Antarctica - Whale Discovery Workshop

Overview

Type of Tour: Small Group 

Lead Photographer: Andy Yee 

Cost:   (starting from) $6315 USD 

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Join me on for this 12 day tour which is perfect for all travellers who want to set foot on mainland Antarctica, feel the fresh cold on your cheeks while sailing through narrow channels and explore some of Antarctica’s most beautiful spots. The Antarctic Peninsula is home to the greatest collection of Antarctic wildlife and a veritable menagerie of penguins, seals and whales will welcome you to the White Continent.

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Antarctica Itinerary

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Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the gateway to Antarctica. Before you embark on this epic journey, take an included arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel today. There will be a representative waiting at the airport with a sign that has the ship name on it. If you cannot locate them, please refer to your emergency contact information on your final itinerary. 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.

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Day 2 - Embarkation in Ushuaia

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.

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Day 3 & 4 - At Sea - Drake Passage

Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. If conditions allow, there will be a chance to enjoy the outer deck spaces, scouting for dolphins, whales and a variety of seabirds that pass by – including the iconic wandering albatross, with its enormous three-meter wingspan. Our comprehensive lecture program will also get underway for you to join at your leisure, with our team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in between! If the weather is on your side, you should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four. Make sure you’re on deck for this, as the first sighting of land always builds great anticipation on any expedition south.

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Day 5 - South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula

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 analyse 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.

* Spaces on our optional paid kayaking and photography program are limited. Additional costs apply and these must be booked in advance. Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information. Beginners interested in kayaking should take an introductory course prior to the voyage, including how to complete a wet exit. Regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practice prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in icy conditions. Kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather.

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Days 10 & 11 - At Sea - Drakes Passage

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 travellers and Expedition Team. Don’t forget the group selfie!

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Day 12 - Disembark in Ushuaia

Your Antarctic adventure draws to a close as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour following breakfast. Farewell your fellow guests and your Expedition Team and join a transfer to Ushuaia airport for your onward journey (included for selected flight departures today) or to the city centre of Ushuaia, where you can make your way to your hotel if you are extending your stay and want to spend some more time exploring this incredible part of the world. With much to see and do in this quaint ‘End of the World’ town, including the Museo Maritimo, Avenida San Martin or even an adventurous hike to the Martial Glacier, your adventure doesn’t have to end here. If you would like to stay additional nights in Ushuaia, please speak to your booking agent.

Please note: A transfer to the city centre after disembarkation OR a transfer to the airport for onward flights (for selected departures today only) is included. If you are extending your stay or do not meet the requirements for the included transfers then we can arrange transportation at an additional cost, please discuss this with your booking agent.

You are advised not to book a flight out of Ushuaia before midday on disembarkation day, in case of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

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Antarctica Arrangements

There will be time during the workshop for critique and photo editing sessions. During the workshop, there will be time to go over post-processing to help you create images that pack a punch. Our photographers will sit down with you to assist your selection process, Lightroom and Photoshop workflows and techniques, and develop your best images, so you can showcase the finest the south island has to offer.

The trip is suitable for the photographer with basic knowledge through to expert level.

Group size will be maximum of 10 people. Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins). Please enquire to what room configuration and cost is available.

When we aren't leaving in the dark to shoot sunrise, breakfast and dinners will be provided. All meals will be offered, but lunch and drinks will be up to you. Please do let us know if you have any dietary requirements and we will most certainly try and accommodate any requests. 

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For Terms and Conditions click here

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Included

* Professional photography guide and tuition

* Post-Processing sessions during the tour

* All meals onboard the Ocean Endeavour including snacks
* Accommodation onboard the Ocean Endeavour in booked cabin category
* Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalists
* All applicable shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
* Use of rubber boots on land and use of waterproof outer shell jacket
* Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep at the end of the voyage
* Transfer from Ushuaia airport to hotel (Day 1) and pre-night hotel with breakfast
* Transfer from Ushuaia hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation
* Transports to Ushuaia airport on return to port
* All port taxes
* All landing fees
* Use of onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and onboard yoga

Excluded

* Airfare to/from Ushuaia, Argetina

* Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified

* Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information

* Paid adventure options and all personal expenses

* Travel insurance (compulsory)

* Equipment and baggage insurance 

* Visas (if applicable) 

* Gratuities
* Pre or post cruise travel expenses
* Visa (if applicable) and passport fees
* Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
* Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea)
* Miscellaneous extras
* Laundry and communication charges on board
* For minors under 16 years of age at time of travel; life jackets, waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and boots
* For guests who require larger sizing; Waterproof outer shell jacket, insulated inner jacket and rubber boots

Guide