On This Fly-In, Fly-Out Voyage, You’ll Experience Start-to-Finish Adventure, Discovery, and Comfort

Take to the Antarctic skies before embarking on an adventure unlike any other. On this voyage, you’ll skip the unpredictable waters of the Drake Passage before exploring Antarctica by sea aboard Ocean Nova, one of the most renowned expedition vessels in operation, for an experience that combines the best of both flying and cruising. Your introduction to the White Continent begins in comfort as you watch your expedition ship come into view below the peaks of King George Island. Upon embarkation, you’ll explore the very best of Antarctica, guided safely by your skilled and knowledgeable Expedition Leader and team. Marvel at penguins, whales, seals, and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat, and experience the jaw-dropping ice of Antarctica from the moment you touch down. At journey’s end, return to Punta Arenas in the comfort of a private plane.

Itinerary

day 1 | Welcome to Patagonia!

Arrive in Punta Arenas, one of Earth’s southernmost cities and Chile’s gateway to Antarctica. After lunch, check into the beautifully appointed Hotel Cabo de Hornos, where our friendly ground team awaits to prepare you for your Antarctic adventure. During the afternoon, meet your fellow explorers, join your Expedition Team to be fitted for your boots and parka, biosecure your expedition gear, and learn about responsible Antarctic exploration, Zodiac landings, and tomorrow’s travel schedule – in short, everything you need to get ready for Antarctica. Afterwards, gather for your first dinner together and enjoy irresistible Patagonian delicacies in the Faro Lounge restaurant.

day 2 | All Aboard for Antarctica!

Today’s the day. After a hearty breakfast, gear up before departing for Punta Arenas airport, where your chartered aircraft awaits to whisk you across the infamous Drake Passage – waves not included. Watch from the window in awe as icebergs appear, guarding the coast of King George Island, one of Antarctica’s northernmost islands. Descend onto the gravel runway, where our Expedition Team awaits to assist you safely aboard Ocean Nova. After the mandatory safety briefing and drill, toast the start of your Antarctic voyage as Ocean Nova sets sail southward.

day 3-5 | Immersive Antarctica

Welcome to Antarctica in all its awe-inspiring glory. For the next few days, we’ll maneuver through picturesque channels, where sculpted icebergs and an array of captivating wildlife share these dynamic waters. This is your opportunity to become more intimately acquainted with Antarctica by Zodiac, kayak, snowshoe, or while spending unhurried time ashore, taking in the silence and scale of the landscape. For those participating in our Citizen Science program, the important work of understanding and documenting this fragile environment continues. Prepare to be amazed as we encounter numerous species of penguins, seals, and whales, both along the rugged coastline and in open waters. With opportunities to visit penguin colonies and historic landing sites, we plan to take full advantage of all the White Continent has to offer.

day 6 | South Shetland Islands

Over time, volcanic activity in 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. It’s also not uncommon to share the shoreline with elephant and fur seals, while whales are often spotted offshore. We’ll settle into our Zodiacs and spend our final day in Antarctica exploring these remarkable islands.

day 7 | King George Island – Disembarkation

On the final day aboard Ocean Nova, we arrive at King George Island, Antarctica’s most populous island. After a fond farewell to the Expedition Team, crew, and officers of Ocean Nova, disembark by Zodiac to the small Chilean station on King George Island, where your chartered aircraft awaits. Board your aircraft and watch the White Continent recede as we fly across the Drake Passage. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, a delectable dinner and comfortable rest await you at the beautifully appointed Hotel Cabo de Hornos.

day 8 | Punta Arenas, Chilean Patagonia

Spend the day exploring the best of Chilean Patagonia on an excursion to the famous Estancia Olga Teresa, a local ranch that embodies Patagonian hospitality. Learn about life at the bottom of the world while keeping watch for wildlife, including guanacos, rhea, and Andean condors. In the evening, relax in exceptional comfort at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos or explore the vibrant city of Punta Arenas.

day 9 | Punta Arenas – A Fond Farewell

After bidding farewell to your fellow explorers, continue exploring the surroundings of Punta Arenas, set off for further adventure in Patagonia, or head to the airport for your return journey home and a well-earned rest.

Ships

Ocean Nova

The expedition ship Ocean Nova is the sister ship to our popular M/S Quest in Svalbard. She was completely refurbished in 2006, and now serves as a small, comfortable, and sustainable expedition ship, boasting one of the lowest fuel consumption ratios in Antarctica.

She is one of the smallest ships to explore Antarctica, offering an immersive small ship experience with a maximum of 80 passengers in twin and triple cabins. All cabins feature exterior views and private facilities, along with a desk, chair, and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.

The Ocean Nova provides a highly personalized experience, featuring a superior guide-to-passenger ratio. Her small size allows her to maneuver into the most intimate and pristine landscapes.

At the heart of the ship is our unique Panorama Lounge, which provides 200-degree views and an accompanying outside deck for unparalleled wildlife viewing. The onboard experience is enhanced by a seamlessly integrated Citizen Science Program and daily presentations from experts in wildlife, geology, and history.

For those who are short on time and wish to avoid the Drake Passage, the Ocean Nova will operate Antarctic air cruises.

What's included

Inclusions

Prior to Embarkation

Voyages commencing and ending in Punta Arenas, Chile:

Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport/PUQ to Hotel Cabo de Hornos (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
One pre-voyage hotel night with dinner and breakfast at Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas. Occupancy at the hotel is the same as you have booked for the voyage – single, twin/double, or triple. If you are traveling solo, unless you have paid the single rate for your voyage, please expect that you will be sharing a room at the hotel with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Ground services and transfers to Ocean Nova in Antarctica.
Voyage/Antarctic introductory program prior to departure to Antarctica (biosecurity checks, IAATO, and Zodiac briefings, etc.); these will take place at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos. These breifings are mandatory for all visitors to Antarctica, so please ensure that you arrive at Hotel Cabo de Hornos no later than 2.00pm/14:00 on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (TNM) from Punta Arenas (PUQ), as per itinerary.
Morning transfer to Punta Arenas international airport.

Voyages commencing in Ushuaia, Argentina:

Transfer from Ushuaia Airport to group hotel (providing you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary, and we have your confirmed air itinerary at least 15 days prior to departure)
One pre-voyage night at Albatros Hotel. Occupancy at the hotel is the same as you have booked for the voyage – single, twin/double, or triple. If you are traveling solo, unless you have paid the single rate for your voyage, please expect that you will be sharing a room at the hotel with another solo traveler of the same gender.
For voyages sailing across the Drake Passage, Voyage/Antarctic introductory programs prior to arrival in Antarctica (biosecurity checks, IAATO, and Zodiac briefings, etc.) will take place onboard.
Ground services and transfers to Ocean Nova in Ushuaia.
One-way charter flight from King George Island, Antarctica (TNM) to Punta Arenas (PUQ) at the end of the voyage.
Morning transfer to Punta Arenas international airport.

On Board

Shipboard accommodations and meals
“Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
Beer/Soft Drinks at Lunch
Beer/Wine/Soft Drinks at Dinner
Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 24 hours a day
1GB WiFi card for use on your personal devices
Expedition jacket – yours to keep
A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
All scheduled landings and excursions
Citizen Science program
Photography Coach available throughout the voyage
Participation in the Polar Plunge
Access to our onboard medical clinics
Access to our onboard gym
All port and landing fees
Digital Voyage Log

Post Disembarkation

Voyages ending in Punta Arenas, Chile:

Charter flight from King George Island, Antarctica (TNM) to Punta Arenas (PUQ), as per itinerary.
Group transfer from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Hotel Cabo de Hornos upon arrival.
Two post-voyage hotel nights, including breakfast and dinner.
Full-day excursion to Estancia Olga Teresa on the first day after arrival from Antarctica to Punta Arenas (including lunch).

Voyages ending in Ushuaia, Argentina:

Group transfer from ship to Ushuaia Airport.

Exclusions

Any airfare or travel expenses associated with arrival or departure other than those specified above.
Flights between Santiago de Chile (SCL) and Punta Arenas (PUQ).
Pre- or post-voyage expenses in Punta Arenas other than those specified above.
Travel insurance; medical insurance; evacuation coverage.
Laundry and personal expenses incurred on board, except as listed in inclusions.
Any other alcohol and soft drinks, except as listed in inclusions
Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or WiFi, except as listed above
Staff/crew gratuities.