Antarctica Express Air Cruise | Ocean Nova

6 Days
From CAD 8,681

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACTSAEAC

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: The Ocean Nova

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

DestinationDeparture Date

14/01/2026

MealsMeals

Breakfast at hotel, & all meals on board the ship, including wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, & snacks

TransportTransport

Group transfers throughout & charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas

TransportAccommodation

Hotel & Cabin On board a Ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded 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 

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.

The Ocean Nova

The Ocean Nova

Built in 1992, the Ocean Nova is one of the most maneuverable expedition cruise ships on the Antarctic Peninsula. Intimate in size and carrying only 67 passengers, this ship, custom-built for polar waters, is often praised for its ability to reach the more remote nooks and crannies of the peninsula, having been tried and tested by the very best of captains. This unique ability offers travellers an uncompromised experience that is unavailable on larger vessels. 

The interior exudes a boutique lodge ambiance, boasting a panoramic lounge offering 200-degree views and contains a spacious light-filled restaurant serving delicious meals. Sturdy, the Ocean Nova is ice hardened to withstand the Antarctic conditions. 

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. 

* A smaller ship means you’ll have shorter ship-to-shore excursions – which is a bonus on cooler days! 

* The cabins are spacious. 

*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!

*Being agile means unique experiences obtainable only by travellers on this small vessel. 

*Being on the Ocean Nova offers a true expedition experience. 

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

Pricing & Availability last updated 18 February 2025

Antarctica Express Air Cruise | Ocean Nova from CAD 8,681
Departing Ending Duration
14 Jan 202619 Jan 20266

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Important Information

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.

FROM PRICE & PROMOTIONAL INFORMATION

  • From Price is based on a TWIN Cabin on the 14 Jan 2026 Departure
  • Valid until 31 Mar 2025 or until sold out/withdrawn
  • Please enquire for single pricing
     

Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!

See detailed promotional T&Cs below

NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.