Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing

Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, at the southern tip of Argentina. This region, known as Tierra del Fuego or "The End of the World," marks the start of an unforgettable Antarctic journey. In the afternoon, attend a welcome briefing at the hotel and meet fellow travelers. For those arriving early, there are plenty of ways to explore. A full-day excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park offers stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters, while a shorter visit could include a stroll along the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel or a meal featuring Argentina’s renowned cuisine at a local restaurant.

Special information
An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Full details are sent with your final joining instructions.

Spend some free time exploring Ushuaia and its surroundings before boarding the Ocean Nova in the afternoon. After settling in, the journey begins through the Beagle Channel toward the legendary Drake Passage. Named after Charles Darwin’s ship, The Beagle, this stretch of open water offers stunning photo opportunities. Take in the last views of South America before focusing on the breathtaking landscapes ahead—the next land sighting is the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

The Drake Passage is one of the planet's most famous bodies of water. It can be rough, but if weather conditions are reasonable, you can head out on the outer decks to spot ocean dwellers like whales, dolphins or seabirds, including the wandering albatross, prions and petrels. Over the next two days, you’ll get to know your Expedition Team as your comprehensive lecture program gets underway. Your polar experts share their knowledge of the Antarctic region so you can understand its wildlife, history and geology and help prepare you for the adventure. Your Expedition Team consists of experts on the marine and bird life that inhabits these parts. They can help you scout for sightings as you join them on the outer decks. Step onto the ship's bridge and take advantage of the open bridge policy, inviting you into Ocean Nova's command center. This is your chance to observe the captain and the expedition in progress from an ideal viewpoint for spotting wildlife.

Over the next few days, you’ll make Zodiac cruises through the icy waters. There are several potential landing sites, and while weather dictates which specific site you’ll land at, each presents an opportunity to get up close with some incredible wildlife. Look out for chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguin colonies as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals. When you are on board the Ocean Nova, your Expedition Team keeps the education going with a range of wildlife and history presentations and documentary screenings. A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am, followed by breakfast. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion that offers a new perspective of this frozen expanse. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to wake you up!

Special information
The optional activity of kayaking is dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Your experienced Expedition Team provides regular updates on which days they are available throughout your voyage. These activities have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your sales agent prior to travel. Payment for the prebooked activities is only required once onboard your ship.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, you’ll celebrate reaching the latitude of 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. Travel past colossal icebergs to a point on Earth where only a few travellers have sailed. Home to Weddell seals that are specially adapted to this icy environment, they use their canines and incisors to rasp open new ice and maintain holes in the ice through which to breathe. They also have highly accurate powers of navigation, enabling them to seek out breathing holes when their teeth are worn down, and they can no longer maintain or create breathing holes in the ice.

As the Ocean Nova begins heading north, you’ll be more familiar with the Antarctic waters. Test your newfound knowledge of penguin species and fine-tune your wildlife spotting skills as you differentiate between fur, leopard and Weddell seals. Zodiac cruises and landings continue to ensure you make the most of the peninsula’s wildlife opportunities and capture the perfect photographs.

The journey’s final leg offers an opportunity to reflect on the spectacular scenery and prolific encounters. During the final days at sea, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by the Expedition Photographer throughout your journey—yours to keep as a cherished reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition. By the evening of Day 13, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel, signalling the start of your return home. That evening, enjoy a final celebration with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team to mark the end of this Antarctic adventure.

After breakfast, disembark the Ocean Nova as your Antarctic expedition ends. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included, but if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Special information
On the day you disembark in Ushuaia, it is recommended to schedule your flights for departure after 12 noon to allow for any potential delays due to weather conditions.

On this day, you've got your transfers covered! Choose between a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia airport for your onward flight or a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia downtown. Enjoy complimentary luggage storage for the day. If you plan to head to the airport at a later time or to your Ushuaia accommodation, it's entirely up to you and at your own expense.