Antarctic – Discover the 7th Continent (11 days)

Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. This 11-day expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Prepare to be dwarfed by massive, glistening icebergs and the looming peninsula—the most pristine region on the planet. Learn about the environment and wildlife from on-board lecturers and specialists. Marvel at the marine life – penguins, seals, whales – and the myriad of seabirds swooping in close to show off just for you. Rediscover your adventurous spirit: scramble just a little higher up that peak, kayak between ice floes, or share a pebbly beach with curious penguins.

Daily Itinerary

Antarctic route

Day 1

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Arrive in Buenos Aires. Your expedition begins here!

Accommodation: Emperador Hotel Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pixabay.com

Welcome to South America! You may arrive in Buenos Aires at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its soaring architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

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Transfer: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina, and embark on your small expedition ship, the Ocean Endeavour

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour – small expedition ship

Meals: B, D

Argentina, Antarctic, Supplier Photo (Unscape)

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!

Days 3 to 4

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Crossing the Drake Passage

  • Learn about the adventures ahead from the on-board experts

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour – small expedition ship

Meals: B, L, D on board

Beautiful Mountain from Ship, Argentina, Antarctic, Supplier Photo (Unscape)

Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing, as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates while your Expedition Team provides safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

Days 5 to 8

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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

  • Embark on Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
  • Visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal
  • Hike the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains to vantage points offering 360° views
  • Hear the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour
  • Participate in the Polar Plunge swim – about as crazy as it gets!

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour – small expedition ship

Meals: B, L, D on board

Joost Kersten, Antarctica, Supplier Photo (Unscape)

Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You will begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, we witness something new or unexpected, which means that your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience.

Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and minke whales, and search for a number of southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula’s mountains will enchant as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Danco Island, affords us the opportunity to visit a penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here, you’ll have the choice between hiking to the island’s summit or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach, enjoying the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets!

Amid the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.

Each day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Days 9 to 10

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Crossing the Drake Passage

  • Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales
  • Enjoy presentations by the experts on-board
  • Relax and enjoy the Antarctic air

Accommodation: Ocean Endeavour – small expedition ship

Meals: B, L, D on board

Double Dorsal Fins, Antarctica, Supplier Photo (Unscape)

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air.

Spend time on the deck, watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 11

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Disembark in Ushuaia

Fly back to Buenos Aires

Meals: B

Ushuaia Landscape, Antarctica, Supplier Photo (Unsape)

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.

Accommodation

Emperador Hotel in Buenos Aires

Emperador Hotel Buenos Aires, renowned among the best hotels in Buenos Aires’s Recoleta neighborhood, offers a refined 5-star treatment in the heart of the city. The elegant and spacious guestrooms feature classic décor, air conditioning, a cable TV, and can face the city centre, the river or the hotel’s garden. Guests can unwind in the fitness centre or relax in the solarium. The beautifully landscaped garden terrace is the ideal spot for enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner or a relaxing glass of wine amidst the tranquil ambiance and soothing water feature.


endeavour

Ocean Endeavour – small expedition ship

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, His & Hers saunas, a saltwater pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, and the Scientists in Residence program. The ship also has a polar library and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.

 


Antarctic – Discover the 7th Continent (11 days)