Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey | Ocean Nova

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica. On arrival at Ushuaia Airport please look out for a representative holding a sign with the ships name on it who will escort you to your included transfer to your joining hotel. Should you not be able to locate them, please refer to the emergency contact details on your final documentation. Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and our local team in Ushuaia during our ‘icebreaker’ at your hotel. If you have some time to spare before the meeting, 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, a group arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to the hotel is included. Your final travel documents will provide full details.

Enjoy your morning at leisure 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 fellow travellers and 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.

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 your 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. An average day on board 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.

You will usually have at least two excursions daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Nova between excursions.

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, 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. If you are departing today, a transfer to Ushuaia airport (included for selected flight departures only) or downtown is included. If you are transferred downtown, you will be able to store your bags until you are ready to go to the airport or you can make your way to your hotel if you are extending your stay.

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

A transfer to the city centre after disembarkation OR a transfer to the airport for onward flights (for selected flights only) is included. If you are extending your stay or do not meet the requirements for the included transfers then we can arrange transportation at an additional cost, please discuss this with your booking agent.

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.

Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors