Journey to the Antarctic Circle

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, at the southern tip of Argentina. This region, known as Tierra del Fuego or "The End of the World," marks the start of an unforgettable Antarctic journey. In the afternoon, attend a welcome briefing at the hotel and meet fellow travelers. For those arriving early, there are plenty of ways to explore. A full-day excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park offers stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters, while a shorter visit could include a stroll along the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel or a meal featuring Argentina’s renowned cuisine at a local restaurant.

Special information
An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Full details are sent with your final joining instructions.

Spend some free time exploring Ushuaia and its surroundings before boarding the Ocean Nova in the afternoon. After settling in, the journey begins through the Beagle Channel toward the legendary Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s ship, The Beagle, this stretch of open water offers stunning photo opportunities. Take in the last views of South America before focusing on the breathtaking landscapes ahead—the next land sighting is the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

The Drake Passage is one of the most famous bodies of water on the planet. It can be a little rough, but if weather conditions are good, you can head out on the outer decks for a chance to spot ocean dwellers like whales and dolphins or perhaps seabirds, including the spectacular wandering albatross, prion, and petrels. Over the next two days, you'll get to know your expedition team experts as the comprehensive lecture program gets underway. Your polar experts share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can gain a great understanding of its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead. Your expedition team are experts on the marine life that inhabit these parts and help scout for sightings as you join them on the Ocean Nova's bridge and spacious outer decks. With favorable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of day four.

Special information
The Photography Program has limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.

It’s time to take your first steps in Antarctica, courtesy of a Zodiac cruise through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites, including Neko Harbour, Petermann Island, and Port Lockroy, and while weather dictates which specific site you'll land at, each of them presents an opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible wildlife, watch penguins waddle and seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble.

If you have any questions, look to your expedition team to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world. A range of adventure options are available if you’re feeling active, including snowshoeing, kayaking, and day paddling. You'll also have an opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing quite like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Antarctica enchants you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife – from extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins to crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals and a plethora of fascinating birds. When you are on board the Ocean Nova, the expedition team keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings, or you can make the most of the onboard wellness facilities including a spa, saltwater pool, sauna and gym, or perhaps join a yoga class with the incredible backdrop of Antarctica!

An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Nova in between excursions.

Special information
Optional activities such as Stand-Up Paddle boarding, Kayaking, and Day Paddle 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.

Kayaking, Photography Program, Day Paddle, and Stand Up Paddleboarding have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel. Snowshoeing must be booked onboard via your expedition team.

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in, as not all expeditions venture this far south. Weather conditions permitting, celebrations in order after reaching latitude 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. Travel past colossal, often beautifully sculpted icebergs to a point on earth only a few intrepid travellers have sailed. Home to Weddell seals that are specially adapted to this icy environment, they use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice through which to breathe. They also have extremely accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down and they are no longer able to maintain or create breathing holes in the ice.

Special information
Optional activities such as Stand-Up Paddle boarding, Kayaking, and Day Paddle 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.

Kayaking, Photography Program, Day Paddle, and Stand Up Paddleboarding have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel. Snowshoeing must be booked onboard via your expedition team.

You’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters as the Ocean Nova begins heading north. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species and fine-tune your wildlife-spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac excursions continue, and your expedition guides on hand on the journey north to Ushuaia to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.

Special information
The Photography Program and Kayaking Program have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.

The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific wildlife encountered throughout the voyage. Spend some time with your fellow passengers, who you’ve no doubt bonded with, and enjoy a final celebration together to toast the end of this Antarctic adventure.

Special information
The Photography Program has limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.

Disembark in Ushuaia after enjoying your final breakfast on the Ocean Nova. You have an included morning transfer to Ushuaia airport if you're flying home today; otherwise, enjoy some extra time exploring Tierra del Fuego and its rugged surroundings.

Special information
On the day you disembark in Ushuaia, it is recommended to schedule your flights for departure after 12 noon to allow for any potential delays due to weather conditions.

On this day, you've got your transfers covered! Choose between a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia airport for your onward flight or a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia downtown. Enjoy complimentary luggage storage for the day. If you plan to head to the airport at a later time or to your Ushuaia accommodation, it's entirely up to you and at your own expense.