Antarctica Holidays Adventures

Although the ice-strengthened ships are big and sturdy, the Antarctic waters can be unpredictable and rough. Some people may experience seasickness, especially through the Drake Passage and other open water crossings, so please be prepared with medications to combat this – we’d hate for you to miss a single minute of this journey. There is also a doctor on board should you need further assistance.

Believe it or not, temperatures in the Antarctic can be freezing. And yet it can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out, for instance, or with increased physical activity. It’s best to dress in layers when you journey outside.

Depending on the weather, you’ll be zipping around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. Being cold and miserable is one thing, having no photos to show for it is another. Sturdy sea legs are needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour (our fav boat) has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.

The weather plays a pivotal part in these adventures, and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands; the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to others (which are equally as interesting). We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.

If you’re going to explore Antarctica, you might as well do it right.

The Ocean Endeavour is comfortable, spacious and the place to be in the Antarctic season. Not only is it one of the few polar expedition ships in Antarctica, it also has one crew member for every eight travellers. This means you’ll enjoy a more personal, informative and comfortable trip. With a gym, library, wide range of cabin types, modern Zodiacs, and superb views, the Ocean Endeavour is quite literally the coolest way to take the trip of a lifetime.

Classification: Expedition

Total number of passengers: 200

Total number of crew: 124

Passenger to to crew ratio 1:8

Guides on board: Naturalist guide, ornithologist, marine biologist, historian, photographer, geologist

Facilities

Bar staffed by a professional bartender (drinks added to ship board account)

24 hour tea and coffee available

Presentation lounge

Polar library

Clinic with licensed doctor

Wifi in certain public areas (data usage charges apply)

Polar boutique selling essentials, souvenirs and clothing

Spa treatments and beauty products (charges apply)

Yoga and stretching classes

His & Hers saunas

Well-equipped gym

Heated saltwater pool

Ship to Shore telephone communications (charges apply)

Optional webmail account for email (charges apply)

Onboard laundry service (charges apply)

Equipment

Inner puffer jacket liner to keep

Outer Expedition jacket on loan

Expedition boots on loan

Technical Specifications

Cabin Types

Category 1 (Single Interior) 

Category 2 (Triple Interior)

Category 3 (Twin Interior)

Category 4 (Twin Porthole)

Category 4A (Single Porthole)

Category 5 (Twin Window)

Category 5A (Single Window)

Category 6 (Comfort Twin)

Category 7 (Select Twin)

Category 8 (Superior)

Category 9 (Junior Suite)

Category 10 (Owners Suite)

It can be very cold! especially at night time without any sun but you'll be onboard and indoors by the time the sun goes down.

During the daytime the weather is, as you'd imagine, unpredictable. It can be surprisingly warm during he summer months but in all cases we recommend wearing layers enabling you to reduce or increase pending how you're feeling.

Of course! Lots of people travel alone and enjoy solo adventures. If you'd like to know who's going on any departure please contact our team and we can find out for you.

Depending on which cruise or tour you are going on, you will start of in Patagonia, either on the Chilean or Argentinian side.

Ushuaia in Argentina, is most easily access by flying and is the southernmost international airport in the world. The easiest is to connect in either Buenos Aires or Brazil. If you’re starting from Punta Arenas in Chile you will also have to connect somewhere in South America.

Book far in advance to get as few stops as possible and a lower price. At the time of writing the flights start around £1,000.

Our team can package flights and the cruise of your choice together which will also then mean you're ATOL protected. Please contact us for details.

The best time to go is November - March, Antarctica’s summer. The weather is somewhat milder (around freezing point) and the wildlife much busier. There is also nearly constant daylight. However, visiting Antarctica is a real once in a lifetime experience and so frankly, it doesn't matter. You'll have an amazing time.

All cruises are slightly different but there are some common themes you'll see again and again. You'll have plenty of wildlife spotting opportunity and you'll never tire of the vast wilderness that the landscape offers. 

In most cases you'll enjoy a zodiac ride to the shore to explore the local area and no doubt experience some of the wildlife who call this region home.

You do not need a visa to enter Antarctica but you do need permission. Check with us when booking the trip and we’ll let you know the steps (if any) you need to take.