Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness | Ocean Nova

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica.

When you arrive at Ushuaia Airport, take the included transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Tonight, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and our local team in Ushuaia during our 'icebreaker' at your hotel. You’ll learn more about the exciting journey ahead and receive important details for tomorrow’s embarkation.

If you have time to spare before the icebreaker, maybe head downtown for souvenir shopping or taste classic Argentinian flavours at one of Ushuaia's fantastic local restaurants. Or check out the Museo Marítimo to learn about the region’s history, or stroll down Avenida San Martín for any last-minute essentials before departing for Antarctica.

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 your leisurely morning before your coach transfers to the port of Ushuaia, where you’ll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next nine nights. Downtown Ushuaia is compact and perfect for exploring on foot, offering a beautiful start to your day. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning snow-capped Andes Mountains backdrop.

After meeting your Expedition Team on board and settling into your cabin, head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sails through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Then, join the excitement inside to learn more about the upcoming days.

Famed for its wild nature, the Drake Passage is unpredictable and constantly changing.

Be sure to spend some time on one of the Ocean Nova's outer decks soaking up fresh sea air and feeling the breeze of the roaring forties and furious fifties - waters not yet tamed even by the most intrepid of explorers. Your Expedition Team will provide insights into your exciting adventure that lies ahead.

During these two days on the sea, you will have plenty of time to gaze out at the Southern Ocean and capture photos of the birds circling the Ocean Nova as you get to know your fellow travellers and Expedition Team. Head to the ship's bridge, where our open bridge policy, invites you into Ocean Nova's command centre, where you can see the Captain and his team in action and get the best vantage point for spotting wildlife and your first iceberg. There is always great excitement on board when the first sighting of land appears, which, with favourable sea and weather conditions, will be early evening on day four.

Your Antarctic adventure begins once you have left the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands are visible. This region has long captured the attention of explorers.

Every visit to Antarctica reveals something unexpected or new, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - a unique and personal experience.

During your time aboard the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team and Captain will scout for whales and seabirds and alert you to any new sightings. Enjoy in-depth explanations and lectures from your Expedition Team on the region's glaciology, history and wildlife as you explore.

Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to explore local bays, channels and landing sites, with wildlife opportunities always in your Expedition Team’s mind - your first land excursion will be something you will never forget!

Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal.

Each day and each landing is different, but every day presents new photo opportunities and sightings, so it won’t take long until you know the difference between an Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.

You might hike to a penguin rookery one day and take a Zodiac cruise among towering icebergs the next. From coming eye to eye with a humpback whale to the sound of a calving glacier, you will wake up excited each day with a desire to explore this icy wilderness.

And if you can’t get enough and find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an overnight ice camping experience on land, a snowshoeing excursion to explore further afield, or a hit the water for a day paddle excursion. You’ll also have the chance to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova - a quick dive into Antarctica’s icy waters that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated!

An typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7.00 am. This gives you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the dining room.

Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. On board the Ocean Nova, you can savour delicious meals in the dining room and stay engaged in fascinating daily lectures led by our expert team.

As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back to your home port of Ushuaia, it is time to reflect on your journey. You’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 10, signalling the end of your Antarctic adventure.

During these final days at sea, attend additional onboard lectures and enjoy a slideshow of images captured by our Expedition Photographer throughout your journey - yours to keep as a memorable souvenir of your epic Antarctic adventure.

Your final meal that evening will be a highlight, so live it up and enjoy yourself as you celebrate an incredible adventure with your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team.

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.