Best of Antarctica In Depth
Best of Antarctica In Depth
Best of Antarctica In Depth
13 Days Starting and ending in Ushuaia
Visiting: Ushuaia, Argentina, Embarkation in Ushuaia, At Sea, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GQMAW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 80
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 13-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. This expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, with 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’ll cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. The onboard Expedition Team will offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia, Argentina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica! Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy an included transfer to your hotel. This evening, you have an important welcome meeting at your hotel to meet your Expedition Team and fellow travellers, and learn more about the journey ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have free time before the meeting, consider exploring downtown Ushuaia for souvenir shopping or savouring classic Argentinian flavours at one of the city’s fantastic local restaurants.
Day 2: Embarkation In Ushuaia
Location: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed morning. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore downtown Ushuaia on foot – it’s compact, charming and set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, so be sure to bring your camera! Then, take a transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 11 nights. Once on board, settle into your cabin then head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova journeys through the historic Beagle Channel on route to Antarctica. Later, join the excitement inside to learn more about the incredible days ahead.
Included Activities:
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Day 3-4: At Sea, Drake Passage
Location: At Sea, Drake Passage
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Over these two days at sea, enjoy gazing out at the vast Southern Ocean and capturing photos of seabirds gracefully circling the ship. Use this time to connect with your fellow travellers and get to know the Expedition Team. Visit the ship's bridge and experience our open bridge policy, where our Captain welcomes you into Ocean Nova's command centre. Here, you can witness the expedition in motion while enjoying the prime vantage point for spotting wildlife and your very first iceberg. Or take time to step onto one of Ocean Nova's outer decks, where you can breathe in the fresh sea air and experience the powerful winds of the roaring forties and furious fifties. Keep watch for the first sighting of land which, with favourable sea and weather conditions, may come by early evening on day four.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5-10: South Shetland Islands And Antarctic Peninsula
Location: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once the South Shetland Islands come into view. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. One day, you might hike to a penguin rookery, the next, you could find yourself cruising in a Zodiac among towering icebergs. From locking eyes with a curious humpback whale to hearing the thunderous crack of a calving glacier, you’ll wake each day eager to continue exploring this icy wonderland. The highlight for many will be their first land excursion – a moment that is nothing short of unforgettable! There’s also the chance to engage with in-depth lectures from your team of onboard experts on the region’s glaciology, history and unique wildlife as you journey through this awe-inspiring wilderness. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to optional activities such as an overnight camping experience on the ice, a snowshoeing trek or a paddling excursion. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova – a brisk dip into Antarctica’s frigid waters is guaranteed to leave you feeling revitalised and energised!
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruis Ship (12 nights) -
Meals
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners -
Welcome Briefing
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Citizen Science Program
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Onboard Lecture Program
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Daily Briefings and Recap
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Guided walking Excursions
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Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
The Ocean Endeavour has a fleet of 20 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.
Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruis Ship (12 nights)
Important Information
Your voyage is on board the Ocean Nova ship.SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONSThis voyage is operated by our Polar partner Ocean Endeavour Expeditions Pty Ltd referred to as ‘Polar Latitudes’’. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount) per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 95 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the "booking conditions" on our website under Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Nova).ADVENTURE OPTIONSA range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Nova, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.• Day Paddle - One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team• Camping - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.• Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.
Mode of Transport
The Ocean Nova has a fleet of 8 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.
Accommodation
The Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience. Designed for intimate and immersive journeys, this nimble and sturdy ship accommodates just 80 guests. Your expedition focuses on discovery, enriched by a close-knit community of fellow travellers. The Ocean Nova’s compact size allows access to remote coves, bringing you closer to Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Cosy cabins feature large windows for breathtaking views, while the Panoramic Lounge offers 200-degree vistas and insightful presentations from our expert Expedition Team. With one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, the Ocean Nova is perfect for those seeking an enriching Antarctic adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The Ocean Nova 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. As there is no lift on board, you'll also need to take stairs to get to the gangway and other parts of the ship.
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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Dec 15, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.