OVERVIEW:
Flying over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, the 2020-21 Polar Circle Air-Cruises take you to one of the most spectacular and remotest places on earth - Antarctica. Sail to the far south, and be one of the few adventurous travelers to cross the Antarctic Circle.
Expedition Ship 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, Ship 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.
Three departures are offered during the 2021-21 season, two aboard Ship Ocean Nova and one on Ship Magellan Explorer.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas, in the Chilean Patagonia, directly to Antarctica where you board your expedition ship. You thereby avoid the stormy seas of the Drake Passage – and the potential seasickness - and experience only the best Antarctica has to offer
- 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: Arrive Punta Arenas (Continental Chile)
Day 2: Punta Arenas - Fly - King George Island
Day 3 to 8: Exploring Antarctica
Day 9: King George Island - Fly - Punta Arenas
Day 10: Depart Punta Arenas
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
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Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by the expedition staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Note: Passengers should plan to be in Punta Arenas at 15:00 hours, at the latest. Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travellers arriving later than 15:00 hours.
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Punta Arenas - Fly - King George Island
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands.
Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. The 2-km (1.25-mi) walk to the shore, where you board a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel, takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station.
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Exploring Antarctica
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day.
In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink.
The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
-
Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
-
Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
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King George Island - Fly - Punta Arenas
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.
Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.
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Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
SPECIFICATION:
- Staff and crew: 40
- Guests: 78
- Length: 73 metres
- Breadth: 11 metres
- Propulsion: Diesel Engine, 2000 horsepower
- Ice Class: 1B (hull 1A)
- Cruising speed: 11 knots in open water
- Registered: Nassau, Bahamas
- Lifeboats: 4 fully enclosed
SHIP AMENITIES
- Bar staffed by a professional bar tender (drinks added to ship board account)
- 24 hour tea and coffee available
- Presentation lounge
- Polar library
- Clinic with licensed Doctor
- Wifi in certain public areas (data usage charges apply)
- Optional webmail account for email (charges apply)
- Ship to Shore telephone communications (charges apply)
- Polar boutique selling essentials, souvenirs and clothing
- On board laundry service (charges apply)
- Gym with a selection of fitness equipment
- Movies on demand via your laptop or tablet or hire a ship’s tablet
- PLEASE NOTE: The Ocean Nova does not have an elevator
- Ship’s safe for storing valuables
CABINS
- All cabins have ensuite facilities
- All cabins have external views
- Cabins serviced daily
- Hairdryer
- Bathrobes
- Shower gel and shampoo provided
- Climate control
- Electrical current 220 volts. Plugs are standard European two round pin plugs
CABINS DETAILS:
Quad Cabin
At 157 sq. ft. (14.6 sq. m), a Quad Cabin is equipped with four twin beds (two lower berths and two upper berths). Located on the Upper Deck, it has exterior views and private facilities.
Cabina Triple
At 145 sq. ft. (13.5 sq. m), a Triple Cabin is equipped with three twin beds (two lower berths and one upper berth). Located on the Upper Deck, it has exterior views and private facilities.
Single Cabin
87 sq. ft. One lower single bed.
Upper / Lower Berth
From 86 sq. ft. (8 sq. m), an Upper Lower Berth Cabin is equipped with one upper berth and one lower berth bed. Located on the Upper Deck, it has exterior views and private facilities.
Twin Cabin
From 106 sq. ft. (10 sq. m), an Upper Deck Twin Cabin is equipped with two twin beds. Located on the Upper Deck, it has exterior views and private facilities.
Bridge Deck Cabin
From 104 sq. ft. (9.7 sq. m), a Bridge Deck Twin Cabin is equipped with two twin beds. Located on the Bridge Deck, it has exterior views and private facilities.
DECKPLAN
FLIGHTS TO ANTARCTICA
For the Ocean Nova’s Antarctica Air-Cruise itineraries the aircraft BAE-146 is used in combination with the vessel. It was manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runway requirements which make it particularly suited for these kinds of destinations. It is operated by Aerovías DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience of flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.
- Model: BAE 146-200
- Engines: 4 turbofans Honeywell ALF 502R-5
- Capacity: 70 passengers
- Length: 93 ft 8 in (28,55 m)
- Wingspan: 86 ft 5 in (26,34 m)
- Cruise Speed: 465 mph (750 km/h)
- Service Ceiling: 31,200 ft (9.500 m)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Pre and post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas
- Return flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
- Group transfers
- On-board accommodation
- All meals during the voyage
- 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
Adventure Options
- Kayaking (all departures)*
- Snowshoeing (select departures)
*This adventure options need to be booked and paid in advance. Numbers are limited
Three departures are offered during the 2021-21 season, two aboard Ship Ocean Nova and one on Ship Magellan Explorer.
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
