Classic Antarctica Air Cruise | Ocean Nova

8 Days
From NZD 23,784

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACTSCAAC

DIFFICULTY RATING: 1 (easy)

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: The Ocean Nova

DestinationDestination

Antarctica

DestinationDeparture Date

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

MealsMeals

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

TransportTransport

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

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

AMAZING OFFER: AUD$3000pp Air Credit on Selected 25/26 Departures*

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Air Cruise onboard Ocean Nova in the 25/26 Antarctica seasons subject to availability until 31 Dec 2024 unless withdrawn, sold out, or varied prior.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.

ITINERARY

Arrive in Punta Arenas

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.

Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island

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.

Explore Antarctica - Day 3 to 6

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.

Fly from King George Island to Punta Arenas

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.)

Transfer to the airport for onward destination

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
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.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

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Pricing per person & date

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise | Ocean Nova from NZD 23,784
Departing Ending Duration
02 Dec 202409 Dec 20248
12 Dec 202419 Dec 20248
17 Dec 202424 Dec 20248
22 Dec 202429 Dec 20248
27 Dec 202403 Jan 20258
17 Jan 202524 Jan 20258
22 Jan 202529 Jan 20258
01 Feb 202508 Feb 20258
06 Feb 202513 Feb 20258
11 Feb 202518 Feb 20258
07 Dec 202514 Dec 20258
12 Dec 202519 Dec 20258
17 Dec 202524 Dec 20258
22 Dec 202529 Dec 20258
27 Dec 202503 Jan 20268
22 Jan 202629 Jan 20268
27 Jan 202603 Feb 20268
08 Feb 202615 Feb 20268
18 Feb 202625 Feb 20268

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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

    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.

     

    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. 

  • 1 (easy)

  • Available upon request, contact us for more details. 

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