ocean endeavour antarctica circle cruise

Antarctica East & West: Peninsula in Depth

  • Overview
    This epic 20-day expedition brings you to a side of the Antarctic Peninsula even the luckiest of travelers don’t often see. You’ll experience the best of polar travel, including abundant wildlife, important historical sites, and ice—lots of ice. Embarking from Ushuaia, Argentina, you’ll traverse the legendary Drake Passage to arrive at Elephant Island, which gave Ernest Shackleton’s crew refuge in 1916. From this significant start you’ll move on to see enormous penguin colonies up close; zodiac cruise among icebergs that look like art; walk around and explore historic and operating scientific bases; sail across the imaginary but important line of the Antarctic Circle; and take a zodiac ride to see humpback and killer whales—all the while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Antarctica.
    Duration: 20 days
    Passengers: 199 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 1.7x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

      Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its soaring architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-night hotel included).

    • Day 2 - Ushuaia, Argentina, and Embarkation

      After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

      Upon arrival, you will have a little time to explore this quaint port town before heading to the pier.

      Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of anticipation as you depart—the next time you’ll see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

    • Day 3/4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      The waters of the Drake Passage are unpredictable, so hope for clear skies and a calm ocean. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the sea, get to know your fellow shipmates and chat with your Expedition Team.

      You will spend this time preparing for the exciting days ahead, with numerous educational and informative lectures presented by your Expedition Team. You’ll learn about everything from safety procedures to the history of whaling in Antarctica.

    • Day 5 - Elephant Island

      Mountainous and ice-covered Elephant Island is the first land you’ll visit following the crossing. Named by early explorers for the elephant seals that dotted its shoreline, the island is best known as the refuge for Ernest Shackleton’s crew. Point Wild, the site of the crew’s camp, is an Antarctic Historic site.

    • Day 6/8 - Weddell Sea

      Battered with ocean currents all year long, the remote east side of the Antarctic Peninsula is completely different to the more commonly visited west coast. Here, you’ll see mile-long tabular icebergs formed over hundreds or even thousands of years and broken off of ice shelves further south.

      Paulet Island is volcanic and thermal heat keeps part of it ice free. Over 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins make it a popular visiting point.

      The wooden hut on Snow Hill Island was built in February 1902 by the main party of the Swedish South Polar Expedition led by Otto Nordenskjöld. This historic hut contains original objects from the expedition and functions as a living museum.

      Brown Bluff, formed by a single volcanic vent, is the perfect place to experience Antarctic flora and fauna.

    • Day 9/15 - Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle

      Travel around the Peninsula includes a variety of experiences, including Cuverville Island and the largest colony of gentoo penguins in the region—more than 6,500 breeding pairs. Other possible landing sites include Melchiors, Cuverville Island and Orne Harbour. Glaciers, penguin colonies and breaching humpback whales will highlight your days, while friendly seals are plentiful in these waters. You can also expect to encounter what is arguably the most formidable Antarctic predator, the leopard seal.

      You’ll have drinks to celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle, and you may visit the Vernadsky Lounge, the Peninsula’s southernmost bar. A sure highlight is Wilhelmina Bay—one of our expeditions once spotted 50 whales in three hours! We’ll spend a full seven days exploring as many sites as we can, ensuring you the most comprehensive Antarctic experience possible.

    • Day 16/17 - South Shetland Islands

      In 1819, the British explorer William Smith described the South Shetland Islands as ‘barren and covered with snow, with seals in abundance.’ Places such as Half Moon Island or Livingston Island support huge numbers of nesting chinstrap, gentoo and even some macaroni penguins. Giant and cape petrels, blue-eyed shags and kelp gulls nest in the cliffs. Mosses, lichens and Antarctica’s only two flowering plants thrive during the short summer on the low-lying peninsulas of these rugged maritime islands. You will explore the busy penguin and seabird rookeries and marvel at the huge elephant seals that wallow along the shore.

      Deception Island is the caldera of an active volcano, where sealing and whaling operations were based in the past. Several microclimates can get quite warm, and there is a large colony of chinstrap penguins. Half Moon Island is a significant area for birds and it features a 2,200 yard (2 km) walking track to give you a close view of the wildlife.

    • Day 18/19 - Drake Passage

      Use your second passage across the Drake to put your newfound Antarctic knowledge to use; spend time on deck, spot icebergs and name seabirds. Enjoy presentations by our onboard experts and bond with your shipmates.

    • Day 20 - Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

      You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, after breakfast.

      After disembarking, you will get a little taste of Patagonia, touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before transferring to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

      CHARTER FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED IN THE BASE PRICE OF THE TRIP

      AUD$1,310 per person

      Buenos Aires Flight and Transfer Package includes:
      Pre expedition hotel night in BuenosAires, with breakfast
      Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires
      Charter flight from Buenos Aires toUshuaia, and return
      Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Kayaking

    Kayaking is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the Polar regions.

    Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

    USD$ 1,152 per person

    Camping

    Not very many people have the opportunity to say they’ve camped on the 7th Continent. This is one of the best ways to experience Antarctica in a more intimate manner, and take your expedition to the next level.

    Camping is available on most Antarctic voyages and has a limited number of spots. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided.

    USD$ 274 per person

    Stand-up Paddle boarding

    Stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Guided by experienced staff in small groups in good weather conditions on calm bays and harbours, reservations for 10 paddleboarders will be taken at time of booking

    USD$ 274 per person

    Photography

    A picture truly is worth a thousand words, but in Antarctica, it’s worth about a hundred thousand words. Regardless of the type of camera you have, you’ll want to capture your voyage so you can brag to your friends and family. On board photographer's are able to provide you with hints and tips in an informal manner and assist you in the field.

    Always remember to put your camera down and absorb the incredible beauty of the Polar Regions before you.

    Included

    Transfer Package

    Pre expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires, with breakfast, Group transfer from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires, Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return), Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship (return).

    USD$ 877 per person

    The Weddell Sea

    A unique region of the Antarctic Peninsula and often little visited by expedition vessels. On the western coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, it is here the many of the icebergs which roam the the Peninsula calve. The Weddell Sea region of Antarctica is home to huge glaciers and tabular icebergs, if natural beauty, landscapes and geology excite you, then our Weddell Sea voyages are definitely worth considering.

    The region is rich in history, your expedition will visit historical sites and your expedition team will share with you the many stories of a bygone era of exploration in the region.

    Whales

    Whale numbers swell in Antarctica over the southern summer. Arriving in Antarctica from November onwards, whale numbers reach their peak around December and January. Sightings and particularly breachings reach a pinnacle in February and March, when the Krill is closer to the surface. Some 10 species of whales are found in Antarctic water each summer, with the most abundant species being the Humpack.

    Penguins

    Taking centre stage on your Antarctic Peninsula expedition, are the Brushtail penguin species. These photogenic and intriguing species include, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. The species are in abundance across Peninsula and are always performing.

    On board voyages in our other details you may come across Rockhopper, Macaroni, Magellanic, King and Emperor penguins.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    Comfortable expedition boots and a high quality expedition parka, specifically designed for the polar regions.

    Transfers & Accommodation

    You arrival and departure transfers are included in your expedition, as is the first nights accommodation at the cruise hotel

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Emergency evacuation insurance up to USD$100 000 per person
    - All services and port taxes
    - Comprehensive pre-departure information
    - Hot beverages
    - Photographic journal
    - All shore excursions and lectures
    - Accommodation and all meals on board
    - Pre-cruise accommodation at the starting point of your itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Airfares unless stated in the itinerary (required charter flight is an additional cost)
    - Massage services
    - Gratuities
    - Internet and Wifi expenses
    - Bar expenses
    - Laundry expenses
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption and medical travel insurance
    - Passport and Visa expenses
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.25.58 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    OCEAN ENDEAVOUR

    Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout. Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.

    Features & Facilities
    • Newly refurbished
    • Large observation decks
    • Health & Wellness focus
    • Contemporary cuisine
    • Newly designed health & wellness facilities; Organic spa
    • Saunas
    • Salt-water pool
    • Gym
    • Juice/Smoothie Bar
    • Yoga
    • Library
    • Lecture theatre
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 199
    Crew #: 124
    Ice Class: 1B
    Speed: 20
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 137m
    Width: 21
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 12907
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Triple

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Inside cabin, with 3 lower berths and private facilities
USD$ 10,720pp
USD$ 10,720pp

Single

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Inside cabin, with private facilties
USD$ 15,745pp
USD$ 15,745pp

Twin Porthole Upper/Lower

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Twin beds, private facilities and window
USD$ 15,745pp
USD$ 15,745pp

Twin Window

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Twin beds, private facilities and window
USD$ 16,549pp
USD$ 16,549pp

Twin Porthole Plus

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Twin beds, separate sitting room and private bathrooms
USD$ 18,425pp
USD$ 18,425pp

Twin Porthole Plus2

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Twin beds, separate sitting room and 2 x private bathrooms
USD$ 18,425pp
USD$ 18,425pp

Upper Deck Twin

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Twin beds, private facilities and window
USD$ 19,631pp
USD$ 19,631pp

Superior Twin

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Twin or double bedding, private facilities and a picture window
USD$ 20,033pp
USD$ 20,033pp

Top Deck Twin

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Double bed, private facilities and two large windows
USD$ 20,904pp
USD$ 20,904pp

Twin Window Plus

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Twin beds, private facilities, sitting area and a sofa
USD$ 21,373pp
USD$ 21,373pp

Twin Window Plus2

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Twin beds, separate sitting room and 2 x private bathrooms
USD$ 21,373pp
USD$ 21,373pp

Junior Suite

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Double bed, private bathroom and large picture window
USD$ 22,713pp
USD$ 22,713pp

Owner's Suit

24 Jan 2018 - 12 Feb 2018
Bow facing Suite with double bed, sitting area and large bathroom
USD$ 24,053pp
USD$ 24,053pp