Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition (Ocean Nova)

  • Antarctica
  • Operator: Intrepid
  • Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Destination: Antarctica
  • Type: Expedition Cruise
  • November 2026 - March 2028
Enter a world of snow and ice as you take an epic journey to Antarctica – the continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable Ocean Nova on an 11-day voyage, looking out for marine wildlife like penguins, seals and whales as well as a huge array of birdlife.

Share:

Hightlights

Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Great White Continent

Enter a world of snow and ice as you take an epic journey to Antarctica – the continent that has long captivated explorers. Set sail aboard the comfortable Ocean Nova on an 11-day voyage, looking out for marine wildlife like penguins, seals and whales as well as a huge array of birdlife. Explore an icy wilderness with an expert Expedition Team, set against a backdrop of towering icebergs, snow-capped peaks, imposing glaciers and ice-strewn waters. Make daily excursions to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula on Zodiacs, learning about the geology, history and wildlife of the area and be swept away by the incredible, once-on-a-lifetime panoramas. This is the Great White Continent!

 

Our Antarctica Ship

Ocean Nova

BOAT TYPE: Expedition • PASSENGERS: 80

The Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience. Designed for intimate and immersive journeys, this nimble and sturdy ship accommodates just 80 guests. Your expedition focuses on discovery, enriched by a close-knit community of fellow travellers. The Ocean Nova’s compact size allows access to remote coves, bringing you closer to Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Cosy cabins feature large windows for breathtaking views, while the Panoramic Lounge offers 200-degree vistas and insightful presentations from our expert Expedition Team. With one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, the Ocean Nova is perfect for those seeking an enriching Antarctic adventure.

 

 


 

Why you’ll love this trip

  • Explore an unspoiled wilderness, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds are in their abundance. Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
  • Look out for seals and whales, when sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed.
  • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping and snowshoeing.
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology by the Expedition Team.
  • Participate in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to vital research, including photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale – who help to track and identify individual whales as they journey across the oceans.

 

Is this trip right for you?

  • The Ocean Nova is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.
  • Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack.
  • Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Nova has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to.
  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the gym will keep you fresh for when the weather clears.

 


 

Inclusions and activities

*Destination: Antarctica, Argentina
*Meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
*Transport: Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
*Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)

 

Included activities

*Welcome Briefing
*Citizen Science Program
*Daily Briefings and Recap
*Onboard Lecture Program
*Guided walking Excursions
*Zodiac Excursion/Cruising


Important Notes

Your voyage is on board the Ocean Nova ship.

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
This voyage is operated by our Polar partner Ocean Endeavour Expeditions Pty Ltd referred to as ‘Polar Latitudes’’. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount) per person per Cruise for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 95 days of the departure date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking. Please refer to the “booking conditions” on our website under Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Nova).

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Nova, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing.
• Day Paddle – One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team
• Camping – One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent.
• Snowshoeing – One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.

 


Booking Terms & Conditions

Before you book a trip with Intrepid, please take the time to read and understand what terms and conditions apply to your booking. For most of our trips, you will be booking directly with Intrepid so our Standard Booking Conditions and any applicable Special Conditions will apply.
Please note that there are three versions of the Standard Booking Conditions depending on what location you are booking from.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 • Ushuaia, Argentina

Welcome to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, these parts are known as Tierra del Fuego, often called ‘The End of the World’, but this is just the beginning of your Antarctic adventure. Those with a day or two may want to head to Tierra del Fuego National Park on a full day’s adventure, or if you’ve only got a few hours to kill, why not stroll around town and visit the waterfront overlooking the Beagle Channel. You might also like to sample some handcrafted chocolate at a local cafe in town. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 5 pm at your hotel, then maybe head for a traditional dinner at a local restaurant and sample some of Argentina’s famous red wine.

Day 2 • Embarkation in Ushuaia

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you’ll board the Ocean Nova – your home for the next nine nights. When you’re aboard, meet your Expedition Team, settle into your cabin and head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sets sail through the historic Beagle Channel, heading towards Antarctica. Later, join in the excitement as you learn more about the adventures awaiting you.

Day 3-4 • At Sea, Drake Passage

The infamous Drake Passage, named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, separates the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula from the southernmost tip of South America. The following two days at sea will allow your Expedition Team to prepare you for what lies ahead, from Antarctica’s geology to its history, wildlife and even the ice! Sailing towards Antarctica, the temperature falls as you cross the Antarctic Convergence and enter the waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The Antarctic Convergence is marked by an increased number of seabirds, whales and other species attracted by the nutrient-rich waters pushed to the surface by the colder waters of the polar region flowing north and meeting the warmer equatorial waters flowing south. Look for the albatrosses flying overhead and scan the waters for breaching whales and icebergs from the expansive windows of the bridge, where you’re invited to Ocean Nova’s command centre. Keep on the lookout for the first sighting of land early evening on day four – heralding your arrival in Antarctica.

Day 5-8 • South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Peninsula

You’ll spend the next four days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula – a region that has captivated explorers for centuries. Explore the region by Zodiac, cruising among the sculpted icebergs and making shore landings where you’ll mingle with penguins, climb to vantage points for panoramic views and maybe visit a scientific or historical base. There may be an opportunity to indulge in optional activities like an overnight ice camping experience, a snowshoeing trek, a paddling excursion or to take a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters! You’ll see extensive colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adelie penguins as well as crabeater, Weddell, fur and elephant seals and many birds. Look and listen for the mighty crack of a glacier calving. A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call at around 7 am, followed by breakfast. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the Antarctic landscape.

Special information

Optional activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, day paddling, camping and snowshoeing are very dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Your experienced Expedition Team will provide regular updates on which days they are available throughout your voyage. These activities have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel. Snowshoeing must be booked onboard via your Expedition Team.

Day 9-10 • At Sea, Drake Passage

As you set sail back to Ushuaia, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey you’ve just experienced. During the final days, join additional onboard lectures and view a slideshow featuring captivating images captured by your Expedition Photographer throughout your journey, which are yours to keep as a reminder of your incredible Antarctic expedition. By the evening of Day 10, you’ll enter the tranquil waters of the Beagle Channel, marking the beginning of your trip home.

Day 11 • Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition ends. You’ll have a morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking team ahead of time.

Special information

If you’re flying out today, please book your flight to depart Ushuaia after midday, in case of any delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions.

Dates and prices

From AUD $13,315 per person, twin share

All departures
Deals (14)
November 2026 1 sailing
January 2027 1 sailing
February 2027 1 sailing
November 2027 2 sailings
December 2027 2 sailings
January 2028 4 sailings
February 2028 3 sailings

Enquire Online

Tell us what suits you and our Australian cruise team will take care of the rest.

Travel Details

Your Details

No payment now — a friendly Australian cruise specialist will get back to you, usually within one business day.

FAQ's
  • Cancellation and change policies vary by cruise line and fare type. Refundable fares offer more flexibility, while non-refundable fares may incur penalties.

  • Yes, you can request an upgrade, and some cruise lines offer upgrade bidding programs. Availability depends on demand.

  • Booking early (12–18 months in advance) or during wave season (January to March) often provides the best deals and perks.

  • Cabin choices depend on your preferences: Interior: No windows, budget-friendly. Oceanview: Window or porthole for natural light. Balcony: Private outdoor space. Suite: Luxurious amenities and more space.

  • Yes, it’s recommended to book popular shore excursions early to secure a spot. Many cruise lines and third-party operators offer online bookings.

From Original price was: $15,665.00.Current price is: $13,315.00.

    Fill up the form below to tell us what you're looking for

    From Original price was: $15,665.00.Current price is: $13,315.00.

    Write a review