Antarctica Whale Journey
Set sail in search of whales and other Antarctic wildlife on this cruise aboard the Ocean Endeavour
From: USD 6,990
A 11-day long Cruise
The Trip Highlights
Antarctic Peninsula's remarkable history
Whale watching from your Zodiac
Set foot on the White Continent
Observe penguins in their natural habitat
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Experience the chill of a polar plunge
Expert guides answer all questions
Your trip is 100% carbon offset
Expedition Parka to take home
Embark on a remarkable journey in search of the giants of the Southern Ocean on this voyage of discovery to Antarctica. Brave the infamous Drake Passage and have your camera ready for sea birds as they soar and swoop around the ship, keep your eyes peeled for underwater movement and that unmistakable breach. Jaw-dropping scenery, immense glaciers and ice-filled channels await and provide a perfect backdrop as you explore by zodiac the ice filled bays, getting you up close and personal to the migrating mammals. Take a step on the continent and spot seals laying along the shores and walk among penguin rookeries. On board, enjoy optional activities, lectures presented by resident polar experts and a state-of-the-art wellness and fitness facilities.
There is no better way to discover the majestic beauty of the Antarctic peninsula and its amazing whales.
Your ship: Ocean Endeavour
The Ocean Endeavour is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the Antarctic cruise ships of old and it’s quickly become one of our favorites thanks to the things they do differently on board.
Firstly, the Ocean Endeavour provides a class-leading ratio of 1 crew member per 8 passengers, giving you a more personal, informative, and comfortable Antarctic adventure.
The ship also features a focus on health and wellness. The onboard spa, gym, and sauna are overseen by the ship’s health and wellness expert, and there is a dedicated medical center with a permanent onboard doctor and paramedi … Read more about Ocean Endeavour
Amenities
Fitness Center
Bar
Mudroom
Observation Deck
Pool
Zodiac Fleet
Yoga
Observation Lounge
Hot Tub
Gift Shop
Sauna
Medical Services
Food & Drinks
Like everything else about Ocean Endeavour, mealtimes are all about enjoyment, relaxation, and learning. Enjoy open-seating meals in the roomy Polaris Restaurant, surrounded by ocean views, while the expert guides and crew happily mingle and share their expertise with you.
Breakfast and lunch include a wide variety of tasty and healthy choices. Globally inspired à la carte suppers to offer options to suit every taste, including fish and vegetarian options. Desserts, made fresh daily, are a highlight! Food allergies, special diets, and personal choices can all be accommodated by our skilled chefs with advance notice.
Early-bird breakfast, afternoon tea, late-night snacks, and treats round out the offerings. And tea, coffee, and cookies are always freely available.
Select Tour Dates
Adventure Options
Optional activities during your cruise
Day 1 • Arrival at Ushuaia. The end of the world. The beginning of everything!
On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where a representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. They will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should you not be able to contact them, please refer to the front of your itinerary for emergency contact details of our representative office.
Your cruise itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Ushuaia. If you arrive into Ushuaia early enough, the day is yours to explore. Avenida San Martin and the surrounding streets are where most hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes and tourist services are located.
Ushuaia is often called the "Gateway to Antarctica". Thanks to its position on the shores of the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia's harbor is equally popular with luxury cruise vessels and huge, rugged ice breakers. A vital port for the resupply of many of the Antarctic research bases, Ushuaia is also a beautiful city that really does feel like it's at the edge of the world. You can have a walk in the city to explore fascinating museums like "the end of the world" musem and other cultural centers. It is the perfect place to start boat trips along the Beagle Channel to get up close and personal with penguins and seals. Ushuaia is definitely a remarkable destination in its own right, as well as a wonderful place to start any kind of cruise and trip through Patagonia.
Day 2 • Embark on your new home, the Ocean Endeavour.
Ushuaia is often called the "Gateway to Antarctica". Thanks to its position on the shores of the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia's harbor is equally popular with luxury cruise vessels and huge, rugged ice breakers. A vital port for the resupply of many of the Antarctic research bases, Ushuaia is also a beautiful city that really does feel like it's at the edge of the world. You can have a walk in the city to explore fascinating museums like "the end of the world" musem and other cultural centers. It is the perfect place to start boat trips along the Beagle Channel to get up close and personal with penguins and seals. Ushuaia is definitely a remarkable destination in its own right, as well as a wonderful place to start any kind of cruise and trip through Patagonia.
Day 3-4 • Cross the infamous Drake Passage.
The Drake Passage is the name given to the infamous stretch of open ocean between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.
Your guides are always on hand to help you identify the sea bird species that always follow the ships, as well as spotting whales and other cetaceans that can be seen en route to the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands.
Day 5-6 • The South Shetland Islands
Sometimes overlooked as a destination by people keen to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are a must-see destination in their own right.
Often the first and last landfall on an Antarctic cruise, many people are taken aback by the stunning beauty of these islands. What better way to make contact with the Antarctic than by making your first beach landing here surrounded by gentoo penguins?
Apart from some of the most southerly species of penguin, the South Shetlands are home to a huge range of Antarctic wildlife, and they make a superb introduction to the wildlife of the whole region, including key species like elephant seals, humpback whales, and more.
With active volcanoes, the relics and remains of its history as a centre for whaling, and some of the most beautiful Antarctic mountain scenery, the South Shetland Islands are a fitting first destination for any Antarctic cruise.
Day 7-8 • The Antarctic Peninsula
The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited by expedition cruises and is home to many of the most popular landing sites. The Gerlache Strait is renowned for the stunning scenery with the snow covered mountains, as if covered in icing sugar, with numerous glaciers tumbling down to the sea.
Being the most northerly part of the whole continent, the Peninsula enjoys the mildest Antarctic condition, with temperatures in winter averaging a balmy -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F)! In the summer, things warm up to an average of just above freezing. Large areas of this part of the peninsula are ice-free in the early season, being important breeding and feeding grounds for many iconic Antarctic species.
It's here that many of the historic Antarctic expeditions began, and where early military and scientific bases were first established, some of which you will be able to visit if conditions allow. These remarkable artefacts have been left as time capsules, their contents showing remarkable levels of preservation thanks to the dry and cold climate.
Day 9-10 • Spend the last 2 days crossing the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia
The Drake Passage is the name given to the infamous stretch of open ocean between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.
Your guides are always on hand to help you identify the sea bird species that always follow the ships, as well as spotting whales and other cetaceans that can be seen en route to the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands.
Day 11 • Your unforgettable Antarctic cruise comes to an end in Ushuaia
You are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, and you'll disembark after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
After saying our farewells to our Expedition Team and the crew of the Ocean Endeavour, you'll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, or you may like to spend some extra days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore this fascinating town and the surrounding areas.
PLEASE NOTE: You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
Ushuaia is often called the "Gateway to Antarctica". Thanks to its position on the shores of the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia's harbor is equally popular with luxury cruise vessels and huge, rugged ice breakers. A vital port for the resupply of many of the Antarctic research bases, Ushuaia is also a beautiful city that really does feel like it's at the edge of the world. You can have a walk in the city to explore fascinating museums like "the end of the world" musem and other cultural centers. It is the perfect place to start boat trips along the Beagle Channel to get up close and personal with penguins and seals. Ushuaia is definitely a remarkable destination in its own right, as well as a wonderful place to start any kind of cruise and trip through Patagonia.
Reviews
Deanna Rieden
May 2022
This was the trip of a lifetime. Our final continent. Once we arrived in Punta Arenas, we were met at the airport by Paula from Aurora who took us to hotel. My baggage was lost by airline and she gave me a coat to wear immediately. Shout out to Paula and Michael for tracking my Luggage. Once we transferred to Antarctica we were met by ship crew with drinks and smiles. The week was packed with excursions and amazing information presented by scientists in different aspects of expertise. The ship staff was friendly, personable making the trip an amazing adventure. The fly and cruise is the way to go!
Marion K
May 2022
It was an AMAZING journey through one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever scene (if not the most). The boat was top of the line, the professional crew incredibly professional, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. The service crew took well care of us during all the journey. The kayak pack is specially recommended and if you are lucky you will also a face to face hunch whale experience you will remember as your top wildlife adventure for life (copied from Trip Advisor)
Doug Beham
May 2022
Couldn't be better! This company checks all the boxes: well-planned expeditions, pristine ship, and skilled & courteous service from all the employees. Best cruise company I have traveled with by far. (Copied from Google)
Cristian Coudeu
May 2022
Impressive trip, a beautiful destination that thanks to A21 becomes unforgettable. The concern for every detail, the professional level of the team, the joy with which they do their work make this experience something unique. Discovering Antarctica with A21 is a dream that we should all have. (copied from Trip Advisor)
Till K
April 2022
We booked the 2.5 week trip incl. Antarctic peninsula and South Georgia. We received good information on clothing, recommended literature, itinerary etc. previously. The one night in Punta Arenas extended due to fog around the antarctic landing strip to three days, with an OK emergency program. The difficulty to get to Antarctica shows that it a somehow adventurous place and not normal tourism. Once arrived on board, we were welcomed nicely and shown the beautiful new vessel, the Magellan Explorer. The expedition staff and the crew are very friendly and professional. The cabins and excellent, all have balconies, mini bars are refilled all the time. Food on boards in really good and varied every day. Wine is OK. The expeditions are what you came for. Protocols are very strict, in order to protect wild life. Whats you see is totally amazing, in Antarctica the icebergs and white sceneries, later on in South Georgia the immense amount of king penguins, seals with puppies, etc. During the days of pure navigation, you can spot whales, albatrosses etc., and get very interesting lectures of Antarctic related topics (history, political situation, animals, etc.). Lecturers are excellent professionals, some are also funny. What could be improved? On our specific trip, the three days lost in the beginning were cut off just from the Antarctic peninsula part of the trip, nothing from South Georgia. Could have been more balanced. And in general, on zodiac tours without landing, people could be grouped by interest (photographers have other needs than the rest, some older people get cold earlier than some younger, etc.). Overall… a trip of the lifetime. I intend to do the pure Antarctic trip with the same company and the same vessel. (Copied from Trip Advisor)
