Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey

Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on a journey of discovery on this 11-day expedition designed for wildlife lovers. Set sail to where whales gather in their most significant numbers on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Highlights

Witness the migration of humpback whales as these gentle giants journey to Antarctica to feast on krill.
Jump on Zodiacs for at least two excursions daily, where you can take in the epic scenery, make onshore explorations and look for wildlife.
Gain insight from onboard polar experts who will cover a range of fascinating topics during their daily lectures, from the diverse wildlife to the unique geology of the region.
Look for gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur and Weddell seals, albatrosses and more, all set against the backdrop of towering icebergs and glaciated mountains.
Take part in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to meaningful research by photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale, who help to track and identify individual whales across the oceans.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Expedition cruise ship,zodiac

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Finishes

Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Polar

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

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. When you arrive at Ushuaia Airport, take your included transfer from the airport to your hotel. 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 you’re free to get ready for an early morning tomorrow!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina

Enjoy a leisurely morning with the backdrop of the Andes mountains and maybe go for a walk downtown before your coach transfer to the port of Ushuaia. Here, 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)

Day 3-4: At Sea, Drake Passage

Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. If conditions allow, you can explore the outer deck spaces, scouting for dolphins, whales and various seabirds, including the iconic wandering albatross with its enormous three-meter wingspan. The comprehensive lecture program will also get underway for you to join at your leisure, with your team of polar experts sharing insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in between. If the weather is on your side, you should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on Day 4 – the first sighting of land always builds great anticipation on any expedition south.

Included Activities:

Daily Briefings and Recap
Onboard Lecture Program
Citizen Science Program

Optional Activities:

Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 2)

Day 5-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula is known for many wildlife sightings and the backdrops of mountains, icy landscapes and water provide incredible scenes as you search for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the migration season (February and March) is the best opportunity to see these ocean dwellers, as all Antarctic whale species migrate long distances, feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich Southern Ocean during the southern summer. The most common species found in the region are humpback, minke and fin whales and orcas. As whale season is in full swing, you have the unique opportunity to participate in one of the onboard Citizen Science projects – the Happy Whale Project. Here, you can upload photos of whale’s tails (flukes) online, along with details of where the images are taken, which are then used to analyse and identify the individual whale and track its movement across the oceans. Your contribution could make a real difference in understanding and conserving these magnificent creatures. Sightings can happen from the outer decks of the ship, during a Zodiac excursion, or on the ship’s bridge with your captain, where the open bridge policy allows you into the command centre of the Ocean Nova for a look at the inner workings of your expedition and access to the best place to spot whales. A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow travellers for breakfast in the Dining Room. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion that offers a new perspective of this frozen expanse. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to invigorate you!

Included Activities:

Citizen Science Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Onboard Lecture Program

Optional Activities:

Onboard Gym - Free

Accommodation:

Expedition Cruise Ship (Number of Nights: 4)

Day 9-10: At Sea, Drake Passage

As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back home to the port of Ushuaia, now is your time to reflect. You’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 10, marking the beginning of your return journey. This evening, enjoy a slideshow of images taken by your Expedition Photographer during your voyage – these yours to take home as a lasting memento of your unforgettable Antarctic adventure. Your final dinner will be a highlight of your Antarctic adventurer, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team.

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)

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast, disembark the Ocean Nova as your Antarctic expedition ends. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included, but if you’d like to extend your stay, 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 $14,940

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Light

Embark on a journey of discovery on this 11-day expedition designed for wildlife lovers. Set sail to where whales gather in their most significant numbers on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Feb 2026

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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

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