Antarctica aboard Ocean Nova
An expedition to Antarctica aboard Ocean Nova, a genuine ice-class expedition ship. Ten days from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula: polar research stations, Zodiac landings among the icebergs, penguins and whales.
- Day01
Ushuaia — embarkation on Ocean Nova
The journey begins in the port of Ushuaia — capital of Tierra del Fuego at the very tip of Argentina. Nature lovers should arrive a day early for Tierra del Fuego National Park with its beavers, albatrosses and penguins, dense forests on the Andean slopes and snow-capped peaks.
Embarkation starts at 15:00 and at 16:00 sharp Ocean Nova weighs anchor and heads down the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile — the southernmost town in the world. After settling into your cabin you meet the crew and expedition staff, and in Puerto Williams there is time to explore ashore before leaving South America behind.
The ship
Ocean Nova is an ice-class expedition vessel built in Denmark in 1992 for the Greenland Sea and thoroughly refurbished in the 2000s: cabins and public areas were upgraded, and the top-deck lounge received panoramic windows so that Antarctica can be watched from an armchair, whatever the weather.
On board: a spacious restaurant with first-class chefs, a glass-walled observation lounge, a library and lecture room, internet access, a medical station and a small gym. The bridge is open to passengers except during rare navigational manoeuvres. The Danish crew has vast polar experience, and a fleet of Zodiac inflatables allows landings on remote shores and cruising between the icebergs.
- Day02
Days 2–3 · The Drake Passage
The ship heads south through the legendary passage named after Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century English navigator. En route to the South Shetland Islands the expedition team runs a programme of lectures and presentations, while wildlife can be watched straight from the lounge or the open decks.
Albatrosses and petrels wheel over the water, whales pass on their way south, and the scenery changes dramatically as you cross the Antarctic Convergence. Keep your camera ready: the first icebergs appear soon, and Antarctica follows.
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Days 4–7 · South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
From the South Shetlands to the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula the ship follows ice-bound fjords past spectacular icebergs, in the company of seabirds, penguins and whales. Every day you go ashore to explore the peninsula’s most remote bays with expert polar guides.
Each time the team chooses the sites that give the fullest picture of Antarctica’s varied nature: Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel and many more.
This is an active voyage: Zodiac cruises, several landings a day and a full programme on board.
- Day08
Days 8–9 · The Drake Passage, homeward
The ship turns north through the Drake Passage back towards South America. The adventure continues: whales and seabirds from the deck, and an on-board slideshow to relive the highlights of the expedition.
On the final evening all guests are invited to the farewell Captain’s Dinner.
- Day10
Ushuaia — disembarkation
In the morning Ocean Nova docks in Ushuaia. After breakfast you disembark and transfer to the airport — or to your hotel, should you decide to linger in Tierra del Fuego.