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Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer

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Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: GQMDE
Overview
Destination:
Antarctica, 
Argentina, 
Start:Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish:Ushuaia, Argentina
Duration:11 days
Type:Group tour (max 80)
Style:
Adventure,
Polar,
Wildlife,
Travel Period
December 2026 - January 2027
Enter a world of snow and ice as you take an epic journey to Antarctica – the continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable Ocean Nova on an 11-day voyage, looking out for marine wildlife like penguins, seals and whales as well as a huge array of birdlife. Explore an icy wilderness with an expert Expedition Team, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-strewn waters. Make daily excursions to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula on Zodiacs, learning about the geology, history and wildlife of the area and be swept away by the incredible, once-on-a-lifetime panoramas. This is the Great White Continent!

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: Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (9 nights).
  • Welcome Briefing.
  • Citizen Science Program.
  • Daily Briefings and Recap.
  • Onboard Lecture Program.
  • Onboard Lecture Program.
  • Daily Briefings and Recap.
  • Citizen Science Program.
  • Guided walking Excursions.
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising.
  • 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. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you've only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 5 pm at your hotel, then maybe head for a traditional dinner at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina’s famous red wine.
Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova – your home for the next nine nights. When you’re aboard, meet your Expedition Team, settle into your cabin and head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sets sail through the historic Beagle Channel, heading towards Antarctica. Later, join in the excitement as you learn more about the adventures awaiting you.
Days 3-4: At Sea, 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. The following two days at sea will allow your Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from Antarctica's geology to its 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 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. Look for the albatrosses flying overhead and scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs from the expansive windows of the bridge, where you’re invited to Ocean Nova's command centre. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – heralding your arrival in Antarctica.
Days 5-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula
You’ll spend the next four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries. Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points for panoramic views and maybe visit a scientific or historical base. There may be an opportunity to indulge in optional activities like an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing trek, a paddling excursion or to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! You’ll see extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and many birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call at around 7 am, followed by breakfast. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the Antarctic landscape.
Days 9-10: At Sea, Drake Passage
As you set sail back to Ushuaia, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey you've just experienced. During the final days, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by your Expedition Photographer throughout your journey, which are yours to keep as a reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition. By the evening of Day 10, you’ll enter the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, marking the beginning of your trip home.
Day 11: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition ends. You’ll have a morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking team 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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per person
10 nights
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