Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Odyssey (Ocean Endeavour)

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Explore the Great White Continent, Falkland Islands and South Georgia

This special polar voyage sees you taking to the high seas. Before too long you’ll be exploring the frosted beauty of Antarctica, observing penguin colonies that number in the thousands and looking for whales in deeper water. Travel in sustainable style on the Ocean Endeavour, tracing the same path as legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton – including Elephant Island. Watch everything turn to white as you enter the waters around the frozen continent on this rare expedition.

Why you’ll love this trip

  • Travel with experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history. They’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.
  • With optional adventures including ice camping and kayaking, and rare touches of five-star luxury thanks to an onboard spa and wellness centre, this is as good as Antarctic expedition travel gets.
  • Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have one expedition crew member for every eight passengers for a greater personal touch.
  • Rest assured that footprints are all you’ll leave behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, serves sustainably sourced seafood and avoids single-use plastics.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. On arrival at the airport, meet your Intrepid representative and transfer to your hotel. Attend a welcome meeting and briefing this evening to run through the details of embarkation tomorrow. If you arrive early and have some time, Ushuaia is (unsurprisingly) a fantastic place to try cold-water seafood like king crab.
Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting tonight as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on exactly when the meeting will take place.

An arrival transfer from the airport is included in your voyage fare. This transfer is only valid for passengers arriving in Ushuaia on Day 1 of the itinerary. Full details of the transfer will be sent with your final joining instructions, please speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more.

Day 2: Ushuaia – Embarkation Day

Your morning is free before you transfer to and board the vessel in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin and meet the ship staff and expedition crew. Enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow travellers. Who knows, gravy might even be on the menu. Set off on your expedition in the late afternoon or early evening. Cruise down the historic Beagle Channel, maybe getting your first view of some of the region’s spectacular wildlife on the rocky shores.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage

Spend the next few days traversing the infamous Drake Passage, named after Sir Frances Drake, on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula. While crossing the passage you can get acquainted with the many first-class amenities available on the Ocean Endeavour – maybe do a yoga class or brush up on your photography skills in preparation for your arrival. The researchers and scientists travelling with you will begin their onboard lecture program over the next few days and (if conditions are favourable) you’ll also be able to join them on deck to spot seabirds and maybe whales. Expect to reach the peninsula on the evening of Day 4.

Days 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula

Spend three unforgettable days exploring the Great White Continent with your expert crew. While landing sites will be chosen based on wildlife-spotting opportunities and weather conditions, you can expect to explore on land and by Zodiac boat during daily excursions. The Antarctic Peninsula is home to leopard seals, adelie penguins and chinstrap penguins, among many others. Nights will be spent on board, listening to lectures from the expedition crew. One or more of Paul Kelly’s three planned performances might happen during our time on the peninsula.
Special Information

Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Want to get an idea of some of the amazing places we might see during the expedition? Go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites for a taste.

Day 8: Elephant Island

Today we make for the ice-covered isle where Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team were stranded in 1915. Located on the north-eastern fringes of the South Shetland islands, Elephant Island has tall and craggy rock formations. If conditions allow, we will attempt a landing or Zodiac cruise around Elephant Island, which will give you a real sense of just how impressive Shackleton and co’s survival really was.

Days 9-10: At Sea

Hit the sea once again, bound for South Georgia, arriving by the evening of Day 11 if conditions are favourable. Maybe take the opportunity to relax and unwind with some onboard health and wellness services. Or perhaps you’d prefer to taste the crisp Antarctic air from on deck as seabirds and perhaps whales rear their heads.

Days 11-14: South Georgia

Begin exploring South Georgia, not only one of the most remote and wild places on earth, but also holder of the nickname ‘Galapagos of the South’ due to the incredible wildlife that calls the island home. Marvel at the many seabirds, encounter penguin colonies and spy elephant and fur seal pups. While the wildlife is incredible, it’s not all about the animals. The glaciers, mountains and fascinating history of South Georgia are also captivating. The island has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775 and at 3755 square kilometres (1450 square miles) is the territory’s largest island.
Special Information

Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Want to get an idea of some of the amazing places we might see during the expedition? Go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites for a taste.

Days 15-16: At Sea

Settle in for two days at sea as we cruise towards the Falkland Islands. As with your other times at sea, you can spend your time relaxing, learning, or both.

Days 17-18: Falkland Islands

Explore the two main islands of the Falklands (East and West) by Zodiac and on foot over the next two days. Wildlife sightings should include at least three species of penguin and two endemic bird species – Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. The expedition team will educate you on the local flora and fauna so you will know what you’re looking for. Probable landing sites include the quaint capital Port Stanley, West Point Island, Sea Lion Island and Bleaker Island.
Special Information

Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Want to get an idea of some of the amazing places we might see during the expedition? Go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites for a taste.

Days 19-20: At Sea

Hit the seas for the return journey to Argentina. Soak up the last of the knowledge shared by the onboard experts and make the most of the facilities while you can. On your last night on board, enjoy a farewell captain’s dinner and toast to the epic journey that was.

Day 21: Puerto Madryn – Disembarkation

Your adventure comes to an end in Puerto Madryn. If you are flying out of Trelew Airport today, a transfer is included in your trip price.
Special Information

A departure transfer to the airport is included in your expedition price, but only if you have an onward flight booked for today. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent to advise them of your flight details.

If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Puerto Madryn before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

 

INT- GQMSG

Images Courtesy of Intrepid Group

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