Experience the extraordinary land of Antarctica aboard the amazing Ocean Nova. You'll witness jaw dropping scenery, incredible wildlife, glaciers as well as visits to historic sites that will definitely tick off all your boxes. This outstanding vessel will ensure your landing on Antarctica is an experience you'll never forget!
Antarctica
Antarctica Small Ship Expedition
10 Days aboard Ocean Nova. From USD $6,595pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- All-inclusive package: Ship cruise with expedition program, activities on-board and ashore.
- See many colonies of penguins and various species of whales, seals and sea birds, where you'll have amazing photography opportunities
- Learn about early explorers and visit modern scientific research stations
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embark from Ushuaia
- Day 2-3: Drake Passage
- Day 4-7: Explore Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 8-9: Drake Passage
- Day 10: Disembark in Ushuaia
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Please make your own way to the port today. If you wish to have a transfer included, please let your consultant know.
Board the Ocean Nova and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Antarctica.
Day 2-3: Cross the Drake Passage
Sail towards Antarctica across the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer. As you sail en-route to 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 from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds such as the albatross 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 first sight of Antarctic land.
Days 4-7: Exploring Antarctic Peninsula
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.
Days 8-9: Cross the Drake Passage
We invite you to relax and take the time to watch wildlife from the bridge or outside decks while enjoying lectures given by our Antarctic experts. Sailing along the Beagle Channel to Port Williams, before continuing to your final destination.
Day 10: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Your cruise ends this morning upon arrival back in to Ushuaia port. No transfer is included today but please let your travel consultant know if you would like to book one.
Next Departure Date: 01 Mar 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Mar 2025 - 10 Mar 2025 | USD$6595pp | ||
| Triple Cabin | USD$6595pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Cabin | USD$7795pp | Contact us | |
| Single Cabin | USD$9995pp | Contact us | |
| 01 Mar 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 | USD$6595pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Cabin
14m², two single beds, one upper single bed, picture window, writing desk with chair, wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, private bathroom with shower.
Twin Cabin
10m², two lower single beds, picture window, writing desk with chair, wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, private bathroom with shower.
Single Cabin
8m², one lower single bed, picture window, writing desk with chair, wardrobe, private bathroom with shower
Ocean Nova Deckplan
Specifications
- Passengers: 72 maximum (67 on air/cruise)
- Staff & Crew: 46 (12 expedition staff)
- Lifeboats: 2 fully enclosed capacity of 110 (in addition to 4 life rafts, capacity 100)
- Length: 73.0 m
- Breadth: 11.0 m
- Propulsion: Diesel engines 2,000 horsepower
- Ice Class: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
- Draft: 3.7 m
- Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water
Whats included?
- Cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the M/V Ocean Nova
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
- Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
- Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship.
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition.
- All guided shore excursions.
- Lectures and entertainment on board.
- Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
- Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
- Contingency Plan as described further on.
- IAATO passenger fee
What’s not included?
- Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities.
- Visas for Chile, Argentina, the UK and/or other destinations included in your itinerary, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
Notes
Optional Activities:
- Sea kayaking: US$895 per person
- Hiking & Snowshoeing - US$85 per person
Sea Kayaking in Antarctica and Patagonia. We recommend booking the Sea Kayaking program upon reservation of your sea voyage.
Hiking & Snowshoeing. Available for booking on board the ship at $85 USD per person, per excursion.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Antarctica
On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
