Antarctica Express Air Cruise | Ocean Nova
6 Days
From AUD 9,367
STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACTSAEAC
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
SHIP: Ocean Nova
Destination
Antarctic Peninsula
Departure Date
14/01/2025, 29/11/2025, 14/01/2026
Meals
Breakfast at hotel, & all meals on board the ship, including wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, & snacks
Transport
Group transfers throughout & charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
Accommodation
Hotel & Cabin On board a Ship
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Included Sightseeing
Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Whale watching
Penguins
Spot penguins from your zodiac or hiking in Antarctica. Common species on the peninsula are the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
Zodiac Cruising
Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.).
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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Undertake a shore Antarctic experience for travellers with limited time.
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Skip the two days of Drake Passage crossings and optimize your Antarctica experience by flying
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Encounter incredible wildlife including penguins, whales, seals and a vast array of sea bird like petrels and albatross, all in their natural environment.
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Only 75 passengers onboard your small ship expedition
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Short flight between King George Island and Punta Arenas, Chile.
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 67 passengers accommodated in 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 for exploring the icy waters of the Antarctica, looking for wildlife. 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.
Pricing per person & date
| Antarctica Express Air Cruise | Ocean Nova from AUD 9,367 | ||
| Departing | Ending | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan 2025 | 19 Jan 2025 | 6 |
| 29 Nov 2025 | 04 Dec 2025 | 6 |
| 14 Jan 2026 | 19 Jan 2026 | 6 |
Important Information
INCLUSIONS
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Accommodation on board during your voyage.
Loan of waterproof boots for excursions in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
All guided excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Charter flights from King George Island to Punta Arenas.
One nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Group transfers from the hotel in Punta Arenas to airport on final day.EXCLUSIONS
International or domestic flights, unless specified
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Airport arrival or departure taxes
Vaccination charges
Travel insurance
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to gratuities, select drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
- 2 (light adventure)
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Prices are based on per person, and may be based off quad/triple/ or twin share cabins* (please contact us for more details)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.