Best of Antarctica: Whale Discovery

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the gateway to Antarctica. Before you embark on this epic journey, take an included transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and our local team in Ushuaia with a welcome meeting in the evening, followed by an optional icebreaker. arrive early, why not head downtown for some souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia’s fantastic local restaurants? If you get the chance, watching the sun go down at “The End of the World” (the nickname for the Tierra del Fuego archipelago) is the perfect way to cap off your first night.

Please note: An arrival transfer from the airport is included if you arrive in Ushuaia on Day 1. On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, please make your way through to the Arrivals Hall where our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel.

This morning is yours to explore Ushuaia. You can always ask your leader for suggestions, but exploring this remote town on foot makes for a beautiful start to the day. Ushuaia offers enough stunning scenery for any nature-buff, so make sure you’ve grabbed your camera to snap that snow-capped backdrop.

In the afternoon, transfer to the port of Ushuaia where you will board the Ocean Endeavour – your home on the sea for the next 10 nights. After meeting your fellow passengers and Expedition Team and settling into your cabin, you’ll set sail through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Soak up incredible views as you glimpse your last sight of Argentina, then head inside to join the excitement and learn more about what to expect over the coming days.

As we leave the Beagle Channel, prepare yourself for potentially rough seas as we enter the legendary Drake Passage. This infamous and unpredictable channel of water separates the southernmost tip of South America from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was named after the English explorer, Sir Frances Drake.

As we head southwards, there is time to get to know your shipmates and get an insight into the excitement ahead with presentations from the Expedition Team on everything Antarctic – from the history and geology to the incredible wildlife.

We will notice a drop in temperature as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. At the Antarctic Convergence, the colder polar waters flowing north meet the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface, attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species. Look out through the panoramic observation windows or brave the elements outside on deck as you keep your eyes peeled for albatrosses flying overhead, icebergs and maybe even breaching whales.

Leaving the Antarctic Convergence in our wake, we continue south towards Antarctica, maybe making landfall by early evening on Day 4, if conditions are favorable. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement, and is often embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

The Antarctic Peninsula is known for a high number of wildlife sightings, not to mention the stunning backdrop of mountains, icy landscapes and water. The perfect combination, as you search for migrating whales. This is why you have five full days to enjoy wildlife opportunities, both from the expansive outer decks of the Ocean Endeavour and via Zodiac cruises and shore excursions. The peak of the migration season is the best opportunity to see these majestic 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, as well as orcas.

An average day on board 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 expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

As whale season is in full swing, you may like to participate in one of our exciting onboard Citizen Science projects – the Happy Whale Project, where you can upload photos of whale’s tails (called flukes) online, along with details of where the images are taken. These are used to analyze and identify the individual whales and track their movement across the oceans. Sightings can happen from the outer decks of the ship, on the ship’s bridge with your Captain or during a Zodiac excursion. Our open bridge policy allows you into the command centre of the Ocean Endeavour for the ultimate behind-the-scenes access and the best place to spot whales.

You will also have the daily opportunity for optional adventure activities, including kayaking or day paddle excursions through ice floes, or photography sessions and workshops led by our expert photography guides.

Please note: Potential excursions and landing sites are determined by weather and ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

As the Ocean Endeavour starts its return journey north to our home port of Ushuaia, now is the time to reflect on your amazing adventure. We’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of day 11. This evening, your final meal together in the Polaris restaurant is often a highlight, so make sure to live it up and enjoy the moment as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travelers and Expedition Team. Don’t forget the group selfie!

Disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast as your Antarctic expedition comes to an end and the memories of an amazing experience begin. A transfer to Ushuaia airport or downtown is included if you’re departing today.

Please note: If you would like to stay on in Ushuaia beyond today or would like to explore South America, please speak to your Destination Specialist to discuss options. If you are flying out today, please don’t book your flight to depart Ushuaia before midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.