Complete Antarctica: Sail In, Fly Out
11 Days / 7 Nights On Board
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas
Experience All That Antarctica Has to Offer, While Experiencing “Just Enough” of the Drake Passage
Explore the full range of Antarctic experiences aboard Ocean Nova, one of the most renowned expedition vessels in operation, on this voyage that begins with a crossing of the legendary Drake Passage (by sea) and ends in the comfort of a private flight (by air). Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, our planet’s southernmost city, before embarking on a journey that has set the standard for the term “life-changing.” Join us as we explore the very best of Antarctica, guided safely by your skilled and knowledgeable Expedition Leader and team. Be prepared to marvel at a variety of penguin species, as well as whales, seals, and thousands of seabirds found nowhere else in the world. Experience the jaw-dropping spectacle of Antarctica’s glaciers, icebergs, and mountain vistas. At journey’s end, you’ll take to the Antarctic skies on a private flight bound for the vibrant city of Punta Arenas, where a celebratory dinner awaits.
Expedition Dates
| Ship | Arrive | Board | Disembark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Nova | Jan 12, 2028 | Jan 13, 2028 | Jan 20, 2028 |
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive and Explore Ushuaia
- Day 2: All Aboard in Ushuaia!
- Days 3–4: Drake Passage
- Days 5–7: Immersive Antarctica
- Day 8: South Shetland Islands
- Day 9: King George Island – Disembarkation
- Day 10: Punta Arenas, Chilean Patagonia
- Day 11: Punta Arenas – A Fond Farewell
Day 1: Arrive and Explore in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, check in, and relax at the Hotel Albatros, located in the heart of this fascinating Patagonian city. Ushuaia is the main hub for global visitors to Antarctica, situated on the Beagle Channel at the edge of the infamous Drake Passage. Meet your fellow explorers and prepare yourself for adventure!
Day 2: All Aboard in Ushuaia!
Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and onboard crew will welcome you as you board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and the Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!
Days 3–4: 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 Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.
Days 5–7: Immersive Antarctica
It’s time to slow our ship down, allowing you to fully explore the dreamlike world around us and let the power of this extraordinary place sink in. 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 engaged in our Citizen Science program, the important work of understanding and documenting this fragile environment continues. Be sure to keep your camera handy, as penguins, seals, and whale sightings are all part of this incredible experience. And a passing iceberg, towering high above, its magical blue light seeming to glow from within, is something you’ll want to share with friends back home.
Day 8: South Shetland Islands
Over time, the volcanic activity of 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 water’s edge with elephant and fur seals, while whales are often spotted as well. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend our final day exploring Antarctica.
Day 9: King George Island – Disembarkation
On the final day aboard Ocean Nova, we arrive at King George Island, Antarctica’s most populous island (scientists only, please). After a fond farewell to the Expedition Team, crew, and officers of Ocean Nova, you’ll disembark by Zodiac to the small Chilean station on King George Island, where your chartered aircraft awaits. Board your aircraft and watch the White Continent recede as we fly smoothly across the Drake Passage. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile, a gala dinner and comfortable rest await you at the beautifully appointed Hotel Cabo de Hornos.
Day 10: Punta Arenas, Chilean Patagonia
Spend the day exploring the best of Chilean Patagonia on an excursion to the famous Estancia Olga Teresa, a local ranch that embodies Patagonian hospitality. Learn about life at the bottom of the world and keep a close eye out for wildlife, including guanacos, rhea, and Andean condors. In the evening, relax in exceptional comfort back at your hotel or explore the vibrant city of Punta Arenas.
Day 11: Punta Arenas – A Fond Farewell
After bidding farewell to your fellow explorers, continue exploring the surroundings of Punta Arenas, head off for more adventure in Patagonia, or travel to the airport for your return journey home and a well-earned rest.
Whale Watching in Antarctica
| Ship | Starting From | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 12, 2028 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT | Ocean Nova | $13,495 | Book Now! |
Activities
(available on select departures)
- Discover Kayaking ($350)
Book in advance – pay on board
- Citizen Science (Included)
Sign up on board
- Photography Coach (included)
Available to all
Important Details
Prices are per person based on twin occupancy. A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Traveling With a Group?
Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.
Rates vary by cabin.
Small Ship Intimacy Meets Expedition Ship Performance
Both Discoverer, with a maximum of 140 guests, and Ocean Nova, at just 80, are ideally sized for a more personalized and immersive onboard and in-the-field experience. Both ships deliver the high level of all-around performance that defines seasoned expedition-style vessels. The result: attentiveness, comfort, and access, all awaiting you on your upcoming once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
While these two ships each feature distinctive onboard amenities, both are designed to facilitate a seamless transition from onboard casual luxury to off-ship immersive exploration, a priority on every trip we offer. Finally, as with all our ships and the voyages they serve, we place the highest priority on sustainable practices and minimizing their environmental footprint.
All Voyages Include:
- One Hotel Night
- Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with dinner
- World Class Cuisine
- Complimentary coffee/tea station
- Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
- Voyage Photographer
- Professional Photography Coach
- Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
- Expedition jacket on loan, custom down jacket to keep
Ship Facilities:
Discoverer
- Elevator serving passenger decks
- Fitness Center with modern equipment and ocean views
- Wellness Center with sauna, steam room, and treatment room
- Observation Lounge with panoramic windows
- Lecture Theater
- Boutique and Library
- Outdoor Jacuzzis
- Expedition Office and Mudroom
Ocean Nova
- Maximum 80 passengers
- Panoramic lounge with 200-degree views
- Multiple Observation Decks
- Fitness Center and library
- Polar Boutique
All Staterooms Feature:
Discoverer
- Exterior views (balcony, Juliet balcony, picture window, or porthole depending on category)
- Sitting area with writing desk
- Mini bar and refrigerator
- Flat-screen TV with Interactive Media Library
- Direct dial telephone
- Fitted wardrobe with personal safe
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Luxury bath amenities and hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers
- 110/220V AC power outlets
Ocean Nova
- Exterior views
- Sitting area with chairs or sofa and table
- Telephone
- Independent temperature controls
- Toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
