With its sprawling penguin colonies, magnificent ice-laden channels and rich human history, the west side of Antarctica’s Peninsula is the most well-trodden part of the continent for good reason. But for the more adventurous traveller, a journey through Antarctic Sound brings one to the rugged and remote east side – a vast wilderness where leviathan tabular icebergs punctuate the horizon and an even truer sense of pristine Antarctica can be found among dark basaltic cliffs and the gateway to one of history’s most harrowing stories of survival.
It was on this east side of the Antarctic Peninsula that the Weddell Sea ebbed and flowed Shackleton and his men through peril to their eventual deposit on Elephant Island. We aim to sail the Ocean Endeavour into sweeping landscapes and channels navigated only a few times per year in search of a true sense of adventure. After three days of pure exploration, we’ll celebrate our findings with a crossing the Antarctic Sound and toast to Antarctica as we head again westward to more familiar shores and the famous locales of the western coastline. Join us on this true expedition – a rare opportunity to see Antarctica’s wildest side.
It was on this east side of the Antarctic Peninsula that the Weddell Sea ebbed and flowed Shackleton and his men through peril to their eventual deposit on Elephant Island. We aim to sail the Ocean Endeavour into sweeping landscapes and channels navigated only a few times per year in search of a true sense of adventure. After three days of pure exploration, we’ll celebrate our findings with a crossing the Antarctic Sound and toast to Antarctica as we head again westward to more familiar shores and the famous locales of the western coastline. Join us on this true expedition – a rare opportunity to see Antarctica’s wildest side.
Day by day
Day 1 & 2:
Ushuaia, Argentina
Begin your journey to the White Continent in the world’s southernmost city – Ushuaia.
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. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the emergency contact details of our representative office.
Backdropped by towering mountains and glaciers, the windswept town looks over the historic Beagle Channel where the Ocean Endeavour will begin its voyage south. Enjoy exploring the streets and local café scene or even hike among alpine conifers to the foot of the Martial Glacier before an Argentine dinner at one of the city’s many waterfront establishments.
After embarkation, we’ll farewell Ushuaia from the decks of the Ocean Endeavour while spotting for wildlife and enjoying a welcome toast on board.
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. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the emergency contact details of our representative office.
Backdropped by towering mountains and glaciers, the windswept town looks over the historic Beagle Channel where the Ocean Endeavour will begin its voyage south. Enjoy exploring the streets and local café scene or even hike among alpine conifers to the foot of the Martial Glacier before an Argentine dinner at one of the city’s many waterfront establishments.
After embarkation, we’ll farewell Ushuaia from the decks of the Ocean Endeavour while spotting for wildlife and enjoying a welcome toast on board.
Day 3 & 4 :
At Sea, Drake Passage
On day three of your voyage to the Antarctic, wake to the sights and sounds of the famous Drake Passage where albatross and other seabirds escort us south.
In preparation for the days to come, your on-board experts in biology, oceanography, history and photography will begin their presentations in the Nautilus Lounge. Whether out on the Ocean Endeavour’s decks or from the warmth of the observation area on the ship’s bridge, keep your eyes peeled for the first sighting of an iceberg as the continent of Antarctica appears on our horizon.
In preparation for the days to come, your on-board experts in biology, oceanography, history and photography will begin their presentations in the Nautilus Lounge. Whether out on the Ocean Endeavour’s decks or from the warmth of the observation area on the ship’s bridge, keep your eyes peeled for the first sighting of an iceberg as the continent of Antarctica appears on our horizon.
Day 5, 6 & 7 :
East Antarctic Peninsula
In the real spirit of exploration, day five will hope to see the bow of the Ocean Endeavour round the eastern end of Antarctic Sound and point south toward the truly wild coastlines of the Peninsula’s eastern side.
It’s within this ice-laden sea that Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men sledged and floated their way north from their crushed and sunken vessel and bordering this vast expanse is an endless coastline of dramatic basaltic beaches, towering islands that rise straight from the sea and a spattering of remote archipelagos barely seen by human eyes since the heroic era.
From here, the options for exploration are endless. From the secluded Danger Islands to the north, the historically important and penguin-covered Paulet Island, the sweeping Prince Gustav Channel to the south or the protected and glacier-lined coves of Duse Bay.
Over three days in this area, we will work with ice conditions to land and zodiac cruise around as many remote locations as possible. Keep an eye out for minke whales as captain and expedition leader navigate the scenic channels around the eagle island group and for the most intrepid: prepare for a polar plunge like none other or even a chance to step onto your very own piece of sea ice.
Whatever the weather delivers, what we are sure to find here is a rare Antarctic experience and the closest one is likely to get to a true sense of exploration on planet Earth.
It’s within this ice-laden sea that Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men sledged and floated their way north from their crushed and sunken vessel and bordering this vast expanse is an endless coastline of dramatic basaltic beaches, towering islands that rise straight from the sea and a spattering of remote archipelagos barely seen by human eyes since the heroic era.
From here, the options for exploration are endless. From the secluded Danger Islands to the north, the historically important and penguin-covered Paulet Island, the sweeping Prince Gustav Channel to the south or the protected and glacier-lined coves of Duse Bay.
Over three days in this area, we will work with ice conditions to land and zodiac cruise around as many remote locations as possible. Keep an eye out for minke whales as captain and expedition leader navigate the scenic channels around the eagle island group and for the most intrepid: prepare for a polar plunge like none other or even a chance to step onto your very own piece of sea ice.
Whatever the weather delivers, what we are sure to find here is a rare Antarctic experience and the closest one is likely to get to a true sense of exploration on planet Earth.
Day 8, 9, 10 & 11:
West Antarctic Peninsula
Following our three days of discovery on the Peninsula’s east side, the Ocean Endeavour will plot a course to transit Antarctic Sound and to visit the more welltrodden western shores.
As we attempt to enter the sound, a collection of tabular icebergs typically serves as a gateway from east to west and locations like Esperanza Station and the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff are viable landing points along the way.
From here on out, we return to the more familiar sights and sounds of Gentoo penguin colonies, a collection of Argentine and Chilean bases observable on craggy points and we lower the zodiacs again to explore famous sites like Orne Harbour, Paradise Bay or Port Lockroy. While the east side afforded us the most true sense of isolation and wilderness observable on Earth, the contrast becomes apparent on the western side as no excursion lasts long without the presence of Gentoo or chinstrap penguins parading through the early-season snow and marine mammals hauling themselves onto ice-floes.
After our four days of excursions in this region, we will again turn north to cross the Bransfield Strait. As we thread the Ocean Endeavour through South Shetland Islands, we will take to the aft deck of the Ocean Endeavour once more for a final toast to the Antarctic, to discovery and to the new horizon ahead.
As we attempt to enter the sound, a collection of tabular icebergs typically serves as a gateway from east to west and locations like Esperanza Station and the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff are viable landing points along the way.
From here on out, we return to the more familiar sights and sounds of Gentoo penguin colonies, a collection of Argentine and Chilean bases observable on craggy points and we lower the zodiacs again to explore famous sites like Orne Harbour, Paradise Bay or Port Lockroy. While the east side afforded us the most true sense of isolation and wilderness observable on Earth, the contrast becomes apparent on the western side as no excursion lasts long without the presence of Gentoo or chinstrap penguins parading through the early-season snow and marine mammals hauling themselves onto ice-floes.
After our four days of excursions in this region, we will again turn north to cross the Bransfield Strait. As we thread the Ocean Endeavour through South Shetland Islands, we will take to the aft deck of the Ocean Endeavour once more for a final toast to the Antarctic, to discovery and to the new horizon ahead.
Day 12 & 13:
Drake Passage
Over days 12 and 13 we will watch as the outline of the Antarctic continent disappears over the horizon and again the albatross and seabirds of the open ocean join us for the voyage north.
Whether enjoying some time out on deck to take in the sea air or making the most of our expert guides’ presentations, this is a great time to reflect on the journey behind us and all that we discovered on the Antarctic Peninsula over the previous days.
For those still looking to brush up on their Antarctic knowledge, our guides will be out on deck binoculars in hand to help identify the amazing sea life that abounds in this part of the world. At night, we will take the opportunity to celebrate together and to share stories about this once in a lifetime voyage.
Whether enjoying some time out on deck to take in the sea air or making the most of our expert guides’ presentations, this is a great time to reflect on the journey behind us and all that we discovered on the Antarctic Peninsula over the previous days.
For those still looking to brush up on their Antarctic knowledge, our guides will be out on deck binoculars in hand to help identify the amazing sea life that abounds in this part of the world. At night, we will take the opportunity to celebrate together and to share stories about this once in a lifetime voyage.
Day 14:
Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
Following a steady night in the protection of the Beagle Channel, the early morning of our 14th day will see the Ocean Endeavour come alongside Ushuaia’s pier.
Followed by breakfast, an 8am disembarkation means plenty of time to wrap up your exploration of Ushuaia before a short drive to the airport for any afternoon flight departures.
Our guides will join you on the dock to say farewell and to wave goodbye to the ship’s team and crew who have shared the journey with you.
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.
Followed by breakfast, an 8am disembarkation means plenty of time to wrap up your exploration of Ushuaia before a short drive to the airport for any afternoon flight departures.
Our guides will join you on the dock to say farewell and to wave goodbye to the ship’s team and crew who have shared the journey with you.
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.
Itinerary Map
Includes
- All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
- Onboard lecture program from expedition staff and naturalists
- All shore excursions and zodiac cruising (except optional activities with cost)
- Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
- Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the Cruise
- Transfer from airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Transfer from hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
- Transfers to airport on return to port
- All port taxes
- Use of gym, sauna, pool and on-board jacuzzi and onboard yoga
Does not Include
- International or internal flights unless specified
- Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
- Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities and all personal expenses
- Tobacco, alcoholic or special beverages
- Miscellaneous extras
- Laundry and communication charges aboard
- Medical care
- Life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots for minors under 16 years of age at time of travel
- Waterproof outer shell jacket and insulated inner jacket for guests who require sizing larger than 3XL
- Boots for guests who require sizing larger than men’s size 14 boots
- Gratuities for crew and expedition staf
Highlights
- Traverse Antarctic Sound – a body of water that links east with west and is usually home to large tabular icebergs and startling scenery.
- Explore the Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side with its sweeping landscapes and enormous icebergs
- We will seek to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features.
- Visit the Peninsula’s western side where Antarctica’s more famous sites are found such as the Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy and Paradise Harbour.
- After turning north, explore the dramatic shores of the South Shetland Islands or spot for albatross and orca while we cross the Bransfield Strait.
- After a final toast to Antarctica on the Ocean Endeavour’s aft deck, enjoy the fresh air and abundance of seabirds as we transit the Drake Passage one last time.
Meals Included
- Breakfast Served Daily
- 13 Dinners
- 14 Lunches
Activities
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.
Uncharted Antarctica: East & West Peninsula
14 Days
From
$9,490.00
per person
