Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing | Ocean Nova | IExpedition

Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing

  • Overview

    Venturing far south towards the Antarctic Circle is always one of our most popular voyages, so on this itinerary, we’ve added an extra day – more time to immerse yourself in this magical part of the world. On our journey south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you can expect to encounter some of Antarctica’s most engaging full-time residents – Humpback and Orca whales, seals, and, of course, a variety of those always-entertaining penguins. The farther south we go, a pristine environment becomes even more so, with the ultimate goal of reaching 66°33’S, and joining the small band of Antarctic explorers who can claim they have made it this far south.

    Duration: 14 days
    Passengers: 80 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 - Arrive in Ushuaia

      After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Our evening briefing at the Arakur is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

    • Day 2 - Embarkation

      Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship staff will welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and our Captain’s welcome dinner. We’re on our way to Antarctica!

    • Day 3/4 - Drake Passage

      Join our Polar Experts as they share their vast knowledge of Antarctica, from its enchanting wildlife to its bold history. Participate in our 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 our ship as we cross the Antarctic Convergence into Antarctica’s waters and noticeably cooler temperatures.

    • Day 5 - South Shetland Islands

      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. So, we’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend most of our day exploring. And kayakers, it’s time to get your first taste of gliding just inches off the pristine Antarctic water. Whether on land or sea, in Zodiac or kayak, be prepared for a fully immersive introduction to this incomparable part of the world.

    • Day 6/9 - Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle

      We venture west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region, exploring a variety of sites highlighting the area’s staggering natural beauty. Iconic experiences await on our twice-daily excursions. From Zodiac cruises into Paradise Bay to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises awe-inspiring encounters. We’ll explore historic huts at Damoy Point, keep an eye out for humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and continue south until we reach the crown jewel of this expedition, the jaw-dropping scenery through the Lemaire Channel. Weather permitting, we’ll cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, an achievement that will put you in rare company.

    • Day 10/11 - South Shetland Islands

      This archipelago represents the northernmost tip of Antarctica, standing proud against the relentless force of the Southern Ocean. The ice-capped peaks of Livingstone, Greenwich, and King George Islands offer a stunning backdrop to explore. And despite the furious elements, the islands boast a remarkable richness of wildlife, with numerous colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins dotting the island shores, accompanied by an array of formidable seabirds like the predatory Giant Petrels. Weather permitting, we’ll explore the eerie landscape of Deception Island, an active volcanic crater with black steaming sands and rusting ruins, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.

    • Day 12/13 - Drake Passage

      We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again crossing the legendary Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special photography slideshow of our shared experience, and cap off the experience with a final highly festive meal together.

    • Day 14 - Disembarkation

      With huge smiles on weary, content faces, we disembark in the morning, letting you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

    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

    This program is designed for those guests who just want a taste of the Antarctic kayaking experience. Each participant kayaks once per voyage in a group of 14 with a dedicated guide team and safety Zodiac. Total number of available kayaking spots on each departure will vary by itinerary length and weather, but we aim to get groups on the water at every opportunity.

    USD$ 350 per person

    Kayaking

    This program is designed for those more experienced guests who want to kayak as much as possible during their voyage. Immersive Kayaking is limited to 10 participants, with a dedicated kayak guide and safety Zodiac. Immersive paddlers will have the opportunity to kayak during most excursions and landings, weather and conditions permitting.

    USD$ 1,195 per person
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Expedition jacket on loan, custom down jacket to keep
    - Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
    - Professional Photography Coach
    - Voyage Photographer
    - Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
    - Complimentary coffee/tea station
    - World Class Cuisine
    - Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages with dinner
    - One Hotel Night

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Tips for the crew
    - Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'
    - Personal expenses (e.g. Albatros Polar Spa services, Albatros Ocean Boutique purchases)
    - Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
    - Meals not on board the ship
    - Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
    - Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Map
    Map ush ush circlecrossing
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    With a maximum of just 80 passengers, Ocean Nova offers the best advantages of a small ship adventure – a small enough size to maneuver into the most intimate and pristine landscapes, and a superior guide-to-passenger ratio, ensuring a highly personalized experience for everyone both onboard and off. Our unique Panorama Lounge, at the heart of Ocean Nova, and its accompanying outside deck offer unparalleled wildlife viewing.

    Features & Facilities
    • Dining/Lounge room
    • Comfortable scandinavian style accommodation
    • Bar
    • Library
    • Open Bridge
    • Observation decks
    • Gym
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 80
    Crew #: 46
    Ice Class: 1B, EO
    Speed: 12
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 73m
    Width: 11
    Draft: 12
    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.
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