Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer
11 Days
From AUD $16570
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Enter a world of snow and ice as you take an epic journey to Antarctica – the continent that has long captivated explorers.

Highlights

  • Explore an unspoiled wilderness, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are in their abundance. Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
  • Look out for seals and whales, when sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed.
  • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping and snowshoeing.
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the Expedition Team.
  • Participate in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to vital research, including photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale – who help to track and identify individual whales as they journey 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

Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina, Antarctica

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Polar

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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.

Included Activities:

  • Welcome Briefing

Accommodation:

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

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 & 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.

Included Activities:

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

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

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

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 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.
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 $16,570
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Light

Enter a world of snow and ice as you take an epic journey to Antarctica – the continent that has long captivated explorers.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 Dec 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
4.0
Jane
Traveled, January 2024

02/04/2024

If you want to go to Antarctica and experience a conscientious open collaborative environment, the Endevor might be for you. I didn’t want to ever go on a cruise, but this expedition style suited me fine. Less people met more time on the water, putting my feet on the land and being able to carve out some solitude in a landscape that is beyond words. Avoid the crowds and experience the pristine raw Antarctica of today.

4.5
Craig
Traveled, January 2024

02/04/2024

Great trip. Could not recommend it more.

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