Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey

13 Days / 11 Nights On Board

Ushuaia to Ushuaia

All the Time You Need to Explore Antarctica’s Most Hidden Wonders

Our longest and most in-depth Antarctic Peninsula expedition, this voyage offers you maximum time to experience all the highlights and marvels of Antarctica. And with time to spare, we’ll take full advantage of unexpected opportunities to engage with the continent’s breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary array of wildlife. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters, and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores. Our smallest and most nimble expedition ship, Ocean Nova, is ideally suited to uncover the continent’s hidden treasures, and our supremely trained and experienced teams are well prepared to make every day truly unique and special.

Activities: Kayaking, Photography, Citizen Science

Expedition Dates

Itinerary

Booking Info

Ocean Nova

Photo Gallery

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive in & Explore Ushuaia
Day 2: Embarkation
Days 3-4: Drake Passage
Days 5-7: Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea
Days 8-9: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 10: South Shetland Islands
Day 11-12: Drake Passage
Day 13: Disembarkation

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Day 1: Arrive and explore in Ushuaia

After a friendly welcome at the airport and a transfer to the luxurious Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, take some time to unwind or explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. (In the unlikely event that you can't be accommodated at the Arakur, you'll unwind at another of Ushuaia's top luxury hotels.)

Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

All Aboard!

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!

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.

Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea

This area boasts some of Antarctica’s most striking scenery, from the vast Adelie Penguin colonies at Hope Bay and Devil’s Island, to the dramatic volcanic cliffs at Brown Bluff. Continuing southward into the Weddell Sea, we encounter immense tabular icebergs and the expansive icepack that nurtures Antarctic krill, the foundation of the food chain. The presence of krill attracts a diverse array of wildlife, including penguins, seals, seabirds, and humpback whales, all of which we hope to see while exploring this icy wilderness.

Antarctic Peninsula

In the days ahead, we venture further west along the Antarctic Peninsula into the Gerlache Strait region. Our Expedition Leader and Captain will plot a route to explore a variety of sites highlighting the area’s staggering natural beauty.

The Gerlache Strait offers a dazzling array of iconic Antarctic experiences. From Zodiac cruises in Paradise Bay, to witnessing penguins nesting on Cuverville Island, each potential stop promises yet another unforgettable encounter. Our wish list includes exploring historic huts at Damoy Point, witnessing humpback whales in Wilhelmina Bay, and marveling at the jaw-dropping scenery of the Lemaire Channel. Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalizing history and breathtaking natural beauty abound.

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 black and rusting ruins, and immerse ourselves in the history of Yankee Harbour, once a vital anchorage for sealers.

Drake Passage

We leave this magical place and make our way north, once again heading across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. We have one last hurrah as we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow and a final meal together.

Ushuaia 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.

Visiting a Penguin Colony

Activities

Discover Kayaking

Important Details

Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

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Traveling With a Group?

Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.

Rates vary by cabin.

A Classic Expedition Experience

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 on board and off. Our unique Panorama Lounge, at the heart of Ocean Nova, and its accompanying outside deck offer unparalleled wildlife viewing.