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Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition

Ushuaia Roundtrip - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Nova
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Embark on an 11-day Antarctica Peninsula cruise from Ushuaia aboard Ocean Nova. Cross the Drake Passage, where seabirds follow the ship toward the Antarctic Convergence. Arrive at the South Shetland Islands to explore volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and penguin colonies by Zodiac or kayak. Continue through the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting research bases and historic landing sites while spotting whales, seals, and seabirds. Optional camping offers a rare night on the ice. The return across the Drake Passage includes a photo contest and farewell celebration before disembarking in Ushuaia.
A spectacular iceberg off the coast of AntarcticaChinstrap penguin in AntarcticaView of an iceberg at dawnWhale sighting in Polar waters!Jumping penguins
Highlights
  • Explore Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city before embarkation
  • Visit the volcanic South Shetland Islands with penguins and glaciers
  • Discover Antarctic Peninsula through Zodiac landings and scenic cruising
  • Visit active research stations and historic exploration sites in Antarctica
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia

After arriving at the airport, transfer to Arakur Resort & Spa or another top hotel in Ushuaia. Spend some time resting or exploring the city, known as the southernmost in the world.

In the evening, attend a briefing to ask questions and meet other travelers.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning at leisure—relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or browsing shops in Ushuaia—before the mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. After boarding, meet the Expedition Team and crew, settle into your cabin, and attend a safety and orientation briefing. The day ends with a Captain’s welcome dinner as the voyage to Antarctica begins.

Day 3-4: Drake Passage

Join the Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in the 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 the ship as you cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

Day 5: 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, and it’s not uncommon to share the water’s edge with Elephant and Fur seals. Whales are often spotted as well. So, you’ll settle into your Zodiacs and spend most of your day exploring. And kayakers, it’s time to get your first taste of gliding just inches off the pristine Antarctic water. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.

Day 6-8: Glorious Antarctica

Here’s your chance to explore any number of picturesque bays and landing sites, while maneuvering through iceberg-rich channels and into wildlife-rich waters. You’ll likely be joined by numerous species of enchanting penguins, seals, and whales, both in the sea and along the rugged coastlines. There are also great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites during the typical two-a-day outings. A night of camping under the stars is also an unforgettable highlight for those who sign up. The focus is always on the longest and most adventurous off-ship experience, so be prepared to take in all that Antarctica has to offer.

Day 9-10: Drake Passage

You leave this magical place and make your way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. You have one last hurrah as you celebrate the conclusion of your expedition with a special slideshow, passenger photo contest, and a final celebratory meal together. Congratulations, explorers!

Day 11: Ushuaia | disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
With huge smiles on weary, content faces, you disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova
Feast on your delicious meal at Ocean Nova's Dining Room
Enjoy the beautiful view from Ocean Nova's Panorama Lounge

Arakur Resort and Spa

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,075 2-3 travelers
Comfort Quad Cabin
Comfort Quad
Cabin Size: 14 sq. m (150 ft²) Deck: Upper Deck 3
Comfort Triple Cabin
Comfort Triple
Cabin Size: 14 sq. m (150 ft²) Deck: Upper Deck 3
Ocean Nova's Comfort Twin
Comfort Twin
Cabin Size: 14 sq. m (150 ft²) Deck: Upper Deck 3
Ocean Nova's Explorer Twin
Explorer Twin Double
Cabin Size: 10 sq. m (106 ft²) Deck: Upper Deck 3 & Bridge Deck 4
Ocean Nova's Classic Twin
Classic Twin
Cabin Size: 8 sq. m (87 ft²) Deck: Upper Deck 3
Ocean Nova's Classic Single
Classic Single
Cabin Size: 8 sq. m (87 ft²) Deck: Upper Deck 3

Notes

OCEAN NOVA DETAILS

Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and Quads (4)

Share cabins available: Comfort Triple, Explorer Twin
Classic Twin cabins may offer a single supplement priced at the 'Single cabin' rate.
Explorer Twin/Double and Comfort Twin cabins may offer a single supplement at 2x Twin rate

Travel Insurance - All passengers are required to carry valid travel insurance which must contain medical and evacuation coverage of no less than $200,000 as well as cancellation and trip interruption.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Shackleton Expedition Jackets are provided on loan but an exclusive MCKEON down jacket will be given.
  • 500 MB WiFi for personal devices
  • Digital Voyage Log
  • Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Beer/wine/soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • All scheduled landings and excursions
  • A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
  • All port and landing fees
  • Photography Coach
  • Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
  • Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to avail.)
  • 24-hour access to tea, coffee, and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food
  • Transfer from group hotel to ship for embarkation
  • One pre-voyage hotel night with breakfast in Ushuaia
  • Prior to Embarkation: Transfer from airport in Ushuaia (USH) to group hotel (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
  • Participation in the Polar Plunge
  • Post Disembarkation: Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel in Ushuaia, or central location
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Pre- or post-voyage expenses
  • Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or more than 500 MB WiFi from personal devices
  • Mandatory travel insurance (must meet mandatory minimum coverage requirements for medical treatment and evacuation)

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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