Best of Antarctica: Whale Discovery Itinerary

Starting in

Ushuaia, Argentina

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

11

Lunches included

9

Dinners included

10

Ending in

Ushuaia, Argentina

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (10 nights)

Transport

Expedition cruise ship , zodiac

All aboard – the journey of a lifetime awaits. Set sail towards the Antarctic Peninsula, where whales gather in their largest numbers, on this 12-day expedition designed especially for wildlife-lovers and epic adventurers. Follow the migration paths of whales and spot seals, penguins and seabirds along the way. Explore the frozen wilderness from the deck of the Ocean Nova and from a fleet of up-close-and-personal Zodiacs, scanning for underwater silhouettes. Take an optional expedition by day paddle or choose to take a reinvigorating polar plunge. Among electric blue glaciers, this by-sea adventure provides the best opportunity for whale-spotting and once-in-a-lifetime exploration.

Day 1: Ushuaia

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica! On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, there’ll be a transfer included to your joining hotel. This evening, you’ll have the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Expedition Team during an important welcome meeting at your hotel. Your leaders will share more about the journey ahead and provide details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you arrive in Ushuaia early, you might like to explore downtown, where you can shop for unique souvenirs or indulge in authentic Argentinian cuisine at one of the town’s excellent local restaurants.

Day 2: Embarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

Enjoy a relaxing morning – Ushuaia is a charming, compact town with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes, so be sure to have your camera ready! Then, transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 10 nights. Once aboard, settle into your cabin, and head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova embarks on its journey through the historic Beagle Channel, bound for Antarctica. Later, join the excitement indoors as you learn about the incredible adventures ahead.

Day 3-4: At sea, Drake Passage

Embark on a two-day journey across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, as you head toward the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. If conditions permit, take advantage of the outer deck spaces to look out for dolphins, whales, and various seabirds, including the Wandering albatross, with its impressive three-meter wingspan. The onboard lecture program will also begin, allowing you to join at your leisure as a team of polar experts provides insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and much more. With favourable weather, you’ll reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four, with the first sighting of land always sparking excitement and anticipation for the next phase of your southern adventure.

Day 5-9: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula offers incredible wildlife sightings against breathtaking backdrops of towering mountains, icy landscapes, and pristine waters. As you explore, watch for migrating whales – the peak of the migration season, from February to March, provides the best chance to witness these majestic ocean giants. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to participate in our Citizen Science project, helping to track individual whales and their movements across the oceans. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to get you going!

Day 10-11: At Sea, Drake Passage

As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back to Ushuaia, take this time to reflect on the incredible adventure you've experienced. You’re expected to reach the calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 11. Your final meal will be a memorable highlight of the expedition. Celebrate the unforgettable moments of your Antarctic adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, cherishing the connections and experiences you’ve shared!

Day 12: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition comes to an end, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Hotel Albatros, Av Maipu 505, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego , Ushuaia, ARGENTINA, Phone: +54 2901437300

Finish point

Ushuaia Port, , Ushuaia, ARGENTINA

Important information

Your voyage is on board the Ocean Nova ship.

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
This 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 OPTIONS
An optional day paddle is a one-off excursion available on all voyages for an additional cost. Pre-book via your booking agent.

Emergency contact

Issues on your trip:
While we always endeavour to provide you with the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your Expedition Leader straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

Assistance in Buenos Aires
If you have booked accommodation and/or airport transfers in Buenos Aires with Intrepid and you require any assistance upon arrival, please contact our office in South America (Peru) on +51 996 055 559 or +51 940 512 701


Transfers in Buenos Aires
If you have booked an arrival transfer in Buenos Aires with Intrepid, please collect your bags and proceed through customs. Upon exiting the baggage claim area you’ll be met by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign with your name on it. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays t immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our office in South America (Peru) on +51 996 055 559 or +51 940 512 701

If you have booked a departure transfer in Buenos Aires with Intrepid from the hotel to the airport your transfer driver will pick you up from the hotel at the following times prior to your scheduled departure flight:

- if you are flying flying out of Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
- International flights - 4 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight.
- Domestic flights – 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight

- If you are flying out of Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP)
- International flights – 3.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight
- Domestic flights – 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight

If you require any assistance with your Antarctica trip once you are in Ushuaia please contact our local Intrepid representative on the number listed below.


In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





+54 911 6227 2697

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. 

Why we love it

Keep watch for an abundance of humpback whales, as these marine mammals migrate south to feed on krill., Admire the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that surrounds you, such as Gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur seals, albatross and so much more, backed by icebergs and glaciated mountains., Head out on daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions (weather permitting), allow you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings of the Antarctic wilderness., Settle in to listen to onboard specialists, who’ll provide invaluable insights during talks on topics spanning the region's diverse wildlife to its unique geology., Contribute to various vital research projects by participating in our Citizen Science Program, all led by our expert Expedition Team. 

Group leader

Your expedition will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader and at least one Assistant Expedition Leader.
In addition, there will be a team of Polar experts and Expedition Guides who will be with you throughout. These experts will have various areas of expertise to inform you about the wildlife you may see, the terrain you'll pass through, the history of the area and to help you get the most out of photography opportunities. In addition there will be specialist guides for kayaking or day paddling and special guest presenters. With a guest to guide ratio of 8:1, there will always be someone around to answer any questions you may have.

Safety

On your way to join your voyage, you may take advantage of the opportunity to visit a larger South American city such as Buenos Aires or Santiago. It is worth researching matters of personal safety and security in these places before your departure. Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure from Ushuaia and also again at the end of your voyage.

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 16 Feb 2027 to 27 Feb 2027

Additional Information

Health

GENRAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with this style of travel.
Please also bear in mind the isolation of where you will be travelling and the distance to medical facilities. Please note that if in the opinion of the staff, any traveller is found to be unfit to complete the itinerary on the day of embarkation, they may be denied boarding and excluded from the trip without a refund.

MEDICAL INFORMATION
Antarctic expedition voyages travel to remote areas with limited or no sophisticated medical facilities. Should a medical emergency arise, we must be armed with the necessary information to help you. Hence, any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care must be covered by your travel insurance and brought to our attention before the voyage. Medical forms will be available approximately four months before departure as part of your Cruise Enrolment.
Some conditions may preclude you from travelling. If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition, please contact your booking agent as soon as possible to discuss your medical history with our Medical Team and ensure you meet our travel requirements.

VACCINATIONS
We highly recommend receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as well as up to date influenza vaccine, particularly given the presence of Avian Influenza in Antarctica.
Generally, you do not need other travel vaccinations for this voyage. Some travel vaccinations may be required or recommended for countries you are visiting en route to Antarctica. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return. To find out which, if any, vaccinations are mandatory or recommended for your destination, please contact your local doctor, immunisation centre or medical centre for up-to-date information.
You should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet that records each vaccination. Always carry this with you on your travels; it could provide essential information for doctors in the event that you fall ill whilst travelling.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages and is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you provide us with your travel insurance details. Travel insurance is one of the most critical components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. You must have the most suitable insurance with adequate coverage. Because of Antarctica's remoteness, medical attention and evacuations are extremely expensive, making insurance coverage an absolute necessity, particularly as you have invested large sums of money to travel there.
Please see section “travel Insurance” for further information

BEFORE DEPARTURE
It’s a requirement that all guests travelling to Antarctica complete enrolment and medical information to ensure we adhere to IAATO guidelines.
A link to complete this information online will be forwarded to you approximately four months prior to departure and must be completed no later than 3 months prior to your departure. This information will be passed on to the onboard medical team so the information provided must be clear and accurate.
On review of your medical information, you may be required to provide further details or visit your Medical Practitioner about any health issues that could affect the journey.

MEDICAL FACILITIES ONBOARD
There will be a licensed English-speaking physician on board.
The ship has a medical clinic with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. The clinic will not be stocked with every drug or piece of equipment required for every medical problem. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicines for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board.

It is wise to carry an extra two weeks’ supply of prescription medications just in case of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have particular health needs, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician explaining your health problems and/or the dosage required for the prescribed medication.

MOTION SICKNESS
The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world, although at other times they are so smooth that it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'!
Although our vessel is among the most stable ships in its class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.
Please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide for more information on motion sickness.

Food and dietary requirements

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. The tap water on board is safe to drink.
We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage via your online Polar forms. Kosher food cannot be prepared.

Money matters

There is no currency in Antarctica, however, the maritime currency of the world is $USD and as such $USD (US$ or USD) is the currency onboard the Ocean Nova ship. For ease, we operate with a cashless society, all items purchased from the Polar Boutique, lounge or bar (including drinks) are charged to your ship account and settled at the end of your expedition. Any laundry, postage, communication charges and adventure options booked onboard (space permitting) are also charged to this account. An account for payment will be presented to you on the final day of the voyage. Final payment can be made using cash or a card (Visa or MasterCard). Personal cheques are not accepted onboard. If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise the reception count.

SPENDING IN ANTARCTICA
It is wise to travel with sufficient cash to pay for incidentals such as shipboard items on the last day of the voyage, airport taxes and taxi transfers. In Antarctica, there are limited opportunities to spend money other than on the ship. If you are visiting the Falklands, it is advisable to have Pounds Sterling or US dollars to spend while in Stanley. Argentinean Pesos are not accepted. Please note there are no ATMs on the Falkland Islands. For trips to the Peninsula, you may visit Port Lockroy which is a small museum and has a souvenir shop, as does the museum in Grytviken on South Georgia.

TIPPING
Gratuities are at your personal discretion. While crew members are paid a fair and competitive wage, they also spend a large amount of time at sea - away from their families and go above and beyond to make your voyage a once in a lifetime experience. All nationalities and individuals have their own customs, and we believe it is your right to tip what you would be prepared for in your home country. If you are looking for guidance, then a suggested amount would be US$15-20 per person, per day. Onboard the Ocean Nova gratuities are collected at the final balance and distributed among the entire crew, including all back of house staff (chefs, housekeeping), sailors, and also the front line Expedition Team. Gratuities can be added to your onboard account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash onboard. Full details will be provided before you settle your onboard account.

MEALS NOT INCLUDED
All meals are included once onboard the Ocean Nova, but we suggest you allow US$100 per person for meals prior to boarding the ship or after you have disembarked.

What to take

The Antarctic Peninsula has relatively mild weather conditions when compared to the rest of the continent. As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and warm clothing.
The dress code onboard is relaxed and casual and you will not need to dress formally for meals.

The inside of the ship is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly – a whale sighting or seals on a nearby ice-floe nearly always produce a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent.

When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs.

PROVIDED EXPEDITION GEAR
Staying warm and dry during your voyage is vital. Our Expedition gear has been carefully selected to provide you with all the necessary features for an enjoyable Antarctic adventure. We'll gather your gear sizes about 4 months before your trip, and you'll receive them once you're aboard the ship. Our chosen Expedition Parkas, Inner Jackets, and Muck Boots are designed to fit a wide range of sizes, accommodating up to 3XL for both men and women.

• Expedition Parka (on loan): A water repellent coating on the outer layer helps to move moisture away from the body, making this a breathable and light jacket. With hi-vis elements, large pockets for easy accessibility and watertight seals, this is the perfect parka to keep you warm and dry on the ship to shore Zodiac excursions in all kinds of weather. Men's sizes range from S to 3XL, while women's sizes span from 8 to 20, offering a comprehensive array of choices tailored to your preferences.


• Insulated Inner Jacket (yours to keep): Made out of 100% recycled synthetic fibres, your vegan 600 fill insulated puffer jacket will keep you warm even on the wildest days of your expedition. With a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which encourages water to bead off the fabric’s surface, the jacket was produced using sustainable chemistry with minimal impact on people and the environment. A great memento to take home at the end of your voyage to remember your incredible Antarctic adventure! Our size range extends from 48 (S) to 62 (4XL) for men, and from 6 (XXS) to 20 (3XL) for women.


• Muck Boots (on loan): We will provide black, rubber Muck Boots for the entire duration of your voyage. They are specifically engineered to deliver grip and performance on snow and ice while keeping your feet warm and dry. Our size range begins at 4 and extends up to 15, catering to both men and women. Additionally, it's important to note that our neoprene Muck Boots possess a calf measurement circumference of 42cm. Moreover, it's worth noting that our neoprene Muck Boots have a calf measurement circumference of 42cm. While these boots do offer a certain degree of flexibility around the calf area, if your calf dimensions significantly surpass this measurement or if you experience limited ankle flexibility, accommodating you with our existing Muck Boot inventory onboard may not be possible.



PACKING LIST
We have prepared a full list of equipment to use as a checklist when packing for your Antarctic expedition. Please refer to the Antarctic Travellers Guide for more information. Laundry facilities are available onboard the ship (at extra cost).

Climate and seasonal

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A couple of rules

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Accommodation notes

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.

Transport notes

The Ocean Nova has a fleet of 8 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages and is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you provide us with your travel insurance details. Travel insurance is one of the most critical components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. You must have the most suitable insurance with adequate coverage. Because of Antarctica's remoteness, medical attention and evacuations are extremely expensive, making insurance coverage an absolute necessity, particularly as you have invested large sums of money to travel there.

Your travel insurance must provide a minimum coverage of USD250,000 for medical expenses, evacuation (including ship-to-shore transfer), and emergency repatriation. It must also cover all significant pre-existing conditions, particularly those that have the potential to cause issues on board. Your insurance must include coverage for COVID-19. Be aware that some travel insurance policies have minimum requirements for vaccination series (i.e., two doses + booster) to cover COVID-19-related medical, evacuation, and emergency repatriation. Your travel insurance policy must meet these minimum requirements.

We also strongly recommend that it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, personal accident, death, sickness, loss of baggage and personal belongings, and disruption to your travel plans. We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance simultaneously as booking to ensure you are covered for cancellation and curtailment from when you confirm your Antarctic voyage. You need to know precisely what you are covered for and ensure that your policy covers this from when you leave to when you arrive home.

If you plan to participate in adventure options, please ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers you for these activities. For more information, please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide.

Your fellow travellers

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Itinerary disclaimer

No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.