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Home , Antarctic Convergence, Isla de los Estados

WHALE JOURNEY ABOARD THE ENDEAVOUR

Set sail in search of the giants of the on this voyage of discovery to the spectacular frozen continent of . Leaving the lights of behind, cross the legendary Drake Passage and , scanning the waters as you sail for the silhouettes of these magnificent marine mammals as they glide alongside the vessel or surface in a spectacular breach.

DEPARTS: 23 FEB 2021 DURATION: 11 DAYS

Highlights and inclusions: Imposing mountain ranges, beautifully sculpted icebergs, calving glaciers and ice-filled channels Explore your surroundings by Zodiac and make shore landings amongst the iconic colonies. Experience the White Continent and encounter an incredible variety of wildlife. Optional photography trips, snowshoeing and even kayaking on offer on this Antarctic adventure aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs, glaciated mountains and volcanoes. Benefit from a variety of on-board activities including educational lectures on the history, geology and ecology by the expedition team. Enjoy the amenities on board including expedition lounge, restaurant, bar, pool, jacuzzi, library, gym, spa facilities and sauna. Your cruise is full-board including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

For more information please see below.

ANTARCTIC WHALE JOURNEY

DAY 1: USHUAIA, DAY 2: EMBARKATION IN USHUAIA

Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you capital of (Land of Fire). It has a dramatic time to wander the streets of this quaint port town, or setting, surrounded by mountains to the north and the discover Tierra del Fuego National Park. Beagle Channel to the south, making it a spectacular This morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia, giving you departure point for your Antarctic adventure. time to wander the streets of this quaint port town, or discover Tierra del Fuego National Park. On arrival, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer Transfer to the pier of Ushuaia for embarkation in the you to your hotel. He/she will be holding a sign with your late afternoon. You will be welcomed on board the Ocean name on it. Should you not be able to locate them, please Endeavour by the Expedition Team and the Ship’s Officers. refer to the front of your itinerary for emergency contact details of our representative office. This evening we set sail through the Beagle Channel that was named after the British ship the HMS Beagle. This Your cruise itinerary begins with an overnight stay in famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago Ushuaia. If you arrive into Ushuaia early enough, the day is in the extreme south of , and is rich in yours to explore. Avenida San Martin and the surrounding wildlife. Keep a look out for Magellanic , rock streets are where most hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes cormorants, petrels and black-browed albatross from the and tourist services are located. Why not check out the deck as well as lion colonies. artisan markets whilst you are here? Enjoy your first taste of life at sea and a welcome dinner. The Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia (Maritime The air is likely to be filled with anticipation, as your next & the Prison of Ushuaia Museum) is well worth a visit. view of land will be of Antarctica - the White Continent. Located in the former prison of Ushuaia, the prison buildings now house four museums - the Maritime DAYS 3 & 4: CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE Museum, the Prison Museum, the Antarctic Museum and the Marine Museum of Art. The buildings date back to 1906 As we leave the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for when convicts were transferred from potentially rough as we enter the legendary Drake to Ushuaia to build this national prison. Construction was Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water completed in 1920 and the cells that were designed for 380 separates the southernmost tip of South America from inmates, held up to 800 prisoners before closing in 1947. the tip of the . It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake. Tierra del Fuego National Park is a short bus ride from Ushuaia and was the first shoreline national park As we head southwards, there is time to get to know your established in Argentina. It is a rugged, mountainous park shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with great views of Lapataia Bay and dramatic scenery of with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and lakes. There are many Antarctic - from the history and geology to the incredible hiking trails within the park including the Coastal Path wildlife. (Senda Costera) that connects Ensenada Bay to Lapataia Bay on Lago Roca. The park is home to many species of We will notice a drop in temperature as we cross the animal including the guanaco, Andean fox, North American Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic beaver, European rabbit and muskrat. There are also many Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar species of birds including the torrent duck, kelp goose, waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters austral parakeet, Andean condor and the Magellanic flowing south. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to oystercatcher. the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation The Fin del Mundo Train (End of the World Train) is a steam windows or brave the elements outside on deck as you train that runs from Ushuaia to Tierra del Fuego National keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, Park, providing an alternative way to get to the park. icebergs and maybe even breaching whales. ANTARCTIC WHALE JOURNEY

Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in our wake, we DAYS 8 & 9: ANTARCTIC continue south towards Antarctica, maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are favourable. The We hope to make one final excursion or shore landing first sighting of land always brings great excitement, and today before we leave the Antarctic Peninsula behind, and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic head back across the Drake Passage. This is another great expedition. opportunity to look out for wildlife from the deck of the ship, as you identify seabirds and maybe whales with the DAYS 5 TO 7: SOUTH SHETLAND AND ANTARCTIC PEN. help of your Expedition Team. Gain more insight into the region by attending final lectures and presentations by the For the next three days we explore the South Shetland polar experts and take time to relax and reminisce about Islands and Antarctic Peninsula that is famed for its your Antarctic experiences. By the evening we hope to be majestic mountains, glaciers, imposing icebergs, ice- back in the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, ensuring strewn waters and abundance of wildlife. The scenery, a restful nights sleep on board. wildlife and serene silence of Antarctica will enchant and enthral and you will soon realise why this region has captivated the attention of explorers and travellers for centuries.

Your days on the Antarctic Peninsula will form the core of your adventure. Every day will be different as we cruise by Zodiac amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites. Unpredictable weather and ice conditions mean that the itinerary will be flexible, but will make the most of wildlife sightings, as we aim to explore penguin rookeries, seal and bird colonies, whale feeding areas as well as visiting sites of historic and scientific interest and climbing to vantage points for panoramic views. There is always something new or unexpected to see, with opportunities for kayaking, snowshoeing and photography with an expert, which means that your expedition will be a unique and personal experience and DAY 10: DISEMBARKATION IN USHUAIA unlike any other. Enjoy the antics of thousands of curious penguins as you sit on a pebbled beach, scout for orcas, We are scheduled to arrive into Ushuaia early this morning, humpback, minke, fin, sei and southern right whales as you disembarking after a final breakfast aboard the Ocean cruise by Zodiac, visit a research base, listen out for the Endeavour. mighty crack of a calving glacier and maybe brave a polar plunge in the icy waters! Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or maybe spend a few days in Ushuaia, giving you time to explore As we cruise through the Peninsula, the lecture programme further, maybe hiking in Tierra del Fuego National park. continues and sightseeing is at its most spectacular off the ship’s outer decks. Enjoy the Ocean Endeavour’s newly Please Note: You are advised not to book a flight out of designed health and fitness features, with facilities that Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of include a spa, His and Hers saunas, saltwater pool and gym delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions. plus yoga sessions. Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors. ANTARCTIC WHALE JOURNEY

EXTENSIONS TO YOUR ANTARCTIC CRUISE

There are many incredible places to explore in South America either before or after your Antarctic cruise.

We can suggest a huge range of personalised tailormade itineraries with daily departures, as well as a range of Small Group Tours that connect with your cruise.

Please refer to your booking agent for more information.

THE

This frozen Frontier is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Penguin species include Adélie, chinstrap, macaroni and gentoo. You should encounter Weddell, crabeater and OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES leopard seals as well as minke, orca (killer) and humpback whales, Antarctic fur seals and Southern elephant seals. The following activities are available, subject to availability: Then of course there is the huge variety of seabirds including kelp gulls, blue-eyed cormorants, Antarctic terns, KAYAKING - US$790 PER PERSON Southern giant petrels, shearwaters and the wandering Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an albatross with a wing span reaching up to 3 metres. experience guaranteed to refresh your soul. Paddling in small groups, you’ll glide between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs dotted with wildlife. Previous kayaking experience is required.

PHOTOGRAPHY PRIVATE WORKSHOP - US$790 PER PERSON Includes workshops prior to arrival in Antarctica, critiquing sessions while in Antarctica and editing workshops on the return journey. Some zodiac excursions on dedicated zodiac and dedicated to Photography guide on landings. Return with the best capture memories posible.

HIKING - NO COST Explore the surroundings by foot as you actively hike on Antarctica. Only available in some locations. Weather dependant.

YOGA - NO COST Experience Yoga in a way like no other. On board the ship you will find yoga avaialble to you. This is however, weather and swell dependent.

EXPEDITION GEAR

- Rubber boots are provided for shore excursions. Upon booking you will receive more information about what you need to pack for your voyage.