ocean nova fly cruise antarctica cruise

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

  • Overview

    Flying over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, our Classic Antarctica Air-Cruises take you to one of the most spectacular places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent - Antarctica.

    There was a time when adventure travellers who wanted to reach the Antarctic Peninsula had only one option: to sail across the tempestuous Drake Passage. Now our Antarctic Air Cruises give you a more comfortable alternative.

    A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas, in the Chilean Patagonia, directly to Antarctica where you board your expedition ship. You thereby avoid the stormy seas of the Drake Passage – and the potential seasickness – and experience only the best Antarctica has to offer.

    Voyage Currency: Please consider this voyage is priced in USD$ and the AUD$ rates shown are indicative only at today's exchange rate. You may ask us about securing your invoice in AUD$.  

    Duration: 8 days
    Passengers: 64 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Disembarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Mandatory extra flight
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Punta Arenas; Start of the Air-Cruise

      Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM where you are welcomed by staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

    • Day 2 - Scheduled flight to Antarctica

      Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi) passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

    • Day 3/6 - Exploring Antarctica

      Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

      No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Garlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.

    • Day 7 - Scheduled return flight from Antarctica

      Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

    • Day 8 - End of the Air-Cruise

      After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Kayaking

    See Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak. Join a small group of participants and paddle in Antarctica under the leadership of an experienced Kayak Master.

    USD$ 895 per person

    Snowshoeing

    Gain greater mobility and see more of the Antarctic landscape with our hiking and snowshoeing program.
    ***Please note the cost of Snowshoeing is USD$85 per person per excursion.

    USD$ 85 per person

    Preferred Seating

    Offering priority boarding, a guaranteed window or aisle seat at the front of the aircraft and an extra level of comfort.

    USD$ 495 per person

    Send a postcard home from Port Lockroy

    This British base, established in 1944, on arrival you will receive a warm accolade both by the volunteers of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and the colony of Gentoo penguins that nestles just by the old timber structure. Get small denomination US$ notes to buy a few postcards and send them home with Antarctic stamps from one of the southernmost Post Offices in the world.

    Pristine Antarctica

    Early season, is one of our favourite times in Antarctica. Its when the Antarctic landscape is at its most pristine, the sea ice is still abundant, the winters snow is still draped ever so delicately over the landscape and the twilight hues create the best photographs.

    Fly/Cruise voyage

    Our Fly/Cruise programs an excellent choice to navigate the Drake Passage quickly. This expedition comprises of 1 or 2 charter flights across the Drake Passage, so you need not worry about crossing the passage by sea. These expeditions are great options and often allow for an increased amount of time around the continent.

  • Inclusions

    Transfers & Accommodation

    Arrival and departure transfers are provided as per the itinerary. Pre and post-cruise accommodation is provided in Punta Arenas

    Charter flight

    Your return flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island is included in the cost of your expedition cabin

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Expedition boots
    - Comprehensive pre and post-voyage information
    - Lectures and onboard entertainment
    - All shore excursions
    - Hot beverages
    - Beverages served with dinner
    - All meals while on board
    - Transfers / accommodation and flights as stated

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Accommodation / meals / excursions & transfers as explicitly outlined in the itinerary
    - arrival and departure taxes
    - Passport and Visa fees
    - Laundry costs
    - Communication costs
    - Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar
    - Gratuities
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption and medical travel insurance
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 04 at 5.28.25 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    OCEAN NOVA

    Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable expedition vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland. She was fully refurbished in 2006 and has since benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements. Her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The ship has a fleet of seven Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. All guests aboard Ocean Nova are accommodated in comfortable outside cabins, with three cabin categories: dedicated single, twin and triple cabins. All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with chair, a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with shower.

    Features & Facilities
    • Comfortable scandinavian style accommodation
    • Observation decks
    • Open Bridge
    • Dining/Lounge room
    • Bar
    • Library
    • Gym
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 68
    Crew #: 46
    Ice Class: 1B, EO
    Speed: 12
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 73m
    Width: 11
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 2183
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability

Triple

22 Jan 2025 - 29 Jan 2025
Triple cabin with private facilities
USD$ 13,595pp
USD$ 13,595pp
ocean nova antarctica twin cabin

Twin

22 Jan 2025 - 29 Jan 2025
Twin cabin with private facilities and a window.
USD$ 15,795pp
USD$ 15,795pp
ocean nova antarctica single cabin

Single

22 Jan 2025 - 29 Jan 2025
Single cabin with private facilities and a window.
USD$ 21,995pp
USD$ 21,995pp