Important Updates for Your Antarctic Voyage
Stay informed with the latest details as you prepare for your incredible journey to Antarctica. This site will be your go-to source for all the important information you'll need. We'll keep it regularly updated, so you’ll always have the most current details as your departure date approaches.
Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
Get excited for your upcoming journey! The video below is specially designed to help you prepare for your voyage on the Ocean Endeavour.
Next Departure:
18 December 2024 - Antarctic Peninsula (11 days)
Welcome to Ushuaia!
Check this hub regularly for updates as any changes to timings will be posted here!
ARRIVAL DAY (DAY ONE): 18 December 2024
- Pre-embarkation health screening: On arrival day prior to hotel check-in you are required to complete your pre-embarkation health screening. The link to complete this will be made available HERE 24hs before Day One.
- Hotel Check-in: From 3.00pm. If your booking includes an overnight stay, check-in at the Wyndham Garden Hotel del Glaciar begins at 3.00 pm. For guests who have booked our 'Cruise only' package, please note that the hotel stay mentioned above does not apply. Instead, we look forward to meeting you on the 19th of December, at the meeting point (see below for timings).
- Hospitality Desk: Stop by the hospitality desk located at the Wyndham Garden Hotel del Glaciar reception from 8.00am to 8.00pm to pick up your luggage tags and welcome letters! Our local guides will be available to answer questions!
- Optional Meet & Greet: Join us for an optional gathering in the Lapataia meeting room at the Wyndham Garden Hotel del Glaciar at 6:00 pm (1800). This is an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and ask any last-minute questions to our Ground Operations Manager. Drinks at own cost.
EMBARKATION DAY (DAY TWO): 19 December 2024
Get ready for your expedition to Antarctica!
- Luggage drop-off: To streamline the embarkation process we ask you to bring your checked luggage to Lapataia meeting room at the Wyndham Garden Hotel del Glaciar. Please ensure your luggage is clearly labelled with your name and cabin number with the luggage tag provided on check-in. Pack anything you need in your hand luggage and carry this with you – think passport, Antarctic Cruise Ticket and any medications, as well as any fragile or delicate items, such as cameras, tablets and laptops. Please do not tie or strap personal items to your checked luggage (shoes, other bags, sleeping bags, hats, jackets, etc.) as they usually fall off and go missing.
- If staying at Wyndham Garden Hotel del Glaciar: drop your luggage at the Lapataia Room (behind the bar) from 7.00am to 8.30am
- If staying at a different hotel: bring your luggage with you to the meeting point.
- Breakfast at the Wyndham Garden Hotel del Glaciar restaurant: starting at 7.00am.
- Hotel Pickup – Wyndham Garden: Be ready at the front door by 3.10pm
- Be at Meeting Point (Car Park by the tourist pier / “Muelle Turístico” in Google Maps) at 3.40pm
- If staying at a different hotel: please meet us at the Meeting Point (Car Park by the tourist pier / “Muelle Turístico” in Google Maps) at 3.40pm and bring your luggage with you.
Please also ensure you have completed your pre-embarkation health screening and declaration by 7pm on Day 1.
Important Information
Update as of 03 June 2024
Since early 2024, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus has been detected on the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This naturally occurring virus impacts birds and marine mammals, but the risk to humans is very low.
To protect you and the environment, we have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures, including thorough cleaning of equipment and pre-landing site inspections. If a landing site is affected, we will flexibly adapt and choose alternative sites.
Our goal is to protect the environment and preserve Antarctica's wonders for future generations while providing a unique and unforgettable experience for our travellers. We closely monitor potential impacts on your itinerary and will communicate any updates promptly. We look forward to an excellent 2024/25 Antarctic season with you!
For more information, please read our Important update regarding Avian Influenza and travel to Antarctica.
We strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination and an up-to-date influenza vaccine, considering the presence of Avian Flu in Antarctica. Additionally, we will implement a range of health protocols to ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and crew on board the Ocean Endeavour.
Please refer to our Travel Safe Strategy for more information.
We are a member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and comply by the organisation’s guidelines in promoting and practising safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. Please note: It is mandatory for all passengers to review the IAATO documents below.
Expedition Cruising to Antartica
Antartica Visitor Guidelines
Reducing Waste Guidelines
Dont’ Pack a Pest
Adventure Options
For those who have already secured our exciting paid adventure options—Photography, Sea Kayaking and Camping—get ready for an incredible experience! To help you fully prepare for these unique activities, we’ve created additional resources that you can find below.
If you haven’t yet added any adventure options to your upcoming Antarctic expedition, it’s not too late! Enhance your journey aboard the Ocean Endeavour by personalizing it with these optional activities. However, spaces are limited, so contact your booking agent as soon as possible to discuss pricing and availability. Also, please ensure your travel insurance covers these specific activities for a worry-free adventure.
Welcome to the Photography Program! Antarctica offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to capture breathtaking images of its stunning landscapes and wildlife. This PDF will provide you with all the information you need to prepare for the program, helping you make the most of this memorable photographic adventure.
Sea kayaking in Antarctica is an extraordinary chance to explore its pristine icy landscapes and get up close with incredible wildlife. This guide will give you all the details you need to prepare for your kayaking adventure and ensure you’re ready for an unforgettable experience.
Welcome to the Camping Program! Experience Antarctica like never before by spending a night amidst its stunning scenery. This PDF will provide all the essential details to prepare you for this unique camping adventure, ensuring you’re set for an unforgettable night in this pristine environment.
The Polar Plunge is an exhilarating, optional activity offered during your Antarctic expedition, where you can leap from the ship's gangway into the frigid ocean waters. Secured by a belt and rope tethered to the ship and with a safety Zodiac nearby, you can enjoy this unforgettable experience. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks, including cold shock, hypothermia, and complications from pre-existing medical conditions. Please ensure you read the attached PDF for more information.
Important Resources
We invite you to download our Antarctica Travellers Guide, which will help you to prepare for the journey ahead, providing you with money and packing tips as well as outlining exactly what life is like on board, along with many more details in between.
The Ocean Endeavour will be your home away from home during your expedition. This booklet will help you become familiar with the ship, detailing the facilities available to you and the procedures followed while at sea.
Packing for an Antarctic expedition requires thoughtful preparation to stay warm, dry, and comfortable in extreme conditions. Our detailed packing list covers everything you’ll need for both ship and shore, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.
Post-Voyage Memories
The adventure of a lifetime calls for a lifetime’s worth of epic images – and lucky for you, we’ve got just that. Your Expedition photos, voyage log and maps will be available post-trip (within two days of disembarkation).
CLICK HERE to access your expedition photos (and download to be the travel envy of all your friends). To access, use the password provided by your onboard Expedition Team.
If you have any problems accessing your Post Voyage Memories, please contact your booking agent.
Want your friends to witness the all-encompassing beauty of Antarctica too?
Refer a friend to travel to Antarctica on the Ocean Endeavour, and they will get a cool US$150 credit to use on board when they venture to the great White Continent.
All they need to do is quote your name and booking reference when they book, and travel on an Ocean Endeavour Antarctica voyage by 31 March 2025. Read full Terms and Conditions