Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey – Ocean Nova, Mar 2016

Itinerary Map

Trip Summary

Dates: 

Mar 18, 2026 -
Mar 28, 2026

Duration: 

11 Days

Ship:

Adventure
options:
1-time Kayaking
Pre-voyage hotel night in Ushuaia!
Starting at: $ 8,195.00
About the Antarctica Classic (11 days) itinerary
  • Perfect for first time visitors to Antarctica
  • Witness and explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
  • Learn about the environment and wildlife from onboard lecturers and specialists
  • Witness the abundant wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more!

* Itineraries on our website are intended only as a guide and you should consult our team for detailed itineraries on specific voyages.

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Arriving at the ship in the afternoon, you will be greeted by Expedition Team and ships’ officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.

Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are the Albatrosses, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow the ship. The Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the Whales and Dolphins that may also be seen in the area. The team will begin presentations with informative and entertaining lectures on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held.

Arrival to the White Continent, the land of extremes! The most common first reaction to the white continent is a sense of reverence and awe. The experience is hard to put into words, as few places are as untouched, unique and enduring as Antarctica. The Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The route will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas. Guided hikes with the Expedition Team will have you trekking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or consorting with penguin colonies. Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie penguins are found here, along with Fur, Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard Seals. Curious whales, such as Minkes and Humpbacks, are often attracted to Zodiacs as well, giving you a chance to get within reaching distance of these majestic animals. Each day and each landing will present a new collection of creatures to entertain you and keep your camera shutter busy.

The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. A visit may be possible to an active scientific base such as Ukraine’s Vernadsky as well as an historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House.

The lecture series and wildlife spotting will continue on the return trip to Ushuaia and while the team will reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future.

Morning disembarkation allows you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.

Welcome aboard the Ocean Nova

The Ocean Nova is one of the most fuel-efficient vessels operating in the Polar Regions, carrying 67 passengers in 34 cabins, each with a sea view and private facilities. The ship was completely refurbished in 2006, and it is extremely quiet and highly maneuverable. The Ocean Nova has a spectacular observation lounge with full view windows, the latest lecture and presentation equipment, and a complete bar. The aft library/lounge has wrap-around windows, comfortable chairs and a complete Polar library. The Ocean Nova operates Fly-Cruise expeditions along with the BAE-146 Airplane, which carries passengers over the Drake Passage. The BAE 146 was manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace.  It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runway requirements which makes it particularly suited for these kind of destinations. It is operated by Aerovías DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience of flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.

Technical Specs
The Ocean Nova is one of the most fuel-efficient vessels operating in the Polar Regions, carrying 67 passengers in 34 cabins, each with a sea view and private facilities. The ship was completely refurbished in 2006, and it is extremely quiet and highly maneuverable.

Cabins & Amenities

  • 34 outside cabins, all featuring private facilities
  • Spacious dining room with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast with table service; table- service lunch and dinner with main course choices from a changing daily menu; cakes served in mid-afternoon
  • Observation lounge and presentation room
  • Lounge and bar, open late morning, afternoon and evening with a wide selection of wines and spirits; coffee, tea available all day
  • Library with collection of polar-themed books
  • Ship-to-shore communications via Fleet 77 phone, e-mail
    Clinic with licensed doctor
  • Exercise room
  • Triple cabins are available only for 3 people booking together – not for single travelers wanting to share.
  • A minimum of $50,000 USD worth of evacuation insurance is mandatory for these voyages.
  • Rates are per person in the selected cabin. Single passengers can either book a Dedicated Single cabin, or book a Twin cabin for Single use with a supplement of 1,85 to be added to the rate per person in Twin cabin.
  • Kayaking is offered on all voyages for $895 per person. Snowshoeing is offered on selected voyages for $195 per person.

Price

$12,895.00 -
 $22,695.00

Adventure Options

Price

$0.00 -
 $0.00

Adventure Options

Price

$13,995.00 -
 $23,795.00

Adventure Options

Price

$7,899.00 -
 $12,749.00

Adventure Options

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