Antarctic Whale Journey with Intrepid Travel
Bite-sized trip
- Itinerary:Ushuaia - Antarctica - Ushuaia
- Duration:11 days / 10 nights (flexible)
- Price:From £7,550 per person (excluding flights)
Days 1-2 – Welcome to 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.
Days 2-4 – Drake Passage
This afternoon, you’ll transfer to Ushuaia’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour, your home on the sea during your Antarctic adventure. After meeting your fellow passengers 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 non-polar land, then head inside to join the excited chatter about what’s to come. Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the famous English seafarer, Sir Frances Drake.
If conditions allow there’ll be a chance to enjoy the outer deck space and scout for dolphins, whales and the odd albatross passing by. A comprehensive optional lecture program will also get underway, with polar experts sharing some fascinating insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in between. If the weather is on your side, we should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on Day 4 – the first sighting of land always brings great excitement on any expedition south.
Days 4-9 – Antarctica Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is known for a high number of wildlife sightings in front of stunning backdrops of mountains, ice and water, which combine to provide incredible scenes as we look search for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the migration season (February and March) is the best opportunity to see these majestic ocean dwellers, and the most common species found in the region are humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as orcas (technically a type of dolphin). Sightings can happen from the deck of the ship or during a Zodiac excursion.
Days 9-11 – Back through Drake Passage
Leaving Antarctica, you’ll cruise north to Ushuaia. This is your time to reflect on the amazing journey, and you’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 9. The last meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy as you celebrate the trip with your fellow travellers. The next day you’ll disembark the ship after breakfast as your adventure comes to an end. Transfer to the airport is included for flights departing today.
This bite-sized trip can be combined well with
Buenos Aires: Romance and Tango
- Buenos Aires
- 3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
- from £298 per person
Gateway to the South Pole – Ushuaia
- Ushuaia - Beagle Channel - Martillo Island - Ushuaia
- 4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
- from £365 per person (excluding flights)
