Board Ocean Nova Air Cruises for a 10-day journey to the 7th Continent: Antarctica. These cruises are at the beginning and end of the season, are economically priced, and recommended for travelers on a budget that want the full Antarctic experience. Depart from Ushuaia, Argentina and cross the infamous Drake Passage on towards the white continent. Enjoy on-board lectures and presentations and search for wildlife from the ship's bridge or outside decks. Zodiac to shore each day for the opportunity to explore the Antarctic landscape with your expert Antarctic guides!
***PLEASE NOTE: This is a unique small ship cruise itinerary on the Ocean Nova vessel and is NOT an air cruise.
Highlights
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among large icebergs
Cross the infamous Drake Passage and search for marine life
Explore the Antarctic landscape with expert polar guides
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Ocean Nova and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Important note: 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 on hand and allow enough time to clear port security and to reach the vessel.
Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer. As you sail en route to 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.
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 seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac boat and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. From the ship enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed 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 can explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your Antarctic cruise 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. Your polar adventure is very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures, and a very enjoyable time on board.
Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks.
Day 10: Disembark in Ushuaia
1 Breakfast
The program ends upon arrival at the port in Ushuaia.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,595
Select a Date
Triple
150 sq. ft. 2 lower berths and one upper berth with private facilities and window.
Select a Date
Twin
Most Twin Cabins have 2 lower berths with private facilities and a window. But cabins 307, 308, 309 and 310 have fixed matrimonial bedding.
Select a Date
Single
87 sq. ft. 1 lower berth with private facilities and window.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Cabin sharing, where solo travelers are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender is available in Twin Cabins.
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person is required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
- Optional adventure activities are available for an additional rate. Please ask for details and availability.
Fly cruises: Children admitted from 8 years old
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
Polar Circle
Antarctica Express
Sea voyages: Children admitted from 12 years old
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
Falklands (Malvinas) & SG
Falklands (Malvinas), SG and Antarctica
Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
Optionals
Kayaking: Children admitted from 16 years old.
Hiking & snowshoeing: Children admitted from 12 years old.
Initial deposit is $1500 plus the adventure activities must be paid in full at the time of booking., and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition
IAATO passenger fee
Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
Comprehensive Pre- and Post-voyage Information Materials
Lectures and entertainment onboard.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
All guided shore excursions.
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Beverages purchased at the bar
Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rental.
All participants in an Antarctica 21 expedition are required to have a travel insurance policy. A comprehensive policy is recommended but, at a minimum, Medical Evacuation coverage up to $100,000 USD is required.
Kayaking option should be booked upon reservation (10 spots available for 2024/25 season and 20 spots for the 2025/26 season)
Hiking & Snowshoeing Option (Booked and paid on board)
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.