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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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)
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.