Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer 2026

Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures, Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team and Citizen Science Activities onboard


Antarctic Peninsula
@ CHI

Duration: 11 days
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyge

Group Transfers On Arrival, Embarkation & Disembarkation


Included
Optional


Enter a spellbinding world of snow and ice as you embark on a voyage to Antarctica, a continent that has long captivated intrepid explorers.

Set sail aboard the ice-strengthened and nimble expedition ship, the Ocean Nova, for an extraordinary 11-day journey to discover remarkable wildlife and breathtaking scenery. As you explore this icy wilderness, you'll be accompanied by an expert Expedition Team as well as penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds, all set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers, and ice-choked waters.

Adventures like this don’t come along daily—there’s nowhere else on Earth like Antarctica.

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions


Itinerary

@ CHI
@ CHI
@ CHI

Day 1: Arrival Day, Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica.

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, take your included transfer from the airport to our joining hotel.

Learn more about the journey ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation during our ‘icebreaker’ at your hotel tonight.

If you have some time to spare before the icebreaker, we suggest you head downtown to do some souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia’s fantastic local restaurants.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: If you arrive in Ushuaia on Day 1, an arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to the hotel is included. Your travel documents will provide full details.

Day 2: Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your coach transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you’ll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next nine nights. Downtown Ushuaia is compact and perfect for exploring on foot, offering a beautiful start to your day. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning snow-capped Andes Mountains backdrop.

After meeting your Expedition Team on board and settling into your cabin, head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sails through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Then, join the excitement inside to learn more about the upcoming days.

Days 3 & 4: At Sea, Drake Passage
You will spend the next four incredible days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers.

Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historical base.

For those seeking extra excitement, there may be an opportunity to indulge in optional activities like an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing trek through pristine landscapes, or a paddling excursion that provides a unique view of this frozen wilderness. Or you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters!

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins to crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals and many fascinating birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving.

Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore. As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Nova.

A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7.00 am, followed by breakfast with fellow travellers in the ship’s dining room. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. Onboard the Ocean Nova, savour delicious meals crafted by our talented chefs and stay informed with daily lectures and briefings from our expert team, ensuring each moment of your adventure is enriching and unforgettable.

Days 9 & 10: At Sea, Drake Passage
As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back to our home port of Ushuaia, now is your time to reflect on your fantastic journey. We’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of day 10, marking the beginning of our return journey.

This evening, enjoy a slideshow of stunning images taken by our Expedition Photographer during your voyage - yours to cherish as a lasting memento of your unforgettable Antarctic adventure. Your final meal in the Dining Room is often a highlight of our Antarctic adventurers, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team.

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition ends, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: If you would like to stay longer in Ushuaia beyond today or would like to explore South America, please speak to your booking agent to discuss options.

If you are flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day, Ushuaia, Argentina
Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica.

On arrival at Ushuaia Airport, take your included transfer from the airport to our joining hotel.

Learn more about the journey ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation during our ‘icebreaker’ at your hotel tonight.

If you have some time to spare before the icebreaker, we suggest you head downtown to do some souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia’s fantastic local restaurants.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: If you arrive in Ushuaia on Day 1, an arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to the hotel is included. Your travel documents will provide full details.

Day 2: Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your coach transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you’ll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next nine nights. Downtown Ushuaia is compact and perfect for exploring on foot, offering a beautiful start to your day. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning snow-capped Andes Mountains backdrop.

After meeting your Expedition Team on board and settling into your cabin, head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sails through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Then, join the excitement inside to learn more about the upcoming days.

Days 3 & 4: At Sea, Drake Passage
You will spend the next four incredible days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, a region that has captivated explorers for centuries and now enthrals travellers.

Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the magnificently sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points to absorb the spectacular panoramic views, and maybe visit a scientific or historical base.

For those seeking extra excitement, there may be an opportunity to indulge in optional activities like an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing trek through pristine landscapes, or a paddling excursion that provides a unique view of this frozen wilderness. Or you will be one of the brave few to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters!

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins to crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals and many fascinating birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving.

Every day brings a new experience and new landing sites to explore. As you cruise from one landing site to the next, enjoy the continued lecture program and take in the scenery from the outer decks of the Ocean Nova.

A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7.00 am, followed by breakfast with fellow travellers in the ship’s dining room. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. Onboard the Ocean Nova, savour delicious meals crafted by our talented chefs and stay informed with daily lectures and briefings from our expert team, ensuring each moment of your adventure is enriching and unforgettable.

Days 9 & 10: At Sea, Drake Passage
As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back to our home port of Ushuaia, now is your time to reflect on your fantastic journey. We’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of day 10, marking the beginning of our return journey.

This evening, enjoy a slideshow of stunning images taken by our Expedition Photographer during your voyage - yours to cherish as a lasting memento of your unforgettable Antarctic adventure. Your final meal in the Dining Room is often a highlight of our Antarctic adventurers, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team.

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition ends, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: If you would like to stay longer in Ushuaia beyond today or would like to explore South America, please speak to your booking agent to discuss options.

If you are flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.


@ CHI
@ CHI
@ CHI


INCLUSIONS

• All meals onboard the Ocean Nova, including snacks and 24-hour tea and coffee
• Onboard lecture program led by our expert Expedition Team
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises (except paid adventure options with cost)
• Insulated inner jacket, yours to keep
• Complimentary use of rubber Muck boots and outer Expedition Parka, on loan for the duration of your expedition (exclusions apply - see below)
• Group arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to Albatros Hotel (Day One)
• Pre-night (Day One) stay at the Albatross Hotel in Ushuaia, including breakfast (based on your cabin configuration)
• Transfer from the Albatross Hotel to the Ocean Nova for embarkation (Day Two)
• Group departure transfer from the ship to either Ushuaia airport (selected times only) or downtown Ushuaia (luggage storage available)
• Full access to the onboard gym
• All port taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• International or domestic flights, unless specified
• Airport transfers, taxes, and excess baggage charges, unless specified
• Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
• Visa and passport fees
• Mandatory travel insurance with a minimum required coverage
• A fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
• Optional paid adventure activities - Please let your booking agent know if you would like to add
• Alcoholic or other selected beverages
• Laundry and communication services including Wi-fi (where available) on board
• Gratuities for the Expedition Team and crew
• Miscellaneous extras and all personal expenses
• Smaller size Inner Jacket, Expedition Parka and Muck boots may not be available for minors depending on size requirements. Additionally, a lifejacket that meets our safety standards is mandatory for all minors 15 years and under and must be provided by the parent/guardian. Please contact your booking agent for details.
• Some larger-sized insulated Inner Jacket, Expedition Parka and Muck boots. Please contact your booking agent for more information.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Nova | Date: 06 Dec 2026 - 16 Dec 2026 (3579)
Quad Cabin
$10,075
$8,564
C1 - Triple Cabin
$11,195
$9,516
C2 -Classic Twin
$11,195
$9,516
C3 - Explorer Twin
$12,445
$10,578
C4 - Explorer Double
$12,445
$10,578
C5 - Comfort Twin
$13,690
$11,636
C6 - Classic Single
$20,145
$17,123
Ship: Ocean Nova | Date: 26 Dec 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 (3580)
Quad Cabin
$12,595
$10,706
C1 - Triple Cabin
$13,995
$11,896
C2 -Classic Twin
$13,995
$11,896
C3 - Explorer Twin
$15,555
$13,222
C4 - Explorer Double
$15,555
$13,222
C5 - Comfort Twin
$17,105
$14,539
C6 - Classic Single
$25,185
$21,407
Ship: Ocean Nova | Date: 26 Jan 2027 - 05 Feb 2027 (3581)
Quad Cabin
$12,595
$10,706
C1 - Triple Cabin
$13,995
$11,896
C2 -Classic Twin
$13,995
$1,196
C3 - Explorer Twin
$15,555
$13,222
C4 - Explorer Double
$15,555
$13,222
C5 - Comfort Twin
$17,105
$14,539
C6 - Classic Single
$25,185
$21,407

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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