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Antarctica Express Air Cruise | Ocean Nova

6 Days
From AUD 9,085

STYLE: Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACTSAEAC

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Ocean Nova

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula

DestinationDeparture Date

29/11/2023, 14/01/2024, 29/11/2024, 14/01/2025 

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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OVERVIEW

Leaving from Ushuaia, take a journey through the Beagle Channel and to legendary Cape Horn. Cross the mythical waters of the Drake Passage and explore one of the most spectacular places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent – Antarctica.

ITINERARY

Embarkation

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your expedition vessel and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.

**Please note boarding in Ushuaia is between 3:00 and 4:00pm, Please note boarding will close at 4:00pm.

Cape Horn

After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.

Drake Passage

As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in 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.

Drake Passage & 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. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.

King George Island & Return Flight

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.).

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Undertake a shore Antarctic experience for travellers with limited time. 

  • Skip the two days of Drake Passage crossings and optimize your Antarctica experience by flying

  • Encounter incredible wildlife including penguins, whales, seals and a vast array of sea bird like petrels and albatross, all in their natural environment. 

  • Only 75 passengers onboard your small ship expedition 

  • Short flight between King George Island and Punta Arenas, Chile.

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova

The M/V Ocean Nova is a modern, comfortable vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited to expedition travel in Antarctica. The M/V Ocean Nova has the capacity for 78 passengers accommodated in 38 comfortable outside cabins, all with exterior views and private en-suite facilities. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, on board facilities include a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a polar boutique, an exercise room and an infirmary with doctor. The ship carries Zodiacs that are well suited for shore transfers and cruising. 

Why we like it:

Modern, small and comfortable. Fewer passengers means that you get to know everyone on board by name, making great friendships with fellow passengers and the crew - you’ll be sad to say goodbye to Antarctica and your new mates! The cabins are huge, and a smaller ship means you’ll have shorter ship-to-shore excursions – which is a bonus on cooler days! Head out onto the bridge and hang with the captain, he’s been with the ship a long time, and knows it capabilities inside out - you’re in very safe hands!

Ice Class: Length: 73 metres
Breadth: 11 metresMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: N/A Passenger
Capacity:
68

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

inside tour type 1 and 0

Pricing per person & date

Antarctica Express Air Cruise | Ocean Nova from AUD 9,085
Departing Ending Duration
29 Nov 2023 04 Dec 2023 6
14 Jan 2024 19 Jan 2024 6
01 Jan 1970 06 Jan 1970 6
01 Jan 1970 06 Jan 1970 6

Important Information

  • Cabin accommodation whilst on board Ocean Nova 
    All meals whilst on board
    All scheduled landings and excursions
    Guiding and lectures by expedition team 
    Free use of rubber boots for shore excursions
    All port taxes 
    Comprehensive pre and post voyage informational material 
    Group transfer airport to hotel on Day of scheduled return flight from Antarctica
    Group transfer hotel/airport 

    Exclusions 

    Airfares to and from embarkation/disembarkation city 
    Visa fees (if applicable) 
    Travel insurance
    Beverages (other than tea and coffee) 
    Personal expenses such as laundry, on board communication (telephone calls, faxes, email) 
    Gratuities for the crew
    Pre or post cruise travel expenses
    Optional activities
    Expedition jacket rental

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request, contact us for more details.

  • Please note that itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.

    Preferred seating is available at additional cost. Contact us for more details. 

  • Departure date, season and availability.