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.
Five departures are offered during the 2020-21 season, two aboard Ship Ocean Nova, two aboard Ship Hebridean Sky and one aboard Ship Magellan Explorer. Contact us for more information.
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
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.
-
Ushuaia - Embark
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.
-
Cape Horn and the Drake Passage
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.
-
Drake Passage
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.
-
South Shetland Islands and 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.
-
King George Island and scheduled return flight to Punta Arenas
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.
-
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
- 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
Adventure Options
- Kayaking (all departures)*
- Snowshoeing (select departures)
*This adventure options need to be booked and paid in advance. Numbers are limited
Five departures are offered during the 2020-21 season, two aboard Ocean Nova, two aboard Hebridean Sky and one aboard 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.
