Intrepid Best of Antarctica travelers in blue parkas walk over snow beside boulders on a sunny day with snowy peaks ahead.
2 adelie penguins with white chests & black backs stand on a white iceberg on a gray day of the Intrepid Best of Antarctica.
Small group of Antarctica kayakers in yellow boats paddle beside icebergs in calm water with snowcapped peaks in the distance.
2 Intrepid Best of Antarctica travelers in blue jackets with bright yellow hoods stand in snow near a large group of penguins.
Woman in red knit hat smiles while sitting in inflatable dinghy & holding chunk of clear ice on the Intrepid Best of Antarctica.
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Best of Antarctica

Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you voyage to Antarctica, a continent that has long captivated intrepid explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable, spacious and well-appointed Ocean Endeavour on an exclusive 11- or 12-day voyage, to discover truly unbelievable wildlife and the world’s most remarkable scenery.

As you explore this icy wilderness, you’ll not only be accompanied by an expert expedition team, but also by penguins, seals, whales and seabirds, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-choked waters. Adventures like this don’t come along every day–there’s simply nowhere else on earth like Antarctica.

The highlights of the Best of Antarctica voyage are many. Explore an unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, with a density of wildlife, busy penguin rookeries, opportunities to spot seals and whales such as minke, southern right and humpbacks. Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.

For a themed, specific focus, consider the 12-day Whale Discovery itinerary that departs at the peak of whale migration season (February and March), offering the best opportunity to see these majestic ocean dwellers.

Passage is aboard 200-guest Ocean Endeavour, a comfortable small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the polar regions. This ship offers great food, excellent guides, a Jacuzzi, a salt water pool, spa facilities and even his and her saunas with a large window to watch icebergs float by. On board, benefit from a variety of activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.

Read on for details about this Intrepid best of Antarctica voyage, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.



Itinerary

Best of Antarctica Itinerary

On these 11- and 12-day Best of Antarctica departures (Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Explorer itineraries), sail round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, visiting the western Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Select themed departures travel during Christmas or during a time when whales are more prevalent (Whale Discovery).

Route map of Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer voyage, round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with visits along the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Day 1
Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. You will be briefed at your hotel this evening on the journey that lies ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you happen to arrive early there are many ways to entertain yourself at the End of the World. 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.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Embark Ushuaia

This afternoon, board the ship and your epic adventure south begins. Take some time to settle into your cabin as you begin cruising the stunning Beagle Channel, named after the famed vessel The Beagle that facilitated some of Charles Darwin’s most significant voyages. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America, and as the ship pulls away from the port, there’s always an air of anticipation. Wave goodbye to Argentina and know that the next time you see land, you will be gazing upon the White Continent of Antarctica.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
Drake Passage

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. It is often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. It is unpredictable, so be prepared!

The next 2 days at sea offer time to enjoy the fabulous onboard facilities. Maybe join a yoga class, or attend a presentation or two given by your expedition team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from the geology of Antarctica to the history, wildlife and even the ice! Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you 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 ship’s observation deck. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on Day 4–heralding your arrival to the White Continent!

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 8/9
South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

Spend the next 4 incredible days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthralls travelers. Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historic base.

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife–from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins, to crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. Maybe you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore.

As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the ship. Make the most of the ship’s wellness facilities, from the relaxing spa and saunas to the saltwater pool and gym. An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7:00am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the 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 ship in between excursions.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 9/10 - 10/11
Drake Passage

Leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind as you set sail across the Drake Passage, enjoying some final lectures and presentations from your expedition team. Look out for wildlife from the observation lounge, outer decks, or the ship’s bridge as you head north across the Antarctic Convergence. Having crossed the Drake Passage once more, enter the calm and tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel as you enjoy a final dinner and approach your home port of Ushuaia.

Accommodations

Ocean Endeavour

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11/12
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina

Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the ship 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.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodation as listed in itinerary; arrival transfer from the airport to group hotel on Day 1; pre-night hotel accommodation with breakfast on Day 2; transfer from group hotel to the ship for embarkation; departure transfer from the ship to the airport on final day; all meals on board 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; all port taxes.

Exclusions

Airfare; visa and passport fees if needed; taxes and excess baggage charges; meals other than those specified; optional activities; all personal expenses including alcoholic beverages, gratuities, communication charges aboard and WiFi via pre-paid data card (coverage intermittent); 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; medical care; travel insurance (required) and insurance of any kind; possible fuel surcharge. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your international trip concludes.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 95 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 95 days – 100% of deposit
94 to 0 days – 100% of monies paid

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

This Best of Antarctica voyage begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia ahead of the 6:00pm welcome briefing on Day 1. A complimentary arrival transfer is included from Ushuaia Airport to the group hotel on Day 1 of this trip. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day. A transfer from Ushuaia Port to the airport is also included. Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm noon on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Best of Antarctica voyage, including complimentary yoga and meditation classes. Per-person prices for the 2024-25 season: kayaking $1,099; one-time “day paddling” $299; stand-up paddleboarding $299; camping $399; snowshoeing $150; photography program $1,099. Kayak program requires prior, recent experience in a kayak. Kayaking, camping and the photography program must be booked prior to departure; day paddling and snowshoeing may be booked and paid for on board. Minimum age requirements may be in place. Please contact AdventureSmith for details and to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple (category 2) or twin-shared cabin (categories 3-8 only, excluding 4A & 5A), where you will be matched with a person of the same gender, subject to availability. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (categories 3-7, excluding 4A & 5A) or 2x (categories 8-10) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability.

Families & Children

The minimum age for this cruise is 8 at the time of travel. Children from 8-12 years old at time of travel are eligible for a 50% discount off the full, non-discounted adult fare when sharing a cabin with one or two full-fare adults. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveler under the age of 18’s day-to-day care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for this cruise. This trip requires that at a minimum you are covered against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$250,000. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number ahead of embarkation; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. We strongly recommend policies that also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes 

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change. Please contact AdventureSmith for the most up-to-date pricing.

Dec 18 - Dec 28, 2024
Ocean Endeavour • 11 days
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From $9249USD
Per Person
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Dec 27 - Jan 06, 2025
Ocean Endeavour • 11 days
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From $9249USD
Per Person
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Jan 26 - Feb 05, 2025
Ocean Endeavour • 11 days
brown tent icon depicting camping activity brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered brown stand up paddleboarder icon
From $9249USD
Per Person
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Feb 16 - Feb 26, 2025
Ocean Endeavour • 11 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option brown stand up paddleboarder icon
From $9249USD
Per Person
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Mar 09 - Mar 20, 2025
Ocean Endeavour • 12 days
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From $7899USD
Per Person
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small ship alternate itinerary icon with a grey background Alternative Itinerary
themed trip icon of a blue bird flying Themed
brown tent icon depicting camping activity Camping
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
Photo Program
two brown snowshoes depicting snowshoeing activity offered Snowshoeing
brown stand up paddleboarder icon Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ocean Endeavour

The 200-passenger 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, generous deck space and advanced navigation equipment.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save Up To 35% On Select 2025 Antarctica Expeditions Aboard Ocean Endeavour

Don't miss this hot sale for the icy continent. For a limited time, save up to 35% when you book your select 2024 or 2025 Antarctica expedition aboard the 200-guest Ocean Endeavour.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Nick Mitchell • October 2nd, 2017
Expert Aboard: Ocean Endeavour Review

AdventureSmith Specialist Nick explains how you can have it all aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Join him as he sails aboard the ship in the pristine-snow month of December.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora El Chaltén

Enjoy one-of-a-kind access to the solitude, Andean mountains, alpine waterways and stunning glaciers of Argentinean Patagonia. From the all-inclusive Explora El Chaltén Lodge, choose from a daily selection of over 30 guided, small-group explorations.

From $4370USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Dec
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5 Day Cruise
Patagonian Explorer - Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Spend 5 days cruising Patagonia aboard 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and visit remote fjords, penguin colonies on Magdalena Island and the rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound.

From $3255USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Oct Nov Dec
Add to Wishlist
5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

From $1235USD
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Best of Antarctica

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