Itinerary
- Day 1
Ushuaia
You'll arrive in Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina, your launching point for Antarctica. The day is yours to explore at your own pace, and there's plenty to see. Consider heading to Tierra del Fuego National Park for hiking through sub-Antarctic forests and along the coast, or if you want something easier, walk the waterfront and take in views of Beagle Channel. Stop by one of the local chocolate shops to try handcrafted varieties. Around 5 pm, there's a welcome meeting at your hotel where the expedition team will introduce themselves. Later you'll have a traditional Argentine dinner with local red wine to kick things off.
Optional Activities
- Full day adventure to Tierra del Fuego National Park
- Stroll around town and waterfront overlooking Beagle Channel
- Sample handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe
Landmarks/POIs Tierra del Fuego National Park Beagle Channel - Day 2
Ushuaia to Ocean Nova
After breakfast, you'll head to the port and board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next nine nights. After settling into your cabin, head up to the outer decks as the ship departs through Beagle Channel toward Antarctica. You'll meet the full expedition team and attend briefings that cover what to expect in the coming days. It's a good time to get your sea legs and familiarize yourself with the ship's layout.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to port of Ushuaia
- Boarding Ocean Nova expedition ship
- Meeting Expedition Team
- Sailing through Beagle Channel
- Welcome Briefing
Landmarks/POIs Beagle Channel - Day 3
Drake Passage
Today is all about crossing the Drake Passage, the rough waters between South America and Antarctica. The expedition team leads lectures on Antarctic geology, history, wildlife, and ice conditions so you know what you're getting into. As the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, temperatures drop noticeably. Spend time on the bridge looking through the expansive windows for albatrosses, whales breaching, and icebergs. These nutrient-rich waters attract plenty of seabirds and marine life, so keep your eyes peeled.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Access to bridge and command centre
Landmarks/POIs Drake Passage Antarctic Convergence - Day 4
Drake Passage to Antarctic Peninsula
You're still crossing the Drake Passage as the day progresses. By evening the ship approaches Antarctica, and you'll get your first glimpse of land appearing on the horizon. It's a significant moment after two days at sea, so most people are on deck for this.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
Landmarks/POIs Antarctic Peninsula - Day 5
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Now the real exploration starts across the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula using small Zodiac boats. Shore landings give you direct contact with penguin colonies of chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie species. You'll also see crabeater, Weddell, fur, and elephant seals hauled out on ice. Climb to high points for wide views across the ice and visit old scientific bases or historical sites. Weather permitting, you get at least two excursions daily. Breakfast happens around 7 am before the first outing. Listen for the sound of glaciers breaking apart and watch for massive icebergs drifting past.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Guided walking Excursions
- Shore landings
- Wildlife viewing - penguins and seals
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities
- Overnight ice camping experience - USD399
- Snowshoeing trek - USD150
- Paddling excursion (Day Paddle) - USD349
- Polar plunge into icy Antarctic waters - Free
Landmarks/POIs South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula - Day 6
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Your second day of exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula continues with Zodiac excursions. Multiple daily landings, wildlife encounters, and opportunities to walk on shore ice happen weather depending. Each day brings different sites and different wildlife interactions since the ice conditions and animal locations shift.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Guided walking Excursions
- Shore landings
- Wildlife viewing - penguins and seals
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities
- Overnight ice camping experience - USD399
- Snowshoeing trek - USD150
- Paddling excursion (Day Paddle) - USD349
- Polar plunge into icy Antarctic waters - Free
Landmarks/POIs South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula - Day 7
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
The third day of South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula exploration unfolds much like the previous days, with several Zodiac runs to different locations. You're getting more comfortable with the ice navigation and wildlife spotting at this point. Shore landings and various excursions continue based on what the conditions allow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Guided walking Excursions
- Shore landings
- Wildlife viewing - penguins and seals
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities
- Overnight ice camping experience - USD399
- Snowshoeing trek - USD150
- Paddling excursion (Day Paddle) - USD349
- Polar plunge into icy Antarctic waters - Free
Landmarks/POIs South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula - Day 8
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Your final day of exploration around the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula happens with multiple Zodiac excursions, wildlife viewing, and shore time depending on weather and ice. By evening the ship starts preparing to head north and leave Antarctic waters behind.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
- Guided walking Excursions
- Shore landings
- Wildlife viewing - penguins and seals
- Citizen Science Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
- Onboard Lecture Program
Optional Activities
- Overnight ice camping experience - USD399
- Snowshoeing trek - USD150
- Paddling excursion (Day Paddle) - USD349
- Polar plunge into icy Antarctic waters - Free
Landmarks/POIs South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula - Day 9
Sailing Back Towards Ushuaia
The ship turns north toward Ushuaia, and the focus shifts to reflecting on your Antarctic experience. The expedition team gives additional lectures covering topics you didn't have time for during the landing days. Later there's a slideshow of photographs from the expedition photographer showing images throughout the trip that you'll receive as keepsakes. By evening you're back in the calmer waters of Beagle Channel, marking your return journey toward home.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Slideshow of expedition photographs
- Daily Briefings and Recap
Landmarks/POIs Beagle Channel - Day 10
Sailing to Ushuaia
You continue sailing through Beagle Channel toward Ushuaia, moving through more protected waters now. The ship travels at a relaxed pace, giving you time to process the Antarctic adventure you've just completed and maybe spend time on deck taking in the landscape one more time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Onboard Lecture Program
- Daily Briefings and Recap
Landmarks/POIs Beagle Channel - Day 11
Disembark in Ushuaia
After breakfast you disembark the Ocean Nova as your Antarctic expedition wraps up. A transfer takes you to Ushuaia Airport or downtown Ushuaia depending on your plans. If you want to stay longer in the area and explore more, contact your booking team beforehand to arrange accommodations and additional activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown
Optional Activities
- Extend stay in Ushuaia
