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Penguin sighting in Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage

Ushuaia Roundtrip - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Nova
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Embark on a 12-day cruise from Ushuaia aboard Ocean Nova to explore Antarctica’s frozen wilderness. Begin with a hotel stay in Ushuaia before crossing the Drake Passage toward the South Shetland Islands. Visit volcanic Deception Island, observe penguin colonies, seals, and whales, and cruise among towering icebergs and glaciers. Explore historic research bases and enjoy guided Zodiac excursions for close-up wildlife encounters. Optional activities include camping on the ice under the southern stars. After several days of exploration, return across the Drake Passage and disembark in Ushuaia. This journey offers an in-depth introduction to the landscapes, wildlife, and history of the Antarctic Peninsula.
A specatular iceberg off the coast of AntarcticaWeddell seal taking a restAn old iceberg on the beaches of Deception IslandAdelie penguin on icePenguin sighting in Antarctica
Highlights
  • Explore South Shetland Islands’ glaciers, penguins, and more
  • Visit Deception Island’s volcanic crater & historic whaling station remains
  • Sail through the scenic Lemaire Channel surrounded by icebergs and cliffs
  • Discover active and historic research bases along the Antarctic Peninsula
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 arrival at the airport, transfer to the Arakur Resort & Spa or another comfortable 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.

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

Spend the morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the local markets in Ushuaia before the mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. The Expedition Team and crew welcome 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.

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 5-6: 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. You’ll settle into the Zodiacs and spend most of your day exploring, taking unforgettable photographs, and planting your footsteps on the endlessly diverse landscape. With an extra day in the itinerary, a visit to the black sand beaches and rusted ruins of Deception Island is always at the top of the list.

Day 7-9: Immersive Antarctica

Welcome to Antarctica in all its awe-inspiring glory. For the next few days, you’ll explore any number of picturesque bays and famed landing sites, maneuvering through majestic channels, where glorious icebergs and an array of beguiling wildlife share the highly active waters. Prepare to be amazed as you spot numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, both along the rugged coastline as well as in the sea. A night of camping under the stars is also an unforgettable highlight for those who sign up. There are great opportunities to stop at several active scientific bases and historic landing sites, and plan to take full advantage of all the continent offers.

Day 10-11: 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 the expedition with a special slideshow, passenger photo contest, and a final celebratory meal together. Congratulations, explorers!

Day 12: 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
$10,895 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
  • 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 11 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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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

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