Comfort
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
11 days • 4.9
5
Excellent
19 reviews
11 days
Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish
Ushuaia, Argentina
Trip Code
GQMDW
Min Age
12
Trip Size
1 - 80
Physical Rating
Meals
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship
From £7,256(11 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Take at least two excursions daily, either in Zodiacs or on land, to explore the incredible surroundings of the Antarctic wilderness. After winter, Antarctica awakens, and snow cloaks the continent in a pristine whiteness – a completely unique landscape.
Cruise on Zodiacs through ice-strewn bays and channels, among floating electric blue icebergs. Look out for marine wildlife as you go!
Attend informative lectures by your onboard polar experts, who can provide amazing insights into the region's diverse wildlife and unique geology.
Participate in initiatives like NASA's GLOBE Observer program, where your observations help track environmental changes. You can also take part in Citizen Science Projects like the Seabird Survey, which gathers data on Antarctic birds.
Become an expert birdwatcher – see the vast penguin populations in the rookeries, watching as they build their nests and court. Look out for albatross, fulmars and petrels as you sail the Drake Passage.
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. There is no lift on the Ocean Nova climbing stairs on board will be necessary.
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. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the gym will keep you energised for when the weather clears.
Itinerary
Hop aboard the Ocean Nova and set sail through the wilderness of Antarctica
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ocean Nova. Explore during the early season, which unveils a landscape of white, raw beauty. Visit penguin rookeries that burst with life as they prepare for the season ahead – spot the Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins. From the outer decks or during Zodiac cruises, keep your eyes peeled for leopard seals resting on ice floes and the iconic albatross soaring above. Make daily excursions and on shore landings, listen to lectures from your onboard experts and learn about the wildlife and geology of the area. Engage in Citizen Science Projects and wake up every morning to the cold, vast landscape of the Great White Continent – this is Antarctica in its most unspoiled state, offering views that few are privileged to witness!
Inclusions
Meals
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship
Included activities
Welcome Briefing
Citizen Science Program
Daily Briefings and Recap
Onboard Lecture Program
Guided walking Excursions
Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
Optional activities
Onboard Gym - Free
Polar Plunge - Free
Snowshoeing - USD150
Day Paddle - USD349
Camping - USD399
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From


Important notes
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
A 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.
Reviews (19)
5 stars
17
4 stars
2
Tom
Dec 14, 2024
amazing trip, knowledgable, funny and kind Intrepid tea, amazing locations, extremely well organised, little to no waiting around, lovely (and nut free!) food!
Andrew
Dec 02, 2024
Antarctica is amazing! Simply mind blowing. Yes the journey there and back can be rough!! Once there though 4 sublime days in an incredible environment. Penguins can’t help but make you smile !! Great people running the ship and excursion. Worth every penny.
Carl
Nov 20, 2023
Intrepid have given an incredible experience, their programs enhanced the Antarctica experience multi-fold. For me, this adventure will never end.
Jennifer
Nov 20, 2023
From the moment you board the ship you know your in for adventure. This trip was more than I could have ever imagined. The sight of whales, seals and penguins in this magical wilderness makes you feel so insignificant. A highlight was the cracking ice, the enormous icebergs moving majestically and the snow covered mountains with billowing snow drifts. A truely magical....life changing experience resting in my heart forever more. Thanks Intrepid!
Javiera
Nov 20, 2023
What and amazing journey! The intrepid crew make everything over the top to make this incredible voyage to Antarctica even more incredible. The details that we experienced every day, from the morning gretting till the late bar drinks. The expeditions where way more I expected, always with a smile from the crew and the staff.
Chad
Nov 19, 2023
I recommend intrepid in helping your travel experience be kicked into overdrive
Jay
Nov 19, 2023
I love the trip it was terrific and fun I will Rate it from 9/10 the only downside was the photography program where they promise to have review our photos every night also the photography program is just really for beginners not for the people who know photography. But overall I'm so Happy with the trip.
Fiona
Nov 19, 2023
Intrepid is one of the most helpful
Lawrence
Nov 19, 2023
Come do this trip! It's is truly amazing! Intrepid does an incredible job. Really good and fun people all around! You can handle Drakes Passage! Take some Dramamine! It's truly worth it!
Jemma
Nov 19, 2023
Most amazing experience and something I will never forget.. Truly has made my dreams come through.. the Intrepid staff were amazing and so helpful and knowledge. Our expedition leader Stefi was amazing in everyway and always made us aware of everything and made us feel so safe at all times. I also want to acknowledge our Kayak leader Nikki who was amazing and made the kayaking such an amazing experience..
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