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Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

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Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: GQMDW
Overview
Destination:
Antarctica, 
Argentina, 
Start:Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish:Ushuaia, Argentina
Duration:11 days
Type:Group tour (max 80)
Style:
Polar,
Travel Period
November 2026 - November 2026
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ocean Nova. Explore during the early season, which unveils a landscape of white, raw beauty. Visit penguin rookeries that burst with life as they prepare for the season ahead – spot the Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins. From the outer decks or during Zodiac cruises, keep your eyes peeled for leopard seals resting on ice floes and the iconic albatross soaring above. Make daily excursions and on shore landings, listen to lectures from your onboard experts and learn about the wildlife and geology of the area. Engage in Citizen Science Projects and wake up every morning to the cold, vast landscape of the Great White Continent – this is Antarctica in its most unspoiled state, offering views that few are privileged to witness!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your voyage is on board the Ocean Nova ship.

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Ocean Endeavour Expeditions Pty Ltd referred to as ‘Polar Latitudes’’. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount) per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 95 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Nova).

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Nova, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.
• Day Paddle - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team
• Camping - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.

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Standard inclusions
  • Meals: Meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners.
  • Transport: Expedition cruise ship, zodiac.
  • Accommodation: 1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship.
  • Welcome Briefing.
  • Citizen Science Program.
  • Daily Briefings and Recap.
  • Onboard Lecture Program.
  • Guided walking Excursions.
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising.
  • Onboard Lecture Program.
  • Daily Briefings and Recap.
  • Citizen Science Program.
  • Onboard Lecture Program.
  • Daily Briefings and Recap.
  • Citizen Science Program.
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. When you arrive at Ushuaia Airport, take the included transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local team at a welcome meeting at about 6 pm. You’ll learn more about the exciting journey ahead and receive important details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you arrive early, maybe head downtown for souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia's local restaurants. You could also check out the Museo Maritimo to learn about the region’s history or stroll down Avenida San Martin for any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica.
Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Enjoy your leisurely morning before your coach transfers to the port of Ushuaia, where you’ll board the Ocean Nova – your home for the next nine nights. After meeting your Expedition Team on board and settling into your cabin, head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sails through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Then, join the excitement inside to learn more about the upcoming days.
Days 3-4: At Sea, Drake Passage
Named for its wild nature, the Drake Passage is unpredictable and constantly changing. Over the next two days at sea, you can laze on one of the Ocean Nova's outer decks, soaking up fresh sea air and feeling the breeze of the untamed waters. Your Expedition Team will provide insights into your exciting adventure that lies ahead with talks and presentations. Watch the birds circling above as you get to know your fellow travellers and Expedition Team. Head to the ship's bridge, where the open bridge policy invites you into the command centre, where you can see the captain and his team in action and get the best vantage point for spotting wildlife.
Days 5-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Your Antarctic adventure begins once you have left the Drake Passage and can see the South Shetland Islands. During your time aboard, your Expedition Team and captain will scout for whales and seabirds and alert you to any new sightings. Enjoy in-depth explanations and lectures from your Expedition Team on the region's glaciology, history and wildlife as you explore. Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to local bays, channels and landing sites, with wildlife opportunities always in mind. Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless leopard seal. You might hike to a penguin rookery one day and take a Zodiac cruise among towering icebergs the next. Maybe even treat yourself to an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing excursion or a day paddle excursion. You’ll also have the chance to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova!
Days 9-10: At Sea, Drake Passage
As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back to your home port of Ushuaia, it is time to reflect on your journey. You’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 10, signalling the end of your Antarctic adventure. During these final days at sea, attend additional onboard lectures and enjoy a slideshow of images captured by your Expedition Photographer throughout your journey – yours to keep as a memorable souvenir of your epic Antarctic adventure! Your final meal that evening will be a highlight, so live it up and enjoy yourself as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team.
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark as your unforgettable expedition comes to an end. You’ll have a morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or to downtown, if you have extra time. If you would like to stay longer and explore South America, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Departure dates

Select your preferred date or enquire

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Travellers

Operator
Intrepid Travel

Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.

Important Information
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*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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Price from
$14,084 $13,380 *
Member price from
$13,380*
per person
10 nights
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