Ocean Nova – Antarctica Express
Duration
6 days
Destination
Antarctica
Group Size
Departures
Overview
Embark the Ocean Nova in Ushuaia and set sail for Cape Horn. Depending on the weather, be one of the few to step foot on this rarely visited island! Begin by crossing the Drake Passage en route for King George Island. While at sea, attend lectures and presentations about the polar region. Keep your eyes open for wildlife such as seabirds, whales, dolphins, and seals. Instead of sailing, enjoy flying across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile where you can continue on to your next destination.
Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable expedition vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice choked waters of Greenland. She was fully refurbished in 2006 and has since benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements. Her ice strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica.
For our air-cruises, Ocean Nova has capacity for up to 68 passengers accommodated in three categories of accommodation. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The ship has a fleet of seven Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Set sail through the famous Beagle Channel and be one of the privileged few to step foot on the rarely visited Hornos Island.
- World’s shortest Antarctica expedition – sail there and and fly back!
- Encounter incredible wildlife including penguins, whales, seals and a vast array of sea bird like petrels and albatross, all in their natural environment
- Intimate group of no more than 68 people, personalised & accurate service due to high passenger staff ration
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Ushuaia – Embark
Day 2: Cape Horn and the Drake Passage
Day 3: Drake Passage
Day 4: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica
Day 5: King George Island and scheduled return flight to Punta Arenas
Day 6: Depart Punta Arenas
Itinerary
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your expedition vessel and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.
Note: Due to port operations, boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00 hr and 16:00 hr. At 16:00 hr. boarding will close. Please be on time. Keep your passport at hand and allow enough time to clear port security and to reach the vessel.
After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.
As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.
After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.
Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Itinerary Map
Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- On board accommodation
- Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
- 1 post voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas
- Group transfers
- Activities shore excursions as specified
- Standard beverages during lunch & dinner
- Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
- Waterproof boots on loan
- Pre departure material
- Service charges and port taxes
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfares
- Arrival departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Expedition gear
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
- Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program
