Best of Antarctica in depth | Ocean Nova

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica!

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

This evening, join your local team and fellow travellers for an 'icebreaker' at your hotel to learn more about the journey ahead and the details for 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.

Overnight in Ushuaia

Spend your morning leisurely before your coach transfers to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 11 nights. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore downtown Ushuaia on foot - it’s compact, charming, and set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, so be sure to bring your camera!

Once aboard, meet your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, settle into your cabin, and head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova journeys through the historic Beagle Channel en route to Antarctica. Later, join the excitement inside to learn more about the incredible days ahead.

Renowned for its untamed nature, the Drake Passage is ever-changing and unpredictable.

Take time to step onto one of Ocean Nova's outer decks, where you can breathe in the fresh sea air and experience the powerful winds of the roaring forties and furious fifties. Your Expedition Team will share fascinating insights into the incredible adventure that awaits you.

Over these two days at sea, enjoy gazing out at the vast Southern Ocean and capturing photos of seabirds gracefully circling the ship. Use this time to connect with your fellow travellers and get to know the Expedition Team. Visit the ship's bridge and experience our open bridge policy, where our Captain welcomes you into Ocean Nova's command center. Here, you can witness the expedition in motion while enjoying the prime vantage point for spotting wildlife and your very first iceberg. Excitement builds on board as everyone eagerly anticipates the first sighting of the land, which, with favourable sea and weather conditions, may come by early evening on day four.

Your Antarctic adventure begins once you leave the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view. This region has long fascinated explorers.

Every visit to Antarctica offers something unexpected and new, ensuring your expedition is unique.

During your time aboard the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team and Captain will constantly look for whales and seabirds, alerting you to exciting sightings as they occur. Engage with in-depth lectures from your team of onboard experts on the region’s glaciology, history, and unique wildlife as you journey through this awe-inspiring wilderness.

The highlight for many will be their first land excursion - a moment that is nothing short of unforgettable! Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions will take you to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites, always focusing on maximising wildlife encounters.

Visit bustling rookeries and search for seals, including the formidable leopard seal, known for its penguin-eating habits. Each day brings fresh experiences and photo opportunities, and you quickly learn to distinguish between Adelie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins.

One day, you might hike to a penguin rookery; the next, you could find yourself cruising in a Zodiac among towering icebergs. From locking eyes with a curious humpback whale to hearing the thunderous crack of a calving glacier, you’ll wake each day eager to continue exploring this icy wonderland.

For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to optional activities such as an overnight camping experience on the ice, a snowshoeing trek into untouched terrain, or a paddling excursion that offers a new perspective of this frozen expanse. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova - a brisk dip into Antarctica’s frigid waters guaranteed to leave you feeling revitalised and energised!

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 anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape.

Onboard the Ocean Nova, enjoy hearty meals prepared by skilled chefs and stay engaged with daily lectures and briefings from our expert team, ensuring every moment of your journey is enriching and unforgettable.

As the Ocean Nova begins its voyage back to Ushuaia, take this time to reflect on the remarkable journey you’ve experienced. Participate in more onboard lectures and watch 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. By the evening of Day 12, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel, signalling the start of your return home.

That evening, savour a special farewell dinner - a true highlight of the expedition. Celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve shared with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, creating memories to last a lifetime.

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.