Antarctic Explorer

Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Please make your own way to the port today. If you wish to have a transfer included, please let your consultant know.

Board the Ocean Nova and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Antarctica.

Day 2-3: Cross the Drake Passage

Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer. As you sail en-route to 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 the albatross and petrels as well as different species of whales on their way south to 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 first sight of Antarctic land.

Days 4-7: Exploring Antarctic Peninsula

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 together with expert polar guides. From the ship enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Possible Landing sites:

CUVERVILLE ISLAND
A gentoo penguin rookery is situated on the north end of the island on a rocky beach. Depending on the time of season you arrive, you may see them building nests or attending to their chicks. Giant petrels and kelp gulls breed on the island.

DAMOY POINT
If you are lucky enough to mail a postcard in Antarctica, you'll likely pass through Damoy Point, the northern entrance to the harbor on which Port Lockroy is located.

DANCO ISLAND
This small island, one mile (1.6 km) in length, is easy to explore and home to gentoo penguins. You can visit the marker of a former British Antarctic Survey hut and watch for a variety of seabirds such as snowy sheathbills, kelp gulls and blue-eyed shags.

ENTERPRISE ISLAND
Located in Wilhelmina Bay, the island was used by whalers. A Zodiac cruise around the island passes a wrecked whaling ship.

LEMAIRE CHANNEL
This strait runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula; you'll see that this is one of the most scenic locations on the western coast, especially during sunrise and sunset. The 6.8 mile-long (11 km) Channel may become impassable when ice fills the narrow passageway, so we'll hope for clear waters.

MELCHIOR ISLANDS
A group of low islands in Dallmann Bay, on which you may see male fur seals haul-out at the end of the breeding season to recuperate from their battles for supremacy.

NEKO HARBOUR
Little evidence remains that this bay was once used by the floating whale factory ship Neko. You might see some whale vertebrae used by resident gentoo penguins as shelter from the wind. There is an unmanned refuge hut here, erected by Argentina. Climb past the hut and up a steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier-rimmed harbor.

PETERMANN ISLAND
Here, near the Lemaire Channel, you can stand ashore and see the southernmost breeding colony of gentoo penguins. The dome of the island rises 650 feet (200 meters) above the sea, offering a challenging hike for panoramic views. Adélie penguins, shags and south polar skuas also inhabit the island.

PORT LOCKROY
A ‘fun' destination of sorts, we always strive to journey to Port Lockroy if weather permits. The harbor is on the west side of Wiencke Island. A secret base was built on the harbor during the Second World War as part of Operation Tabarin. It is now designated as a historic site, where Port Lockroy is a museum and post office. Proceeds from your purchases here support the preservation of historic sites from the Heroic Age of Exploration.

WATERBOAT POINT
Of historic interest, you may venture to this unique point, which at low tide is connected to the Antarctic mainland. Zodiacs are used to explore the area when the tide is in. Two scientists studying penguin behavior lived in a water boat on the Point from 1921-22. The remains of their camp have been designated an Antarctic historic site.

Days 8-9: Cross the Drake Passage

We invite you to relax and take the time to watch wildlife from the bridge or outside decks while enjoying lectures given by our Antarctic experts. Sailing along the Beagle Channel to Port Williams, before continuing to your final destination.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Your cruise ends this morning upon arrival back in to Ushuaia port. No transfer is included today but please let your travel consultant know if you would like to book one.

• Cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the M/V Ocean Nova
• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
• Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
• 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.
• All guided shore excursions.
• Lectures and entertainment on board.
• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
• Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
• Contingency Plan as described further on.
• IAATO passenger fee

• Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
• Gratuities.
• Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses,
• Any arrival and/or departure tax

*Passport, visa and immigration fees

The itinerary of this program visits Argentinean and Chilean territories. The authorities require visitors to carry a valid passport and, depending on nationality, may require a visa. 

**Optional activities

• Sea kayaking - US$895 per person
• Hiking - US$85 per person  
• *Sea kayaking and snowshoeing activities are available to be booked on-board. There will be 12 spots available per day, but will depend on how many spots are booked by guests once they board the ship.