Journey to the Antarctic Circle | Ocean Nova

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica!

Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy the included transfer to your hotel.

If you arrive early, there are plenty of ways to explore at ‘the End of the World.’ Visit the Museo Marítimo to discover the region’s fascinating history, or take a leisurely walk down Avenida San Martín for any last-minute essentials before heading to Antarctica.

In the evening, meet your local team and fellow travellers for a 'icebreaker' at the hotel, where you'll receive more details about the adventure ahead and tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have free time before the icebreaker, consider exploring downtown Ushuaia for souvenir shopping or savouring classic Argentinian flavours at one of the city’s fantastic local restaurants.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: If you arrive in Ushuaia on Day 1, an arrival transfer from Ushuaia Airport to the hotel is included. Your travel documents will provide full details.

Enjoy some free time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area before boarding the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 12 nights, this afternoon.

Once settled, we will make your way through the Beagle Channel towards the infamous Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s historic ship, 'The Beagle', the deep open water of the channel presents many great photo opportunities.

Be sure to wave goodbye to South America if you’re not too busy snapping away at the incredible landscapes – your next land sighting will be the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

The Drake Passage is one of the planet's most famous bodies of water. It can be rough, but if weather conditions are reasonable, you can head out on the outer decks to spot ocean dwellers like whales, dolphins or seabirds, including the spectacular wandering albatross, prions and petrels.

Over the next two days, you’ll get to know your Expedition Team as our comprehensive lecture program gets underway. Our polar experts will share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can understand its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure.

Your Expedition Team consists of experts on the marine and bird life that inhabits these parts. They will help you scout for sightings as you join them on the outer decks. Step onto the ship's bridge and take advantage of our open bridge policy, inviting you into Ocean Nova's command center. This is your chance to observe the Captain and the expedition in progress while enjoying an ideal viewpoint for spotting wildlife and encountering your first iceberg. With favourable conditions, you are scheduled to arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula late on the evening of day four.

It’s time for your first Antarctic encounter, courtesy of a Zodiac cruise through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites, and while weather dictates which specific site you’ll land at, each presents an opportunity to get up close with some truly incredible wildlife and watch penguins waddle. Seals slide as icebergs and glaciers crackle and crumble. If you have any questions, look to your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about this fascinating part of the world.

Antarctica will enchant you with its incredible scenery, from imposing glaciers to towering snow-capped peaks, vast icebergs, and ice-strewn channels. Not to mention the wildlife - from extensive chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins colonies to crabeater, Weddell, fur, elephant seals, and many fascinating birds.

When you are on board the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team will keep the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings,

A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7.00 am, followed by breakfast with fellow travellers in the dining room. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion that offers a new perspective of this frozen expanse. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Enjoy hearty meals prepared by skilled chefs and stay engaged with daily lectures and briefings from our onboard experts, ensuring every moment of your journey is enriching and unforgettable.

Venturing to the ends of the earth is a moment to revel in, as not all expeditions venture this far south.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, celebrations will be in order after reaching latitude 66°33’S and crossing the fabled Antarctic Circle. Toast to the sheer rawness of the surroundings and take it all in – while not a typical landing, the crossing of the Antarctic Circle leaves a lasting memory. Travel past colossal, often beautifully sculpted icebergs to a point on Earth where only a few travellers have sailed. Home to Weddell seals that are specially adapted to this icy environment, they use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice through which to breathe. They also have highly accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down, and they can no longer maintain or create breathing holes in the ice.

As the Ocean Nova begins heading north, you’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters.

Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species and fine-tune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and landings will continue to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.

The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific encounters.

During the final days at sea, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by our Expedition Photographer throughout your journey—yours to keep as a cherished reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition.

By the evening of Day 13, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel, signalling the start of your return home. That evening, enjoy a final celebration with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team to mark the end of this Antarctic adventure.

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition comes to an end, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: If you would like to stay longer in Ushuaia beyond today or would like to explore South America, please speak to your booking agent to discuss options.

If you are flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.