Itinerary

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

Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy the included transfer to your hotel.

If you arrive early, there are plenty of ways to explore at ‘the End of the World.’ Visit the Museo Marítimo to discover the region’s fascinating history, or take a leisurely walk down Avenida San Martín for any last-minute essentials before heading to Antarctica.

In the evening, meet your local team and fellow travellers for a 'icebreaker' at the hotel, where you'll receive more details about the adventure ahead and tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have free time before the icebreaker, consider exploring downtown Ushuaia for souvenir shopping or savouring classic Argentinian flavours at one of the city’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 some free time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area before boarding the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 12 nights, this afternoon.

Once settled, we will make your way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s historic ship, 'The Beagle', the deep open water of the channel presents many great photo opportunities.

Be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you’re not too busy snapping away at the incredible landscapes – your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Days 3 & 4: At Sea, Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is one of the planet's most famous bodies of water. It can be rough, but if weather conditions are reasonable, you can head out on the outer decks to spot ocean dwellers like whales, dolphins or seabirds, including the spectacular wandering albatross, prions and petrels.

Over the next two days, you’ll get to know your Expedition Team as our comprehensive lecture program gets underway. Our polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can understand its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure.

Your Expedition Team consists of experts on the marine and bird life that inhabits these parts. They will help you scout for sightings as you join them on the outer decks. Step onto the ship's bridge and take advantage of our open bridge policy, inviting you into Ocean Nova's command center. This is your chance to observe the Captain and the expedition in progress while enjoying an ideal viewpoint for spotting wildlife and encountering your first iceberg. With favourable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of day four.

Days 5 to 8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica
It’s time for your first Antarctic encounter, courtesy of a Zodiac cruise through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites, and while weather dictates which specific site you’ll land at, each presents an opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible wildlife and watch penguins waddle. Seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble. If you have any questions, look to your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world.

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 chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins colonies to crabeater, Weddell, fur, elephant seals, and many fascinating birds.

When you are on board the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings,

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 dining room. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion that offers a new perspective of this frozen expanse. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Enjoy hearty meals prepared by skilled chefs and stay engaged with daily lectures and briefings from our onboard experts, ensuring every moment of your journey is enriching and unforgettable.

Days 9 & 10: The Antarctic Circle
Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in, as not all expeditions venture this far south.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, celebrations will be in order after reaching latitude 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. Travel past colossal, often beautifully sculpted icebergs to a point on Earth where only a few travellers have sailed. Home to Weddell seals that are specially adapted to this icy environment, they use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice through which to breathe. They also have highly accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down, and they can no longer maintain or create breathing holes in the ice.

Days 6 & 7: At Sea
From the outer decks, keep your eyes on the horizon for seabirds and other passing wildlife as we settle in for two days at sea en route to South Georgia. This remarkable destination offers many experiences, from fascinating history and geology to unparalleled wildlife encounters.

While aboard the cosy Ocean Nova, take part in engaging presentations led by your Expedition Team, designed to prepare you for the wonders that await you at South Georgia.

Days 8 - 11: South Georgia
Over the next few days, you’ll explore the island of South Georgia, once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers – now a protected site with dedicated Antarctic research teams.

You’ll explore various landing sites and learn about the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton, known for his incredible survival during a failed expedition south. Shackleton led the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition between 1914 and 1916. He planned to cross Antarctica from a base on the Weddell Sea to McMurdo Sound via the South Pole with his crew. However, Endurance became trapped in ice off the Caird Coast and eventually sank, which began this epic story of survival. Through months of strenuous trekking, improvising and incredible leadership, Shackleton and all his men survived. On these very shores in South Georgia, Shackleton landed his crew of the James Caird in search of help for the rest of his party, who were stranded back on Elephant Island.

You’ll spend several days retracing some of Shackleton’s steps and visiting his grave at the ex-whaling station of Grytviken, located on the east side. Wander among hundreds of thousands of king penguins in the dramatic South Georgian light, visit old whaling stations and enjoy educational presentations on the then and now of the area. Across the island, you’ll see dark volcanic beaches backgrounded by hanging glaciers and have the chance to go on day hikes among alpine lakes.

Day 11: South Shetland Islands & Antarctica
As the Ocean Nova begins heading north, you’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters.

Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species and fine-tune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and landings will continue to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.

Day 12 & 13: At Sea, Drake Passage
The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific encounters.

During the final days at sea, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by our Expedition Photographer throughout your journey—yours to keep as a cherished reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition.

By the evening of Day 13, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel, signalling the start of your return home. That evening, enjoy a final celebration with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team to mark the end of this Antarctic adventure.

Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition comes to an end, 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.

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