Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
11 Days
From AUD $14910
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(16 reviews)

Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Take at least two excursions daily, either in Zodiacs or on land, to explore the incredible surroundings of the Antarctic wilderness. After winter, Antarctica awakens, and snow cloaks the continent in a pristine whiteness – a completely unique landscape.
  • Cruise on Zodiacs through ice-strewn bays and channels, among floating electric blue icebergs. Look out for marine wildlife as you go!
  • Attend informative lectures by your onboard polar experts, who can provide amazing insights into the region's diverse wildlife and unique geology.
  • Participate in initiatives like NASA's GLOBE Observer program, where your observations help track environmental changes. You can also take part in Citizen Science Projects like the Seabird Survey, which gathers data on Antarctic birds.
  • Become an expert birdwatcher – see the vast penguin populations in the rookeries, watching as they build their nests and court. Look out for albatross, fulmars and petrels as you sail the Drake Passage.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Expedition cruise ship,zodiac

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Finishes

Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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.

Included Activities:

  • Welcome Briefing

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 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.

Included Activities:

  • Citizen Science Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Onboard Lecture Program

Optional Activities:

  • Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
4
Day 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!

Included Activities:

  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program

Optional Activities:

  • Polar Plunge - Free
  • Snowshoeing (150 USD)
  • Day Paddle (349 USD)
  • Camping (399 USD)
  • Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 4)
5
Day 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.

Included Activities:

  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Citizen Science Program

Optional Activities:

  • Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)
6
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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $14,910
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Light

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Nov 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Jennifer
Traveled, November 2023

11/20/2023

From the moment you board the ship you know your in for adventure. This trip was more than I could have ever imagined. The sight of whales, seals and penguins in this magical wilderness makes you feel so insignificant. A highlight was the cracking ice, the enormous icebergs moving majestically and the snow covered mountains with billowing snow drifts. A truely magical....life changing experience resting in my heart forever more. Thanks Intrepid!

5.0
Ken
Traveled, November 2023

11/20/2023

This trip exceeded expectations. The very professional and friendly Intrepid crew and hospitality staff do everything they can to make your trip a delight. Well done everyone.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989