lie in wait. While sailing on the Ocean Endeavour and exploring by Zodiac, scan the icy waters for silhouettes of these mighty marine mammals, as they glide through ice floes or break the Antarctic silence with spectacular acrobatics. Add in encounters with curious penguins, basking seals and many fascinating seabirds and you're on track for a journey you'll never forget. Witness an incredible abundance of humpback whales - as they gather to feed in the krill-filled waters Unforgettable wildlife encounters - see a variety of seals and penguins and an array of birdlife Antarctic wilderness - enjoy the vast, ice-sculpted landscape Expert naturalist guides - learn about the wildlife and polar history

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityUshuaia
End CityUshuaia

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Antarctica

Attractions

  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Shetland Islands
  • South Shetland Islands
  • Ushuaia

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Day 1 Join trip in Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The city has 40,000 inhabitants and is a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers. You can arrive at any time and an arrival transfer is included if arriving in on day one of the itinerary...

Day 2 Embark on the Ocean Endeavour

This afternoon you'll board the Ocean Endeavour, settle into your cabin and begin cruising down the stunning Beagle Channel. Spend time out on deck watching the sunset as you head South to Antarctica.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 The Drake Passage

Our adventure begins with a 400 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. If the conditions are right, enjoy some time out on deck to spot dolphin, orca or albatross, following in the ship's wake.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 The Drake Passage

As well as safety briefings, a comprehensive lecture program will run throughout our sea days, delivered by experts in Antarctica's history, geology and biology.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands

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 life.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 Antarctic Peninsula & the South Shetland Islands

Every day is a new adventure, and you'll explore ice-filled bays and channels as well as the continent itself, on Zodiac excursions and by foot. While the landscapes will no doubt take your breath away, Antarctica is also rich in wildlife. Visit penguin rookeries, spo...

Day 7 Antarctic Peninsula

The landing sites visited will depend on the ship's location and weather conditions. Some of the sites that you may visit are : Brown Bluff: A possible exposed volcano, Brown Bluff towers 678 metres (2225 feet) over the rookeries of Adélie and gentoo penguins, whic...

Day 8 Antarctic Peninsula

The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Every trip is different and uniquely designed around the prevailing ice and weather condition...

Day 9 The Drake Passage

Today we leave Antarctica and head across the Drake Passage, towards Ushuaia.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 The Drake Passage

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 sauna, yoga classes and gym.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 Trip ends in Ushuaia

The trip ends after breakfast on board the ship and includes a transfer to the airport for onward travel.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,530
Price per day$711
Last Updated: 5/10/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,777
Great
2,252
Average
379
Disappointing
120
Terrible
57
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Trusted Customer

Jan 2024

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Classic Antarctica - M/S Ocean Endeavour

Geez, so many to choose from, every day a special day, but the camping exp...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
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Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Expedition, Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

Expedition, Zodiac
Guides
Expedition Crew, Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA (If flights transit): you will need to apply for an ESTA if you are transiting the USA as you will have to disembark and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. When completing an application for transit you should enter the words 'In Transit' with your final destination location in the address line You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan in the past five years or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Programme. Instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 10
  • Dinner : 9
  • Lunch : 8
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-OECA

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