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Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

14 Days

  • TOUR DESCRIPTION
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Enquire Now
  • Travel Insurance by Allianz

Tour Description

Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 14-day voyage to East- and West- Antarctica. Like our ‘Best of Antarctica’ voyage, this expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, but with three additional days to better explore the Antarctica Peninsula. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores. You will cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship, the Ocean Endeavour, is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness and onboard expedition guides offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.

Priced From:

$ 16900.00pp *

Valid From: 01NOV2023

Valid To: 31DEC2024

Start Location: Ushuaia

End Location: Ushuaia

Countries: Antarctica, Argentina,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

  • Cross the Antarctic Sound on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side, a sweeping landscape full of huge icebergs and legendary islands.
  • Towering icebergs, blue glaciers, rugged islands, white mountains, abundant and curious wildlife – the western side of Antarctica is a lifechanging destination in itself.
  • Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – your expedition crew will curate your adventure to ensure you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.
  • You might have the chance to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features.
  • Zodiac excursions open up exploration opportunities on both sides of the peninsula, from the Danger Islands to Paradise Harbour and the shores of the South Shetland Islands. We aim for two excursions on each expedition day to maximise your time on the Peninsula.
  • You won’t spend sea days between Ushuaia and Antarctica in your cabin. Get insider info with a series of presentations from expert guides, as well as an expedition vessel decked out with all the mod cons.

    • Itinerary

    Day 1 Location: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Welcome to the port city of Ushuaia for the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to settle in before meeting your fellow travellers this evening at the welcome briefing. If you're arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from in the area. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, tackle part of the Martial Mountains for a memorable view over the Beagle Channel, or perhaps just take a walk around town and enjoy the cafe scene.
    Day 2 Location: Embarkation in Ushuaia
    Explore the charming town of Ushuaia in the morning before embarking on your home away from home for your Antarctic expedition, the Ocean Endeavour. In the morning perhaps visit the Museo Maritimo to brush up on local history, or just enjoy a morning strolling this languid town. Board the Ocean Endeavour in the afternoon and meet your expedition team before taking a tour of the amenities and services available on the ship. After you have settled into your cabin, head out onto the outer decks to wave goodbye to Argentina and then find your sea legs as you say hello to the legendary Drake Passage. Next stop: Antarctica.
    Day 3-4 Location: At Sea, Drake Passage
    The next two days are all about relaxing and getting to know your team of polar experts as they share their in-depth knowledge about all things Antarctica. You will have the opportunity to enjoy presentations about the continent’s geography, environment and wildlife. Spot seabirds flying with the Ocean Endeavour as she heads south to the Great White Continent, keeping an eye out for albatross on their migration route. Keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales and other marine mammals in the Southern Ocean as you cosy up with a drink at the bar while getting to know your fellow shipmates. If our lecture program by our expert guides is not enough to fill your days, the Ocean Endeavour's gym, polar library and sauna will keep you busy while crossing the Drake Passage. With favourable conditions, you should see your first sighting of land by early evening on day four.
    Day 5-7 Location: East Antarctic Peninsula
    This is a true exploration, so all going to plan, day five will see the ship’s bow cruising around the eastern end of the Antarctic Sound, leaving you facing the wild coastlines of the Peninsula’s eastern side. The vast Weddell Sea is edged by a seemingly endless coastline of basaltic beaches, islands that tower from the sea and collections of islands that few humans have laid eyes on. This is where British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew began their legendary journey north after their ship 'Endurance' was crushed by sea ice and sank. There are so many potential landing sites from this location, like Paulet Island with its large Adelie penguin rookery and Swedish Antarctic expedition history; the sweeping Prince Gustav Channel to the south, and the protected and glacier-lined coves of Duse Bay. Spend the next few days exploring via Zodiac cruises and onshore excursions across a number of potential remote landing sites around the Eagle Island group. No two days of any expedition are the same, and landing sites are subject to change depending on the elements and potential wildlife spotting opportunities, but our expert team of expedition guides will ensure that each day is memorable, offering you a sense of exploration and adventure unlike anywhere else on earth. 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.
    Day 8-11 Location: West Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
    After three days exploring the peninsula’s rarely visited east side, it’s time to cross back through the Antarctic Sound for the better known, but no less spectacular, western shores. As the ship attempts to enter the sound, a collection of tabular icebergs typically serves as a gateway from east to west and locations like the Argentinean research station, Esperanza Station, and the volcanic cliffs of Brown Bluff are viable landing points along the way. For the next four days, explore well-known sites like Orne Harbour, Paradise Bay or Port Lockroy as you head on wildlife sightings, take to the Zodiacs for small group outings and soak up the unforgettable vistas that greet you at every turn. With multiple landing sites available, your expedition team will work out the best places to stop, taking into account the elements, accessibility and wildlife opportunities. You'll soon notice the contrast with the sense of isolation on the east side, as you won't find an excursion on the western side lasts long without a parade of penguins or marine mammal sightings. After four memorable days, the Ocean Endeavour will turn north, cross the Bransfield Strait and head through the South Shetland Islands. Now’s the perfect time to join your crew and fellow explorers on the aft deck for a final toast to the Antarctic.
    Day 12-13 Location: At Sea, Drake Passage
    Settle back into the comfortable surroundings of the Ocean Endeavour for the return journey across the Drake Passage as you track north towards Cape Horn to your destination of Ushuaia, Argentina. This is your last chance to soak up the experience and knowledge of your expedition team before the end of your voyage, so make sure you join them on the outer decks with binoculars in hand to spot the surrounding wildlife. Now is also the chance to catch up with your shipmates and share stories about your voyage over a meal or a drink at the bar before bidding farewell.
    Day 14 Location: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina
    This morning, farewell the Ocean Endeavour as you disembark in Ushuaia. Following breakfast, disembark for the short transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey. Your expedition team, ship’s crew and staff who have shared the journey with you will join you on the dock to say farewell.

    Dates & prices

    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    16980NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    20400NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    21350NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    22860NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    20630NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    24600NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    19440NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    17620NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    26350NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    27DEC2023
    Return Date :
    09JAN2024
    18810NZD
    available

    Trip Notes

    Last modified (date)

    17 Jun 2023

    Trip title

    Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

    Trip code

    GQMAW

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Nov 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 14-day voyage to East- and West- Antarctica. Like our ‘Best of Antarctica’ voyage, this expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, but with three additional days to better explore the Antarctica Peninsula. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores. You will cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. Our ice-strengthened expedition ship, the Ocean Endeavour, is ideally suited to cruising this icy wilderness and onboard expedition guides offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.

    Style

    Comfort

    Themes

    Polar,Wildlife

    Transport

    Expedition cruise ship,zodiac

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    Although you don't need to be particularly fit to take part in an Antarctic expedition, you do need to have a good level of mobility. You must be able to complete the onboard safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures unaided. Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet while negotiating the ship over potentially slippery decks and gangways. Zodiacs are accessed via a gangway which is reached via some steep and narrow internal stairs. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift (elevator), but it does not access all decks so some stair climbing on board will be necessary. Onshore conditions will vary. Ice and snow underfoot can make conditions slippery. Some locations have steep climbs or longer walks to reach a place of interest but wherever possible, the expedition guides will offer options of shorter or longer stays onshore, and varying levels of activity. The Expedition Team and crew are on hand to assist guests on and off the Zodiacs during all excursions.

    Joining point

    Ushuaia Port

    Ushuaia

    ARGENTINA

    Alternate Joining point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

    27 Dec 2023 (GQMAW231227)

    Wyndham Garden Ushuaia Hotel del Glaciar

    Luis Fernando Del Martial 2355

    Ushuaia

    ARGENTINA

    Alternate Joining point description

    Built at the base of the Martial Glacier, Wyndham Garden Ushuaia Hotel Glaciar offers breathtaking views of the mountains, surrounding forest, and Beagle Channel, as well as easy access to the area’s top attractions. The hotel is just a short drive from Ushuaia International Airport Malvinas Argentinas (USH), and minutes from exciting downtown dining, museums, and entertainment.

    Alternate Joining point instructions

    An arrival transfer from Ushuaia (USH) airport to your hotel is included if you are arriving on Day 1. Please meet the Intrepid representative in the arrivals hall. A pre-departure briefing will be held on the evening of Day 1 at your joining point hotel. The time of your pre-departure briefing will be confirmed in your Final Travel Documentation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1, please contact your booking agent to discuss additional arrangements. If you have not pre-arranged a transfer, taxis are available from the airport to your hotel. A taxi counter is located in the arrival halls. A Taxi fare from the airport to downtown is approximately ARS250.

    Finish point

    Ushuaia Port

    Ushuaia

    ARGENTINA

    Important information

    SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD1500, USD1000, EUR900, NZD1600, GBP800, CAD1300, CHF900 or ZAR17,000 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Full payment is required 95 days prior to departure. Please refer to our “Booking and Conditions” section on our website including the special conditions that apply to Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Endeavour) COVID 19 VACCINATION Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for joining this voyage. At the time of final payment, we will request a copy of your vaccination status. ADVENTURE ADD ON's Kayaking is available to book on all Antarctic voyages. Some voyages also offer other activities such as camping and snowshoeing. All of these activities must be booked prior to departure and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. For kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential. PHOTOGRAPHY Photography workshops are offered as an optional activity on our Ocean Endeavour departures. It is an opportunity for photography enthusiasts of any skill level to fast track their learning on board and make the most of the expert advice that is on offer. Participants will have dedicated Zodiac and photography guided landing where your photography guide will accompany you and give you tips along the way for taking the perfect picture. It is at an additional cost to you and needs to be booked in prior to departure as spaces are limited. If you are interested in taking part, please contact your booking agent for pricing and availability.

    Group leader

    Your expedition will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader and at least one Assistant Expedition Leader. In addition, there will be a team of Polar experts and Expedition Guides who will be with you throughout. These experts will have various areas of expertise to inform you about the wildlife you may see, the terrain you'll pass through, the history of the area and to help you get the most out of photography opportunities, there will be a photography guide on board. In addition there will be specialist guides for kayaking, a yoga instructor and on some voyages, special guest presenters. With a guest to guide ratio of 8:1, there will always be someone around to answer any questions you may have.

    Safety

    On your way to join your voyage, you may take advantage of the opportunity to visit a larger South American city such as Buenos Aires or Santiago. It is worth researching matters of personal safety and security in these places before your departure. Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

    Communications

    The Ocean Endeavour has facilities to communicate with the outside world. Satellite phone communications are available but be aware that this connection is only available in certain locations and may not be possible from your cabin. Satellite communications can be intermittent and may not be available at all times or in all locations. Phone calls are charged per minute of usage. Internet access is possible via wifi on your personal laptop or device in certain areas of the ship and is charged via a pre-paid card which can be purchased through the hotel manager. Please be aware that accessing some websites from the ship will be very expensive as downloading picture-heavy content will use up a large amount of data. Text-only emails use up much less data and is a very affordable way to communicate with friends and family at home. All communications from the ship are a bit intermittent as when travelling through mountainous areas or through narrow channels, signals can be disrupted and may not be transmitted until clearing this terrain or until satellites next pass overhead. Please make sure your loved ones have realistic expectations of your ability to communicate with them so they don’t worry about you. Please refer to the Ocean Endeavour Ship Booklet for rates and more information.

    Visas

    No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure from Ushuaia and also again at the end of your voyage. For all departures, the Ocean Endeavour departs for the Antarctic continent from the port of Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. At the time of printing, no visas for Argentina are required by holders of Australian, New Zealand, British, Canadian, U.S.A. or European passports. Passengers holding passports issued by other countries should carefully check the situation with their travel agent or Argentinean consular authorities. For the voyages scheduled to visit the Falkland Islands, visitors from Britain, the Commonwealth, North America, Chile and the European Community do not need visas as at the time of printing. Visitors should check their particular situation with us, their travel agent, the nearest British Consulate, or contact the Travel Co-ordinator at the Falkland Island Government Office in London (tel: 020 7222 2375). PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. Entry requirements can change and are different depending on your nationality. Please refer to your government's foreign travel advisories, the consular websites for the countries you’re travelling to and those you may transit through. Always follow visa advice from official websites; not all visa information found online may be valid. You can also head to Intrepid’s Entry & Health requirement page to get the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/visa-health-requirements

    Why we love it

    Cross the Antarctic Sound on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side, a sweeping landscape full of huge icebergs and legendary islands.

    Towering icebergs, blue glaciers, rugged islands, white mountains, abundant and curious wildlife – the western side of Antarctica is a lifechanging destination in itself.

    Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – your expedition crew will curate your adventure to ensure you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.

    You might have the chance to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features.

    Zodiac excursions open up exploration opportunities on both sides of the peninsula, from the Danger Islands to Paradise Harbour and the shores of the South Shetland Islands. We aim for two excursions on each expedition day to maximise your time on the Peninsula.

    You won’t spend sea days between Ushuaia and Antarctica in your cabin. Get insider info with a series of presentations from expert guides, as well as an expedition vessel decked out with all the mod cons.

    Is this trip right for you

    The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.   Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.  Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.  The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears. 

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with this style of travel. Please also bear in mind the isolation of where you will be travelling and the distance to medical facilities. Please note that if in the opinion of the staff, any traveller is found to be unfit to complete the itinerary on the day of embarkation, they may be denied boarding and excluded from the trip without a refund. VACCINATIONS Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for joining this voyage (please refer to our Safe Travel Strategy for more information). Generally, you do not need other travel vaccinations for this voyage. Some travel vaccinations may be required or recommended for countries you are visiting en route to Antarctica. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return. To find out which, if any, vaccinations are mandatory or recommended for your destination, please contact your local doctor, immunisation centre or medical centre for up-to-date information. You should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet that records each vaccination. Always carry this with you on your travels; it could provide essential information for doctors in the event that you fall ill whilst travelling. SAFE TRAVEL STRATEGY Up to date, COVID-19 vaccination is a mandatory pre-embarkation requirement for all guests, staff, and crew on all Ocean Endeavour voyages. At the time of final payment, we will request a copy of your vaccination status. It is all guests' responsibility to ensure they have the correct vaccination status paperwork. Failure to produce the correct paperwork will result in being denied boarding. Additionally, we have implemented a range of COVID protocols to reflect the best management of health, safety and hygiene to ensure the safety of our guests, staff and crew onboard the Ocean Endeavour. The following measures will be in place for our upcoming 2022/23 season: • Pre-embarkation COVID testing for all guests, staff and crew (Day 1) . • The latest testing capabilities onboard the Ocean Endeavour, to test as required. • Enhanced cleaning and sanitisation procedures in all cabins, public areas, crew areas, and ship's equipment. We are continuing to revise our measures as recommendations change. We will keep you updated on any revisions to our Safe Travel Protocols. BEFORE DEPARTURE It’s a requirement that all guests travelling to Antarctica complete enrolment and medical information to ensure we adhere to IAATO guidelines. A link to complete this information online will be forwarded to you approximately six months prior to departure and must be completed no later than 100 days in advance of your departure. This information will be passed on to the onboard medical team so the information provided must be clear and accurate. On review of your medical information, you may be required to provide further details or visit your Medical Practitioner about any health issues that could affect the journey. MEDICAL FACILITIES ONBOARD There will be a licensed English-speaking physician on board. The Ocean Endeavour has a medical clinic with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. The clinic will not be stocked with every drug or piece of equipment required for every medical problem. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicines for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. It is wise to carry an extra two weeks’ supply of prescription medications just in case of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have particular health needs, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician explaining your health problems and/or the dosage required for the prescribed medication. MOTION SICKNESS The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world, although at other times they are so smooth that it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'! Although our vessel is among the most stable ships in its class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition. Please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide for more information on motion sickness.

    Food and dietary requirements

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. The tap water on board is safe to drink. We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage via your online Polar forms. Kosher food cannot be prepared.

    Money matters

    There is no currency in Antarctica, however, the maritime currency of the world is $USD and as such $USD (US$ or USD) is the currency onboard the Ocean Endeavour. For ease, we operate with a cashless society, all items purchased from the Polar Boutique, lounge or bar (including drinks) are charged to your ship account and settled at the end of your expedition. Any laundry, postage, communication charges, spa treatments and adventure options booked onboard (space permitting) are also charged to this account. An account for payment will be presented to you on the final day of the voyage. Final payment can be made using cash or a card (Visa or MasterCard). Personal cheques are not accepted onboard. If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise the reception count. SPENDING IN ANTARCTICA It is wise to travel with sufficient cash to pay for incidentals such as shipboard items on the last day of the voyage, airport taxes and taxi transfers. In Antarctica, there are limited opportunities to spend money other than on the ship. If you are visiting the Falklands, it is advisable to have Pounds Sterling or US dollars to spend while in Stanley. Argentinean Pesos are not accepted. Please note there are no ATMs on the Falkland Islands. For trips to the Peninsula, you may visit Port Lockroy which is a small museum and has a souvenir shop, as does the museum in Grytviken on South Georgia. TIPPING Gratuities are at your personal discretion. While crew members are paid a fair and competitive wage, they also spend a large amount of time at sea - away from their families and go above and beyond to make your voyage a once in a lifetime experience. All nationalities and individuals have their own customs, and we believe it is your right to tip what you would be prepared for in your home country. If you are looking for guidance, then a suggested amount would be US$15-20 per person, per day. Onboard the Ocean Endeavour gratuities are collected at the final balance and distributed among the entire crew, including all back of house staff (chefs, housekeeping), sailors, and also the front line Expedition Team. Gratuities can be added to your onboard account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash onboard. Full details will be provided before you settle your onboard account. MEALS NOT INCLUDED All meals are included once onboard the Ocean Endeavour, but we suggest you allow US$100 per person for meals prior to boarding the ship or after you have disembarked.

    What to take

    The Antarctic Peninsula has relatively mild weather conditions when compared to the rest of the continent. As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and warm clothing. The dress code onboard is relaxed and casual and you will not need to dress formally for meals. The inside of the Ocean Endeavour is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly – a whale sighting or seals on a nearby ice-floe nearly always produce a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent. When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs. PROVIDED EXPEDITION GEAR Staying warm and dry during your voyage is vital. Our Expedition gear has been carefully selected and has all the important features to ensure maximum enjoyment on your Antarctic adventure. Sizing for your provided Expedition Gear will be collected approx 6 months prior to departure of your voyage and provided to you once onboard the vessel. • Expedition Parka (on loan): A water repellent coating on the outer layer helps to move moisture away from the body, making this a breathable and light jacket. With hi-vis elements, large pockets for easy accessibility and watertight seals, this is the perfect parka to keep you warm and dry on the ship to shore Zodiac excursions in all kinds of weather. • Insulated Inner Jacket (yours to keep): Made out of 100% recycled synthetic fibres, your vegan 600 fill insulated puffer jacket will keep you warm even on the wildest days of your expedition. With a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which encourages water to bead off the fabric’s surface, the jacket was produced using sustainable chemistry with minimal impact on people and the environment. A great memento to take home at the end of your voyage to remember your incredible Antarctic adventure! • Muck Boots (on loan): We will provide black, rubber Muck Boots for the entire duration of your voyage. They are specifically engineered to deliver grip and performance on snow and ice while keeping your feet warm and dry. PACKING LIST We have prepared a full list of equipment to use as a checklist when packing for your Antarctic expedition. Please refer to the Antarctic Travellers Guide for more information. Laundry facilities are available onboard the Ocean Endeavour (at extra cost).

    Feedback

    After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what could be done better. It allows us to suggest improvements for future travellers.

    Emergency contact

    Issues on your trip: While we always endeavour to provide you with the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your Expedition Leader straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the number below: +54 911 6227 2697

    Responsible travel

    As a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), we support responsible tourism that mitigates the impact of our shore landings on the landscape or wildlife. • Having our vessels burn Marine Gas Oil (MGO) a clean-burning fuel with a low emission factor. • Conforming to all international regulations/policies governing the disposal of waste. • Sorting recyclables on board to prevent waste from going to landfill. • Using only eco-friendly laundry chemicals. • Using only biodegradable toiletries in bathrooms. • Removing single-use plastics on trips. • Taking steps towards preventing lint fibres from being released into the ocean from laundering linen and passenger laundry. IAATO members also operate according to established rules of conduct, which, while you travel with us, we ask you to respect. All guests are required to review our IAATO Guidelines on the Traveller Information page prior to embarkation.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than 12.8 million dollars and supported more than 130 communities worldwide. Now, with almost 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. By simply being on this trip, Intrepid Travel will make a donation to the Intrepid Foundation on your behalf. If you choose to donate too, 100% of your donations will go directly to our partners on the ground – where they’re needed most. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your leader or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports WWF-Australia, a well-established conservation organisation helping protect our natural environment. Donations help their pioneering whale research and conservation efforts to establish marine protected areas around Antarctica and save whale species from extinction. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/wwf

    Transport notes

    The Ocean Endeavour has a fleet of 20 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all guests travelling to the Polar regions and is one of the most important components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. It is vital that you have the most suitable insurance with adequate levels of cover. We advise purchasing travel insurance at the same time as booking, ensuring you are covered for cancellation and curtailment from the moment that you confirm your Antarctic voyage, as well as ensuring cover for personal liability, loss of baggage and personal effects, as well as disruption to travel plans. Because of the remoteness of your expedition to Antarctica, advanced medical care and medical evacuations are extremely expensive which makes comprehensive travel insurance essential for all our clients. We encourage you to take the highest level of cover possible, but have a minimum requirement of USD250,000 coverage for medical-related expenses that must include medical evacuation and/or emergency repatriation cover, and specifically cover medical expenses, evacuation (including ship to shore transfer) and/ or emergency repatriation including COVID-19. Be aware that some travel insurance policies have minimum requirements for vaccination series (i.e 2 doses + booster) to cover COVID-19 related medical, evacuation and/or emergency repatriation. Your travel insurance policy must meet these minimum requirements. Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage may also be a mandatory requirement for other countries visited. Please refer to the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up to date information. There are many activities that can be undertaken in Antarctica. If you plan to participate in adventure options such as Kayaking, Day Paddle, Snowshoeing or Camping, please ensure your travel insurance specifically covers you for these activities. You need to ensure you know exactly what you are covered for and ensure that your policy covers this from the time you leave to arrive home. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number prior to the departure of your Cruise; you will not be able to join the Cruise nor receive your Final Travel Documentation without providing these details. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank's name and credit card details.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.

    Accommodation

    Comfortable Hotel (1 night),Expedition Cruis Ship (12 nights)

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