Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer | Ocean Endeavour

The journey begins at the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia. You will be briefed at your hotel on the journey that lies ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have spare time, 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 for Antarctica. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina's famous red wine. For the adventurous travellers, there are many hiking trails nearby as well the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

You will board the Ocean Endeavour in the afternoon. Take some time to settle into your cabin as we begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel 'The Beagle' that facilitated some of Charles Darwin's most significant voyages. As the Ocean Endeavour pulls away from the port there’s always an air of anticipation, as the next time you see land, you will be when gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer, Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. Often rough and turbulent, but sometimes calm, be prepared for the unpredictable.
Over the next two days at sea you’ll have time to enjoy some of the onboard facilities, such as yoga, the polar library and presentations from the Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead – from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and tips on how to best photograph what you’ll be witnessing.
Sailing towards Antarctica, there is a fall in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species that are attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south.
Head out on one of the spacious outer decks to look out for the mighty albatrosses that fly overhead. Scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs or gaze out from the panoramic windows of the Ocean Endeavour's observation deck. Your first sighting of land should be early evening on day four – heralding your arrival to the White Continent.

The next four days will be spend exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers.
Explore by Zodiac boats, cruising amongst the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views and perhaps visit a scientific or historic base.
Optional activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing allow you to explore further afield and have a more intimate experience. If you’re feeling brave, take a polar plunge into the ice Antarctic waters while our talented Expedition Photographer captures the moments as they unfold.
Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Witness extensive colonies of Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, Crabeater, Weddell, Fur and Elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Each day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore.
The lecture program will continue throughout the cruise, and you can also meander around the outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour spotting wildlife, read up on Shackleton’s adventure in the polar library or make the most of the ship’s wellness facilities like the spa, sauna, saltwater pool and gym.
An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

Leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind as you set sail across the Drake Passage, enjoying some final lectures and presentations from the Expedition Team. Keep an eye out for wildlife from the observation lounge, outer decks or the Ocean Endeavour's bridge as we head north across the Antarctic Convergence.
Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, enjoy a final dinner and enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel as we approach our home port of Ushuaia.

Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour following breakfast. Farewell your fellow guests and your Expedition Team and join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey today. Or perhaps extend your stay to spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world.