Antarctic Whale Journey

Welcome to Ushuaia. You’ll be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel for the night. If you’re arriving earlier there are plenty of activities to choose from. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park for the day or take a walk around town. Head to the main street of Avenida San Martin (San Martin Avenue), in downtown Ushuaia, for any last-minute shopping needs. The Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum) housed in an old prison sets the scene with its fascinating history. Enjoy the tantalizing flavours of Argentinean cuisine at a local restaurant.

This afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port for boarding the Ocean Endeavour. After meeting your fellow passengers and settling into your cabin, set sail through the famed Beagle Channel. Look around at the incredible views as we glimpse our last sight of land and head south towards Antarctica.
(B,D)

Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake passage, named after the famous English seafarer, Sir Frances Drake. If conditions allow, enjoy the outer deck space for your first glimpses scouting for dolphins and whales, or the odd albatross trailing past. A comprehensive optional lecture program will also get under way, with some fascinating insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in-between. If the weather gods are on our side, we will reach the islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by the early evening on Day 4. The first sighting of land always brings great excitement on any expedition south.
(B, L)x2, D

The Antarctic Peninsula gives access to a high number of wildlife sightings on a mountainous backdrop of ice and water – this pulls together incredible scenes as we look for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the whale migration season (February and March) gives you the best chance to spot these majestic ocean dwellers. Species that are most commonly found in the Antarctic region are humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as orcas. Whale sightings can happen from the deck of the ship or during a Zodiac excursion. Reaching the Antarctic Peninsula also gives you the opportunity for onshore exploration and to take your first steps on Antarctica.

Wildlife encounters on the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals; gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, and elephant seals. Each excursion (scheduled twice daily) is tailored to suit the location of the ship. There are a number of potential landing sites and the crew will make a decision on which will be visited based on conditions. Zodiac rides allow for a closer encounter with marine life. Onshore exploration takes you to penguin rookeries and includes optional activities for the active adventurer – snowshoeing, kayaking and camping overnight (these must be booked before departure). Our lecture program from experts in polar wildlife continues during our voyage and throughout the trip the team is on-hand to answers any questions you may have.

An average day on board will include a wakeup call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow passengers for breakfast in the restaurant. You will usually have two excursions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch on the ship in-between excursions.
(B, L, D)x4

Leaving Antarctica behind we cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. Here’s your time to reflect on the amazing journey. By the evening we are scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel. Our last meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy as you celebrate the trip you’re your fellow travellers.
(B, L, D)x2

Disembark the ship after breakfast as your adventure comes to an end. Transfer to the airport is included for flights departing today.
(B)