OVERVIEW:
Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, this fly/cruise expedition takes you to one of the most spectacular places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent - Antarctica
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.
Thirty departures are offered during the 2020-21 season, twelve aboard Ship Ocean Nova, four aboard Ship Hebridean Sky and fourteen aboard 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 6: Exploring Antarctica
Day 7: King George Island - Fly - Punta Arenas
Day 8: 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, before 2 PM where you are welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you attend a mandatory 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.
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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
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many 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
Optional extras
- Sea Kayaking – US$895 per person
- Hiking & Snowshoeing – US$85 per person (per excursion)
- Expedition jacket – US$349 per person
- Preferred seating on flight – US$495 per person
Thirty departures are offered during the 2020-21 season, twelve aboard Ship Ocean Nova, four aboard Ship Hebridean Sky and fourteen aboard 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.
