Polar Circle Air Cruise | Ocean Nova
10 Days
From USD 18,795
STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACTSAAC
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
SHIP: The Ocean Nova
Destination
Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula
Departure Date
01/01/2025, 16/02/2025, 01/01/2026, 01/02/2026
Meals
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
Transport
Group transfers throughout & return charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
Accommodation
Hotel & Cabin on board a ship
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Included 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
Antarctic Circle
Whale watching
Penguins
Spot penguins from your zodiac or hiking in Antarctica. Common species on the peninsula are the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
Zodiac Cruising
Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
Daily excursions
When conditions allow, passengers will receive two excursions per day.
OVERVIEW
Pack your camera for a jaw dropping view over Antarctica. Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage. This 10 day tour takes you to one of the most spectacular and remotest places on earth - Antarctica. Sail to the far south, and be one of the few adventurous travelers to cross the Antarctic Circle.
This Itinerary is also available on the Magellan Explorer. Please contact us for more information and pricing.
ITINERARY
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.
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and 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.
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glassenclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage.
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight 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.
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.
Learn MorePricing per person & date
| Polar Circle Air Cruise | Ocean Nova from USD 18,795 | ||
| Departing | Ending | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan 2025 | 10 Jan 2025 | 10 |
| 16 Feb 2025 | 25 Feb 2025 | 10 |
| 01 Jan 2026 | 10 Jan 2026 | 10 |
| 01 Feb 2026 | 10 Feb 2026 | 10 |
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
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.
- 2 (light adventure)
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.