Highlights

Take to the Antarctic skies before embarking on an adventure unlike any other. On this voyage, you’ll bypass the unpredictable waters of the Drake Passage before exploring Antarctica by sea aboard one of the most renowned expedition vessels in operation, for an experience that combines the best of both flying and cruising.

Sail among breathtaking icebergs and through ice-filled fjords.
Spot penguins, seals, and whales in their natural Antarctic habitat.
Explore the dramatic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Experience exciting landings on remote Antarctic shores by Zodiac.
Join daily guided excursions led by expert polar guides.
Cruise through secluded fjords, surrounded by pristine natural beauty.

Map & Itinerary

Day 1Welcome to Patagonia!

Arrive in Punta Arenas, one of Earth’s southernmost cities and Chile’s gateway to Antarctica. After lunch, check into the beautifully appointed Hotel Cabo de Hornos, where our friendly ground team awaits to prepare you for your Antarctic adventure. During the afternoon, meet your fellow explorers, join your Expedition Team to be fitted for your boots and parka, biosecure your expedition gear, and learn about responsible Antarctic exploration, Zodiac landings, and tomorrow’s travel schedule – in short, everything you need to get ready for Antarctica. Afterwards, gather for your first dinner together and enjoy irresistible Patagonian delicacies in the Faro Lounge restaurant.

Day 2All Aboard for Antarctica!

Today’s the day. After a hearty breakfast, gear up before departing for Punta Arenas airport, where your chartered aircraft awaits to whisk you across the infamous Drake Passage – waves not included. Watch from the window in awe as icebergs appear, guarding the coast of King George Island, one of Antarctica’s northernmost islands. Descend onto the gravel runway, where our Expedition Team awaits to assist you safely aboard Ocean Nova. After the mandatory safety briefing and drill, toast the start of your Antarctic voyage as Ocean Nova sets sail southward.

Day 3-5Immersive Antarctica

Welcome to Antarctica in all its awe-inspiring glory. For the next few days, we’ll maneuver through picturesque channels, where sculpted icebergs and an array of captivating wildlife share these dynamic waters. This is your opportunity to become more intimately acquainted with Antarctica by Zodiac, kayak, snowshoe, or while spending unhurried time ashore, taking in the silence and scale of the landscape. For those participating in our Citizen Science program, the important work of understanding and documenting this fragile environment continues. Prepare to be amazed as we encounter numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, both along the rugged coastline and in open waters. With opportunities to visit penguin colonies and historic landing sites, we plan to take full advantage of all the White Continent has to offer.

Day 6South Shetland Islands

Over time, volcanic activity in the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. It’s also not uncommon to share the shoreline with elephant and fur seals, while whales are often spotted offshore. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend our final day in Antarctica exploring these remarkable islands.

Day 7-8Drake Passage

Join our Polar Experts as they share their extensive knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Atlantic waters and temperatures begin to rise.

Day 9Ushuaia, Argentina – Disembarkation

On the final day of our expedition, we arrive beneath the peaks of Ushuaia, Earth’s southernmost city and capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego. After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell to the Expedition Team, officers, and crew of Ocean Nova, we disembark in the morning, either to begin your journey home or continue your adventures in Patagonia.

Please note:

This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the Expedition Leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Included

Prior to Embarkation

Voyages commencing and ending in Punta Arenas, Chile:

Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport/PUQ to Hotel Cabo de Hornos (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
One pre-voyage hotel night with dinner and breakfast at Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas. Occupancy at the hotel is the same as you have booked for the voyage – single, twin/double, or triple. If you are traveling solo, unless you have paid the single rate for your voyage, please expect that you will be sharing a room at the hotel with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Ground services and transfers to the ship in Antarctica.
Voyage/Antarctic introductory program prior to departure to Antarctica (biosecurity checks, IAATO, and Zodiac briefings, etc.); these will take place at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos. These breifings are mandatory for all visitors to Antarctica, so please ensure that you arrive at Hotel Cabo de Hornos no later than 2.00pm/14:00 on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (TNM) from Punta Arenas (PUQ), as per itinerary.
Morning transfer to Punta Arenas international airport.

On Board

Shipboard accommodations and meals
“Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
Beer/Soft Drinks at Lunch
Beer/Wine/Soft Drinks at Dinner
Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
1GB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
Expedition jacket – yours to keep
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
All scheduled landings and excursions
Citizen Science program
Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
Participation in the Polar Plunge
Access to our onboard medical clinics
Access to our onboard gym
All port and landing fees
Digital Voyage Log

Post Disembarkation

Voyages ending in Ushuaia, Argentina:

Group transfer from ship to Ushuaia Airport.

Excluded

Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above.
Flights between Santiago de Chile (SCL) and Punta Arenas (PUQ).
Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Punta Arenas other than those specified above.
Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage.
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions.
Any other alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed above
Staff/crew gratuities.

Adventure Activities

Discover Kayaking: from $350
Citizen Science: Included
Photography Coach: included

Gallery

Dates & Prices

All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD.

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