Best of Antarctica In Depth

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica! Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, take the included transfer to the hotel. In the evening, attend a welcome meeting to meet the Expedition Team and fellow travelers while receiving important details about the journey ahead and the next day's embarkation. If there is free time before the meeting, explore downtown Ushuaia, browse souvenir shops, or enjoy traditional Argentinian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Special information
An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare.

Enjoy a leisurely morning and explore downtown Ushuaia on foot. This charming town, set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Andes, offers picturesque views—perfect for capturing memorable photos. Later, transfer to the port of Ushuaia and board the Ocean Nova, home for the next 11 nights. After settling into the cabin, step onto the outer decks to take in the scenery as the ship sails through the historic Beagle Channel toward Antarctica. Later, join engaging onboard sessions to learn more about the adventure ahead.

Over these two days at sea, enjoy gazing out at the vast Southern Ocean and capturing photos of seabirds gracefully circling the ship. Use this time to connect with your fellow travellers and get to know the Expedition Team. Visit the ship's bridge and experience the open bridge policy, where the Captain welcomes you into Ocean Nova's command centre. Here, you can witness the expedition in motion while enjoying the prime vantage point for spotting wildlife and your very first iceberg. Or take time to step onto one of Ocean Nova's outer decks, where you can breathe in the fresh sea air and experience the powerful winds of the roaring forties and furious fifties. Keep watch for the first sighting of land which, with favorable sea and weather conditions, may come by early evening on day four.

Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once the South Shetland Islands come into view. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. One day, you might hike to a penguin rookery, the next, you could find yourself cruising in a Zodiac among towering icebergs. From locking eyes with a curious humpback whale to hearing the thunderous crack of a calving glacier, you’ll wake each day eager to continue exploring this icy wonderland. The highlight for many is their first land excursion – a moment that is nothing short of unforgettable! There’s also the chance to engage with in-depth lectures from your team of onboard experts on the region’s glaciology, history, and unique wildlife as you journey through this awe-inspiring wilderness. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to optional activities such as an overnight camping experience on the ice, a snowshoeing trek or a paddling excursion. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova – a brisk dip into Antarctica’s frigid waters is guaranteed to leave you feeling revitalised and energised!

Special information
No two days of any expedition are the same, and landing sites are subject to change depending on the elements and potential wildlife spotting opportunities, but the expert team of expedition guides ensures that each day is memorable, offering you a sense of exploration and adventure unlike anywhere else on earth.
Optional activities such as Day paddling, Camping, and Snowshoeing are very dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Your experienced expedition team provides regular updates on which days they are available throughout your voyage.
Day Paddle and Camping have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel. Snowshoeing must be booked onboard via your expedition team.

As the Ocean Nova begins its voyage back to Ushuaia, take this time to reflect on the remarkable journey you’ve experienced. Settle in for more onboard lectures and watch a slideshow of stunning images taken by the Expedition Photographer during your voyage. By the evening of Day 12, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel. That evening, savor a special farewell dinner. Celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve shared with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, creating memories to last a lifetime.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition comes to an end, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

Special information
If you would like to stay longer in Ushuaia beyond today or would like to explore South America, please speak to your booking agent to discuss options. If you are flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday in case of any delays caused by unfavorable weather conditions.