Intrepid Travel, the world’s leading small group adventure tour operator, has launched a new programme of sustainable, small-group expeditions to Antarctica for 2020.
The trips will take place on board the newly refurbished Ocean Endeavour and to stay true to its sustainable roots, Intrepid will double carbon offset these expeditions and has banned single use plastics on board these departures.
Travellers will be joined onboard by scientists who will be conducting research and presenting talks on their findings with guests. The ships will be running a programme called ‘Happy Whale’ whereby guests can take pictures of whale tails that can be individually identified and tracked, join in with sea ice and wildlife and NASA’s GLOBE observer, where guests can make cloud observations at the same time as satellites pass over the Antarctic Peninsula which helps with refining climate models.
Thoughtfully designed for an optimal experience and to bring a feeling of exclusivity, the charters will offer an industry-leading ratio of one expedition staff member to eight guests, who will be on hand to provide expertise on a range of topics, including glaciology and Antarctic history throughout the journey. The two gangways on both sides of the ship will allow for rapid zodiac deployment, meaning guests can get off the ship faster to take advantage of the incredible wildlife opportunities. The expeditions will offer photography tours in forward-facing zodiacs for optimal chances to capture those all-important shots, single occupancy cabins with no single supplement, and for the adventurous explorer, even ice camping.
To recuperate after a full day exploring, passengers can relax on board in the health and wellness centre, complete with two saunas, a well-equipped gym, yoga classes, and a salt water pool – the perfect remedy after a polar plunge.
Best of Antarctica trip – 11 days from £6,167 (was £7,255)
Departures run in November and December 2020 and February 2021.
On this classic Antarctica cruise, explorers will witness the extraordinary islands around the Antarctic Peninsula during an expedition through the Drake Passage, a landscape of barren beauty teeming with orcas, humpback whales, seals and penguins whilst learning about Antarctica’s history, geology and biology from expert guides. Three incredible days will be spent exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, providing ample opportunity to stare wide-eyed at glaciers, mountains and an unimaginable array of wildlife. Every day will be a new adventure, from ice-filled bays and channels to exploring the Antarctica itself on Zodiac excursions and by foot. This trip includes ten nights’ cruise ship accommodation, most meals, most activities and a guide throughout. Excludes flights.
For more information, visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/antarctica/discover-antarctica-11-days-122195
