Classic Antarctica | Ocean Nova | IExpedition

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

  • Overview

    The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is the most popular Antarctica expedition itinerary. Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home. 

    Duration: 8 days
    Passengers: 67 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Disembarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - 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

      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-miles), 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 sites 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 Gerlache 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 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

    Hiking

    A Hiking and Snowshoeing Guide leads a small group of adventurers who wish to explore further while on land as they gain elevation and explore the landscape.

    USD$ 85 per person

    Kayaking

    Our Sea Kayaking program is an exclusive experience under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who takes our guests on a sea journey through icy waters while observing massive glaciers and aquatic wildlife.

    USD$ 695 per person
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
    - Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
    - Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
    - Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
    - Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
    - Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
    - Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
    - Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
    - All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
    - Gratuities.
    - Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
    - Personal travel insurance.
    - Internet connection on board the ship.
    - Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
    - Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
  • Map
    Classic antarctica air cruise
  • 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
ocean nova antarctica triple cabin

Triple Cabin

17 Jan 2026 - 24 Jan 2026
Two lower beds and one upper bed
USD$ 13,595pp
USD$ 11,595pp
ocean nova antarctica twin cabin

Twin Cabin

17 Jan 2026 - 24 Jan 2026
Two twin beds or one queen bed
USD$ 15,795pp
USD$ 13,795pp
ocean nova antarctica single cabin

Single Cabin

17 Jan 2026 - 24 Jan 2026
One lower single bed
USD$ 21,995pp
USD$ 19,995pp