Welcome to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica! Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy an included transfer to your hotel. This evening, you have an important welcome meeting at your hotel to meet your Expedition Team and fellow travellers, and learn more about the journey ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have free time before the meeting, consider exploring downtown Ushuaia for souvenir shopping or savouring classic Argentinian flavours at one of the city’s fantastic local restaurants.
Enjoy a relaxed morning. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore downtown Ushuaia on foot – it’s compact, charming and set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, so be sure to bring your camera! Then, take a transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you'll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 11 nights. Once on board, settle into your cabin then head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova journeys through the historic Beagle Channel on route to Antarctica. Later, join the excitement inside to learn more about the incredible days ahead.
Over these two days at sea, enjoy gazing out at the vast Southern Ocean and capturing photos of seabirds gracefully circling the ship. Use this time to connect with your fellow travellers and get to know the Expedition Team. Visit the ship's bridge and experience our open bridge policy, where our Captain welcomes you into Ocean Nova's command centre. Here, you can witness the expedition in motion while enjoying the prime vantage point for spotting wildlife and your very first iceberg. Or take time to step onto one of Ocean Nova's outer decks, where you can breathe in the fresh sea air and experience the powerful winds of the roaring forties and furious fifties. Keep watch for the first sighting of land which, with favourable sea and weather conditions, may come by early evening on day four.
Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once the South Shetland Islands come into view. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. One day, you might hike to a penguin rookery, the next, you could find yourself cruising in a Zodiac among towering icebergs. From locking eyes with a curious humpback whale to hearing the thunderous crack of a calving glacier, you’ll wake each day eager to continue exploring this icy wonderland. The highlight for many will be their first land excursion – a moment that is nothing short of unforgettable! There’s also the chance to engage with in-depth lectures from your team of onboard experts on the region’s glaciology, history and unique wildlife as you journey through this awe-inspiring wilderness. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to optional activities such as an overnight camping experience on the ice, a snowshing trek or a paddling excursion. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova – a brisk dip into Antarctica’s frigid waters is guaranteed to leave you feeling revitalised and energised!
As the Ocean Nova begins its voyage back to Ushuaia, take this time to reflect on the remarkable journey you’ve experienced. Settle in for more onboard lectures and watch a slideshow of stunning images taken by our Expedition Photographer during your voyage. By the evening of Day 12, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel. That evening, savour a special farewell dinner. Celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve shared with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, creating memories to last a lifetime.
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition comes to an end, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.
