Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula

Complete Antarctica Expedition: Fly In, Sail Out

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Take to the Antarctic skies before embarking on an adventure unlike any other. On this voyage, you’ll bypass the unpredictable waters of the Drake Passage before exploring Antarctica by sea aboard Ocean Nova, one of the most renowned expedition vessels in operation, for an experience that combines the best of both flying and cruising. Your introduction to the White Continent begins in comfort as you watch your expedition ship come into view below the peaks of King George Island. Upon embarkation, you’ll explore the very best of Antarctica, guided safely by your skilled and knowledgeable Expedition Leader and team. Marvel at penguins, whales, seals, and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat, and experience the jaw-dropping ice of Antarctica from the moment you touch down. At journey’s end, you’ll add the famed Drake Passage to your Antarctic résumé, completing an experience unlike any other on Earth.

Highlights

• Fly in comfort over the Drake Passage to begin your unforgettable Antarctic experience

• From there, board a true expedition-style ship, Ocean Nova

• Explore Antarctica’s wonders, from abundant wildlife to radiant ice and towering mountains

• Discover geology unlike any other in the South Shetland Islands

• Add “I survived the Drake Passage” to your list of accomplishments before disembarking in Ushuaia

• Wave goodbye from high above before a final day exploring the best of Chilean Patagonia

Day 1: Welcome to Patagonia!

Arrive in Punta Arenas, one of Earth’s southernmost cities and Chile’s gateway to Antarctica. After lunch, check into the beautifully appointed Hotel Cabo de Hornos, where our friendly ground team awaits to prepare you for your Antarctic adventure. During the afternoon, meet your fellow explorers, join your Expedition Team to be fitted for your boots and parka, biosecure your expedition gear, and learn about responsible Antarctic exploration, Zodiac landings, and tomorrow’s travel schedule – in short, everything you need to get ready for Antarctica. Afterwards, gather for your first dinner together and enjoy irresistible Patagonian delicacies in the Faro Lounge restaurant.

Day 2: All Aboard for Antarctica!

Today’s the day. After a hearty breakfast, gear up before departing for Punta Arenas airport, where your chartered aircraft awaits to whisk you across the infamous Drake Passage – waves not included. Watch from the window in awe as icebergs appear, guarding the coast of King George Island, one of Antarctica’s northernmost islands. Descend onto the gravel runway, where our Expedition Team awaits to assist you safely aboard Ocean Nova. After the mandatory safety briefing and drill, toast the start of your Antarctic voyage as Ocean Nova sets sail southward.

Days 3–5: Immersive Antarctica

Welcome to Antarctica in all its awe-inspiring glory. For the next few days, we’ll maneuver through picturesque channels, where sculpted icebergs and an array of captivating wildlife share these dynamic waters. This is your opportunity to become more intimately acquainted with Antarctica by Zodiac, kayak, snowshoe, or while spending unhurried time ashore, taking in the silence and scale of the landscape. For those participating in our Citizen Science program, the important work of understanding and documenting this fragile environment continues. Prepare to be amazed as we encounter numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, both along the rugged coastline and in open waters. With opportunities to visit penguin colonies and historic landing sites, we plan to take full advantage of all the White Continent has to offer.

Day 6: South Shetland Islands

Over time, volcanic activity in the South Shetland Islands has created a geology unlike any other. Here, you can expect a spectacular display of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, including Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. It’s also not uncommon to share the shoreline with elephant and fur seals, while whales are often spotted offshore. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend our final day in Antarctica exploring these remarkable islands.

Days 7–8: Drake Passage

Join our Polar Experts as they share their extensive knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our pioneering Citizen Science program or sit back and take in this fabled journey while catching glimpses of rarely seen wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy to identify the many seabirds that escort our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Atlantic waters and temperatures begin to rise.

Day 9: Ushuaia, Argentina – Disembarkation

On the final day of our expedition, we arrive beneath the peaks of Ushuaia, Earth’s southernmost city and capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego. After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell to the Expedition Team, officers, and crew of Ocean Nova, we disembark in the morning, either to begin your journey home or continue your adventures in Patagonia.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.