Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands Explorer

Description

An epic, 21-day adventure across the depths of the Drake Passage awaits. The destination? The awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Discover just how impressive Shackleton’s journey was and become immersed in wildlife encounters along the way. Visit penguin rookeries, watch whales breach and scout for seals along the shoreline, with a team of onboard polar experts leading Zodiac excursions through the ice-filled bays and on land. Days at sea offer comfortable living quarters and services catering for health and wellness, as well as a program of lectures and screenings to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the area, adding to what really is a once-in-a-lifetime trip to discover the last frontier.

Trip Name

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands Explorer

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 137m Passenger Capacity: 199 Built: 1982 - refurbished 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018 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 of the Ocean Endeavour VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking. Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Ushuaia

Welcome to the port city of Ushuaia for the start of your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel and settle in before meeting your fellow travellers. If you’re arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or perhaps take a walk around town, visiting the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. The Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum), housed in an old prison, will give you a sense of the city’s history, or enjoy a delectable combination of Argentinean wine and steak at a local restaurant.AccommodationHotel (1 night)Meals IncludedThere are no meals included on this day.Special InformationIt’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting 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 where and when the meeting will take place.An airport transfer is included in your voyage fare if you are flying in today. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent to organise this.

Day 2 - Days 2-4: Ushuaia – Embarkation Day

You will have some time this morning to shop for any last-minute items and take a final look around town before departing in the afternoon. This afternoon, take an included transfer from your hotel to the port and board the Ocean Endeavour. Meet your expert crew and take a tour of the amenities and services available on the ship. In the evening, set off through the Beagle Channel and towards the legendary Drake Passage. Join your shipmates and meet the polar crew this evening for drinks and a Captain’s Welcome.AccommodationOcean Endeavour (3 nights)Meals IncludedBreakfast (3)Lunch (2)Dinner (3)

Day 3 - Days 5-8: Antarctic Peninsula

Set your eyes on the incredible terrain of the world’s most southern land. Get ready for onshore exploration over the next four days, stepping off the ship and into a Zodiac and taking your first steps on the Antarctic Peninsula. There are a number of potential landing sites and the crew will make a decision on which will be visited based on conditions. Enjoy Zodiac rides to get closer to marine life such as whales and seals, onshore exploration at penguin rookeries and optional activities such as snowshoeing, kayaking and camping overnight (these must be booked before departure). Wildlife encounters on the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals; gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins; and elephant seals. If the weather conditions make an excursion unsafe, the crew will arrange for alternative activities on the ship – such as wildlife presentations, documentary screenings or you can make the most of the wellness spa, heated pool and sauna, library and gym on board.AccommodationOcean Endeavour (4 nights)Meals IncludedBreakfast (4)Lunch (4)Dinner (4)Special InformationPotential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites.Kayaking, snowshoeing and other optional extra excursions must be booked in advance. Additional costs apply and space is limited. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information.Beginners interested in kayaking should take an introductory course prior to the voyage, including how to complete a wet exit. Regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practice prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in icy conditions. Kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather.

Day 4 - Day 9: Elephant Island

Retracing explorer Ernest Shackleton’s path to South Georgia, look out for seabirds, whales and other wildlife. Listen to sessions from our onboard Antarctic experts and take in the shapes of the seascape from the comfort of your ship. You’ll head towards Elephant Island where, weather permitting, we will make a landing. Elephant Island is where Sir Ernest Shackleton left 24 of his men after being shipwrecked in 1917, then embarked on one of the greatest survival stories of all time on a mission to South Georgia.AccommodationOcean Endeavour (1 night)Meals IncludedBreakfastLunchDinner

Day 5 - Days 10-11: At Sea

Continue following Shackleton’s route across the ocean to South Georgia. Life on board the Ocean Endeavour is a very different experience to that of the explorers at the start of the 20th century. Perhaps take this time to study in the library, take a yoga class or simply watch the ocean go by.AccommodationOcean Endeavour (2 nights)Meals IncludedBreakfast (2)Lunch (2)Dinner (2)

Day 6 - Days 12-15: South Georgia

Over the next few days, explore the island of South Georgia, once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers but now a protected area with dedicated Antarctic research teams. Over the next few days, you’ll explore a variety of landing sites and areas around South Georgia. While exact excursions can’t be guaranteed due to weather and other conditions, potential visits include the largest king penguin rookery on South Georgia, the old whaling settlement of Grytviken and Drygalski Fjord.AccommodationOcean Endeavour (4 nights)Meals IncludedBreakfast (4)Lunch (4)Dinner (4)Special InformationPotential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites.

Day 7 - Days 16-17: At Sea

Leave South Georgia and chart a course for the Falkland Islands. From the deck, scan the horizon for seabirds and other wildlife. Prepare for the Falklands by attending the onboard presentation highlighting the dramatic history and wildlife encounters that await.AccommodationOcean Endeavour (2 nights)Meals IncludedBreakfast (2)Lunch (2)Dinner (2)

Day 8 - Days 18-19: Falkland Islands

The two main islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) have much to offer and provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinary scenery and history of the southern islands. The Falklands have the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of penguin breed on the islands (gentoo, king, macaroni, magellanic and rockhopper). Potential landing sites on the Falkland Islands include the capital of Port Stanley – located on East Falkland Island, penguin breeding grounds and West Point Island.AccommodationOcean Endeavour (2 nights)Meals IncludedBreakfast (2)Lunch (2)Dinner (2)Special InformationPotential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance. For a list of possible landing sites in Antarctica, go to intrepidtravel.com/antarctica-landing-sites.

Day 9 - Day 20: At Sea

Cruise towards Ushuaia with time to reflect on the spectacular scenery and the multitude of wildlife you've encountered during the voyage, as well as on the endeavours of legendary explorers like Shackleton.AccommodationOcean Endeavour (1 night)Meals IncludedBreakfastLunchDinner

Day 10 - Day 21: Ushuaia – Disembarkation Day

Disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast and enjoy an airport transfer included in your ticket price.Meals IncludedBreakfastSpecial InformationA departure transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare if you are flying out today. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent to organise this.If you are flying out today, please do not book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Day 11 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

This expedition hits three major Antarctic hotspots – the Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands – maximising chances of spotting wildlife and exploring diverse polar landscapes.
We carbon-offset all our trips, serve only sustainable seafood, avoid single-use plastics and more to help preserve Antarctica (and the world) for future generations.
Retrace the route of the legendary Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led three expeditions to the Antarctic region, and uncover the historical events of his journey.
Freezing is great but freedom is better. Customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions. Explore the water by kayak, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with some onboard yoga and a massage, take a refreshing polar plunge or camp overnight like a true polar explorer.
Whereas most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every 8 passengers for a greater personal touch.