Antarctica's Whale Season | Ocean Nova

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy the transfer included to the joining hotel.

This evening, you’ll have the chance to meet your fellow travellers and our local team during the 'icebreaker' at your hotel. Our team will share more about the journey ahead and provide details for tomorrow’s embarkation.

If you have some free time before the gathering, we recommend exploring downtown Ushuaia. You can shop for unique souvenirs or indulge in authentic Argentinian cuisine at one of the town’s excellent 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.

Enjoy a relaxing morning before your coach transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 10 nights. If you have some free time, take a leisurely walk through downtown Ushuaia—it's a charming, compact town with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes, so be sure to have your camera ready!

Once aboard, meet your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, settle into your cabin, and head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova embarks on its journey through the historic Beagle Channel, bound for Antarctica. Later, join the excitement indoors as you learn about the incredible adventures ahead.

Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

If conditions allow, there will be a chance to enjoy the outer deck spaces, scouting for dolphins, whales and various seabirds passing by, including the iconic wandering albatross with its enormous three-meter wingspan.

Our comprehensive lecture program will also get underway for you to join at your leisure, with our team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology, and everything in between.

If the weather is on our side, you should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four – the first sighting of land always builds great anticipation on any expedition south.

The Antarctic Peninsula is known for many wildlife sightings in front of stunning backdrops of mountains, icy landscapes and water. These provide incredible scenes as you search for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the migration season (February and March) is the best opportunity to see these majestic ocean dwellers, as all Antarctic whale species migrate long distances, feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich Southern Ocean during the southern summer. The most common species found in the region are humpback, minke and fin whales, and orcas.

As whale season is in full swing, you have the unique opportunity to participate in one of our exciting onboard Citizen Science projects, the Happy Whale Project. Here, you can upload photos of whale’s tails (flukes) online, along with details of where the images are taken, which are then used to analyse and identify the individual whale and track its movement across the oceans. Your contribution could make a real difference in understanding and conserving these magnificent creatures.

Sightings can happen from the outer decks of the ship, during a Zodiac excursion, or on the ship’s bridge with your Captain, where our open bridge policy allows you into the command centre of the Ocean Nova for a look at the inner workings of your expedition and access to the best place to spot whales.

A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7.00 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow travellers for breakfast in the 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. 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 invigorate you!

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.

After breakfast, disembark the Ocean Nova as your Antarctic expedition ends, and the memories of a fantastic adventure begin.
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.

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.