Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle | Ocean Nova

Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina – the gateway to Antarctica and the world’s southernmost city.

Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy the included transfer to your hotel. Once you arrive at your hotel, you’re free to explore.

Tonight at your hotel, meet your fellow travellers at our 'icebreaker' to learn more about the journey ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have some spare time, maybe head downtown for some early souvenir shopping or taste some classic Argentinian flavours at one of the local restaurants.

Ushuaia is affectionately known as ‘The End of the World’, so you can soak up that unforgettable I’m-so-far-from-home moment among the impressive backdrop of snow-capped mountains. If you meet some fellow travellers along the way, why not hit a cosy dinner spot or local bar and explore what your upcoming adventure may hold?

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.

After breakfast, the morning is yours to explore Ushuaia.

Stroll through the quaint town with a camera or grab a last-minute necessity. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the port of Ushuaia and embark the Ocean Nova – your home on the sea for the next 22 nights.

After greeting your fellow travellers and Expedition Team and settling into your cabin, set sail through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Find the perfect spot to soak up the incredible views as you catch your last sight of Argentina – then head inside to join the excitement and learn more about what’s to come on this Antarctic adventure. This evening is an excellent opportunity to explore the ship and enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining room.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime by attending comprehensive presentations and lectures led by your expert Expedition Team. These engaging sessions will deepen your understanding of the region's unique geography, fragile environment, and the incredible wildlife you may encounter during your journey. Topics might include the behaviour of humpback whales, the life cycles of penguins, and the formation of the Antarctic ice sheet, ensuring you're well-prepared to appreciate the wonders ahead.

As you sail, spend time out on deck or on the ship's bridge scanning the horizon for wildlife. Our open bridge policy, which our Captain and his team welcome you to Ocean Nova's command center. Here, you can watch the expedition unfold while taking in a prime view for spotting wildlife and seeing your first iceberg. Keep an eye out for majestic wandering albatrosses on their lengthy migration routes, their wingspans spanning up to three meters. Look for the telltale splash of breaching whales or the dorsal fins of other mighty marine mammals breaking the water's surface. These moments of connection with nature are unforgettable highlights of any expedition.

Evenings on board are equally memorable. After a day of learning and wildlife spotting, retreat to the warmth of the ship's Panorama Lounge. Enjoy a drink in hand as you swap stories with your fellow travellers, forging bonds and sharing the excitement of your journey. The camaraderie of your shipmates, combined with the extraordinary surroundings, creates a truly memorable expedition experience.

You’ll approach the Falkland Islands this morning – a wildlife photographer’s dream.

Here, you can find the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world and five species of penguins that breed on the islands, including gentoo, king, Macaroni, Magellanic, and rockhopper.

As you approach the ruggedly beautiful archipelago, keep the camera ready to capture the abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

East Falkland and West Falkland have so much to offer and provide a rare opportunity to witness the biological diversity, extraordinary landscapes and rich history of the southern islands. Learn about the intriguing and controversial past of the Falkland Islands from local experts as you explore the quaint capital of Stanley. Near the town, you may see southern giant petrels, Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls, dolphin gulls, black-crowned night herons, red-backed hawks, peregrine falcons and turkey vultures! A spot of birdwatching, anyone? Witness an ever-changing horizon with wetlands, lakes and rolling peaks waiting to be trekked.

Weather permitting, you may explore Saunders Island, the second-largest island in the Falklands, and The Neck, a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches and subtle cliff faces. The rookery stretches along the northern slopes of Saunders Island and is one of the area's largest black-browed albatross nesting colonies. This is where the mighty birds nest in the cliffs, around October, with their chicks hatching about ten weeks later.

On the afternoon of Day 5, following our morning excursion, farewell the Falkland Islands and sail towards South Georgia.

From the outer decks, keep your eyes on the horizon for seabirds and other passing wildlife as we settle in for two days at sea en route to South Georgia. This remarkable destination offers many experiences, from fascinating history and geology to unparalleled wildlife encounters.

While aboard the cosy Ocean Nova, take part in engaging presentations led by your Expedition Team, designed to prepare you for the wonders that await you at South Georgia.

Over the next few days, you’ll explore the island of South Georgia, once the homestead of whalers and isolated explorers – now a protected site with dedicated Antarctic research teams.

You’ll explore various landing sites and learn about the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton, known for his incredible survival during a failed expedition south. Shackleton led the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition between 1914 and 1916. He planned to cross Antarctica from a base on the Weddell Sea to McMurdo Sound via the South Pole with his crew. However, Endurance became trapped in ice off the Caird Coast and eventually sank, which began this epic story of survival. Through months of strenuous trekking, improvising and incredible leadership, Shackleton and all his men survived. On these very shores in South Georgia, Shackleton landed his crew of the James Caird in search of help for the rest of his party, who were stranded back on Elephant Island.

You’ll spend several days retracing some of Shackleton’s steps and visiting his grave at the ex-whaling station of Grytviken, located on the east side. Wander among hundreds of thousands of king penguins in the dramatic South Georgian light, visit old whaling stations and enjoy educational presentations on the then and now of the area. Across the island, you’ll see dark volcanic beaches backgrounded by hanging glaciers and have the chance to go on day hikes among alpine lakes.

During your next couple of days at sea, experience breathtaking 200-degree vistas from the Panorama Lounge, or the outer decks. You should take this opportunity to relax and recharge or play games of cards at the bar with your shipmates. Whatever takes your fancy – the ship is yours to explore.

Today, you’ll voyage south towards continental Antarctica. An typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader at around 7.00 am. This gives you time to prepare before joining your fellow adventurers for breakfast.

Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. For the next five days, you’ll dedicate your time to searching for wildlife from land, ship and Zodiac. Soak up the unforgettable vistas at every turn and take every opportunity that awaits you. With numerous landing sites to explore, your Expedition Team will carefully select the best options based on weather, accessibility, and wildlife activity.

Depending on the conditions, you may also have the chance to enhance your journey with optional adventures like camping on the ice (a serene and silent experience like no other), day paddling across icy waters, or snowshoeing across untouched terrain. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova—a swift dip into Antarctica’s freezing waters that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised!

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

If weather permits, a celebration will be held 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. You’ll travel past colossal icebergs to a point where only a few travellers have ever sailed.

You may see Weddell seals in the Antarctic Circle, which are specially adapted to this icy environment. They use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice, using the holes to breathe. They also have incredibly accurate navigational skills, and they seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down and they can no longer maintain or create holes in the ice.

As the Ocean Nova heads north, you’ll feel more confident navigating the wonders of the Antarctic waters.

Test your newfound penguin expertise and sharpen your wildlife-spotting skills as you identify fur, leopard, and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and shore landings will continue, offering ample opportunities to encounter the peninsula’s diverse wildlife and capture stunning photographs of your adventure.

Settle back into your comfortable surroundings aboard the Ocean Nova for the return journey across the Drake Passage. The Ocean Nova will track north towards your destination of Ushuaia, Argentina, arriving into the calmer waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 23.

During these final sea days, attend more onboard lectures and enjoy a slideshow of images captured by our Expedition Photographer during your voyage – yours as a memento of your epic Antarctic expedition. These are sure to make your nature snaps the best they can be. Now is also the chance to catch up with your shipmates and share stories about your voyage over a meal or a drink at the bar.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team and fellow travellers as you disembark in Ushuaia. 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.