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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

Roundtrip Ushuaia - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Nova
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Embark on a 10-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Nova and cruise through the Beagle Channel toward the Antarctic wilderness. Cross the legendary Drake Passage, where expert-led lectures enrich your journey while you spot seabirds and migrating whales. As you reach Antarctica, explore the South Shetland Islands and the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula, navigating ice-filled fjords and towering glaciers. Encounter vast penguin colonies, seals, and whales on Zodiac excursions and shore landings. Each day offers unique adventures shaped by nature’s ever-changing conditions. After an unforgettable Antarctic experience, return across the Drake Passage, reflecting on the voyage of a lifetime before disembarking in Ushuaia.
Gull flies over icy waterSea Explorer Air CruisesLighthouseExtravagent ice formationsA whale comes up to say helloPenguins overlooking the bay
Highlights
  • Explore Ushuaia's scenic wonders and vibrant gateway to Antarctica
  • Sail the legendary Drake Passage through vast open Southern Ocean
  • Discover Antarctica's icy landscapes with glaciers and ice cliffs
  • Spot seabirds and migrating whales while crossing Antarctic waters
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ushuaia | Embark

Your adventure starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, where you board your ship and cruise through the scenic Beagle Channel en route to Antarctica.

Important Note: Boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00 hrs. and 16:00 hrs. At 16:00 hrs., boarding will close. Please be on time. Keep your passport on hand and allow enough time to clear port security and reach the vessel.

Day 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Cross the legendary Drake Passage, named after 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake, as you journey toward Antarctica. En route to the South Shetland Islands, immerse yourself in an engaging program of lectures and presentations led by expert guides. From the panoramic lounge or open decks, keep watch for incredible wildlife—majestic albatrosses, soaring petrels, and various whale species migrating south. As you cross the Antarctic Convergence, the environment transforms dramatically. Have your camera ready to capture the first icebergs and the breathtaking sight of Antarctic land on the horizon.

Day 4-7: 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 boat and explore the landscape with expert polar guides. Enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge of the ship 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 explore several locations 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.

Your adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiacs, lectures, and a delightful time on board. Departure from Antarctica will be in the afternoon or evening of Day 8, depending on weather conditions.

Day 8-9: Sailing back to South America

Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax, watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks, and participate in the presentations offered on various Antarctic topics in the lounge.

Day 10: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The program ends upon arrival at the port in Ushuaia.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova Library
Lounge at the Ocean Nova

Dates & Prices

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 Apr 2025>
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This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours.
Accomodations at the Ocean Nova
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Triple
150 sq. ft. 2 lower berths and one upper berth with private facilities and window.
Ocean Nova Twin Cabin
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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.
Ocean Nova Single Cabin
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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.
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.
  • Standard internet service is provided on a complimentary basis. Guests booked in Penthouse Suites on Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer enjoy complimentary premium internet service
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 
  • 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)

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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