Embark on an 11-day Antarctica cruise aboard Ocean Nova, round-trip from Ushuaia. Begin with a night in Ushuaia before setting sail across the Drake Passage, where seabirds and marine life accompany the ship toward the White Continent. Explore the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, known for immense tabular icebergs and thriving penguin colonies. Spend New Year’s amid breathtaking icy landscapes, visiting research bases and historic sites on the Antarctic Peninsula. Venture to the South Shetland Islands to see glaciers, seals, and whales, or paddle through pristine waters by kayak. Conclude your voyage with a return across the Drake Passage, celebrating an unforgettable journey through one of Earth’s most remote regions.
Highlights
Cross the Drake Passage with expert guidance and seabird sightings.
Explore the iceberg-filled Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea regions.
Celebrate New Year’s surrounded by penguins, whales, and icy beauty.
Discover the volcanic South Shetland Islands’ glaciers and rugged shores.
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.
After arriving at the airport, transfer to the Arakur Resort & Spa or another quality hotel in Ushuaia. Spend the rest of the day 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.
Spend the morning at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring shops in Ushuaia before the mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. The Expedition Team and crew greet passengers on board and assist with settling in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and the Captain’s welcome dinner as the ship departs for Antarctica.
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
Maneuver through the mysterious channels and wildlife-rich waters of the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea, the perfect place to ensure an unforgettable holiday adventure. The Antarctic Sound is well known for its huge tabular icebergs, and the Weddell Sea offers a unique geography unlike anywhere else on earth. Here you’ll take in the abundant wildlife such as Adélie penguins and seals as you keep on the lookout for hunting Orca.
Time to put the explorer’s spirit to full use. Antarctica offers astounding landscapes and wildlife encounters at every turn, as the last truly unspoiled place on earth, populated only by its original wild inhabitants. Prepare yourself to encounter numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, who are there to share the holidays with you along the rugged coastlines and in the sea. You’ll also take full advantage of every opportunity to visit some of the several active scientific bases and historic landing sites on the peninsula. And as you cross over from 2026 to 2027, you'll raise a glass to the last truly wild place on the planet.
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.
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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.
Initial deposit is 20% of trip cost pp, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by All rates are quoted and charged in US Dollars. Payments may be made via traveler credit card, check, or wire transfer
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
10 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)
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).