STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACTSCAAC
DIFFICULTY RATING: 1 (easy)
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
SHIP: The Ocean Nova
Antarctica
02/12/2024, 12/12/2024, 17/12/2024, 22/12/2024, 27/12/2024, 17/01/2025, 22/01/2025, 01/02/2025, 06/02/2025, 11/02/2025, 07/12/2025, 12/12/2025, 17/12/2025, 22/12/2025, 27/12/2025, 22/01/2026, 27/01/2026, 08/02/2026, 18/02/2026
Welcome dinner in Punta Arenas, Breakfast at hotels, & all meals on board the ship, including wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, & snacks
Group transfers throughout & return charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
Hotel & Cabin on board a ship
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
Spot penguins from your zodiac or hiking in Antarctica. Common species on the peninsula are the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, take a journey to one of the most spectacular places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent – Antarctica. On board the Ocean Nova you will find a true expedition experience as you reach some of the most untouched places on Earth.
*Air Credit promotion is available on selected dates and cabins on the Classic Antarctica Air Cruise onboard Ocean Nova in the 25/26 Antarctica seasons subject to availability until 31 Dec 2024 unless withdrawn, sold out, or varied prior. Offer is capacity controlled and not combinable with other promotions. Please Contact Us for full terms and conditions and to check availability.
Staff members will welcome you on arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer to your hotel, then visit the Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise, and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. At Explorers House, enjoy local gastronomy dinner as you meet your fellow adventurers.
Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
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 and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. 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.
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
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.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreDeparting | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
02 Dec 2024 | 09 Dec 2024 | 8 |
12 Dec 2024 | 19 Dec 2024 | 8 |
17 Dec 2024 | 24 Dec 2024 | 8 |
22 Dec 2024 | 29 Dec 2024 | 8 |
27 Dec 2024 | 03 Jan 2025 | 8 |
17 Jan 2025 | 24 Jan 2025 | 8 |
22 Jan 2025 | 29 Jan 2025 | 8 |
01 Feb 2025 | 08 Feb 2025 | 8 |
06 Feb 2025 | 13 Feb 2025 | 8 |
11 Feb 2025 | 18 Feb 2025 | 8 |
07 Dec 2025 | 14 Dec 2025 | 8 |
12 Dec 2025 | 19 Dec 2025 | 8 |
17 Dec 2025 | 24 Dec 2025 | 8 |
22 Dec 2025 | 29 Dec 2025 | 8 |
27 Dec 2025 | 03 Jan 2026 | 8 |
22 Jan 2026 | 29 Jan 2026 | 8 |
27 Jan 2026 | 03 Feb 2026 | 8 |
08 Feb 2026 | 15 Feb 2026 | 8 |
18 Feb 2026 | 25 Feb 2026 | 8 |
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.
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Welcome dinner on day one at the Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
Return charter flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
Accommodation on board during your voyage.
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.
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.
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.
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.