Antarctic Small Ship Expedition | Ocean Nova | IExpedition

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

  • Overview

    A land that holds 90% of Earth’s ice, Antarctica stuns visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. See an abundance of marine mammals and cruise along massive glaciers.

    Feel the spray of seawater on your cheeks as you cruise in a Zodiac to shore. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers as you explore on land with us. Join our optional Sea Kayaking, and Hiking & Snowshoeing programs.

    Duration: 10 days
    Passengers: 67 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Disembarkation Point: Ushuaia, Argentina
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina | Embarkation Day

      Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your ship and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Important note: Boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 3 PM. and 4 PM.
      At 4 PM. boarding will close. Please be on time.

      Keep your passport on hand and allow enough time to clear port security and to reach the vessel.

    • Day 2/3 - Crossing the Drake Passage

      Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer. As you sail en route to the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the
      company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the sight of Antarctic land.

    • Day 4/7 - 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 sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac boat and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. Enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge of the ship while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. No journey is the same, as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several locations that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island,
      Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places. Our adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiacs, lectures, and a very enjoyable time on board. Departure from Antarctica will be in the afternoon or evening of Day 7, depending on weather conditions.

    • Day 8/9 - Sailing back to South America

      Return to South America with a northbound crossing of the Drake Passage. Relax and take the time to watch for wildlife from the bridge or outside decks and participate in the presentations offered on Antarctic topics in the lounge.

    • Day 10 - Ushuaia, Disembarkation

      The program ends upon arrival at the port in Ushuaia.

    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.
    - Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
    - 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.
    - Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.

    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
    Antarctica small ship sea voyage
  • 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
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
ocean nova antarctica triple cabin

Triple Cabin

01 Mar 2026 - 10 Mar 2026
Two lower beds and one upper bed
USD$ 6,595pp
USD$ 6,595pp
ocean nova antarctica twin cabin

Twin Cabin

01 Mar 2026 - 10 Mar 2026
Two twin beds or one queen bed
USD$ 7,795pp
USD$ 7,795pp
ocean nova antarctica single cabin

Single Cabin

01 Mar 2026 - 10 Mar 2026
One lower single bed
USD$ 9,995pp
USD$ 9,995pp