Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey (Ocean Nova)

  • Antarctica
  • Operator: Intrepid
  • Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Destination: Antarctica
  • Type: Expedition Cruise
  • November - December 2026
Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 13-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. This expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, with additional days to better explore the Antarctica Peninsula. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores.

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Hightlights

Take the chance to see Antarctica’s wildest side

Experience awe-inspiring scenery and untamed wildlife on a 13-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. This expedition introduces you to the wonders and highlights of the White Continent, with additional days to better explore the Antarctica Peninsula. Encounter Weddell seals lazing on ice floes, whales breaching the frigid waters and several species of penguins shuffling across the frozen shores. You’ll cruise around the ice-filled waters by Zodiac, landing on the Antarctic Continent itself for onshore excursions that will afford jaw-dropping views. The onboard Expedition Team will offer priceless knowledge and insight, bringing the world’s most incredible landscapes to life.

 

Our Antarctica Ships

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

  • Extend out your adventure on this longer Polar voyage, giving you more time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula’s landscapes, ice fields and unique wildlife.
  • Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – as your Expedition Team ensures you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.
  • Head out on daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions (weather permitting), allow you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings of the Antarctic wilderness.
  • Settle in to listen to onboard specialists, who’ll provide invaluable insights during talks on topics spanning the region’s diverse wildlife to its unique geology.
  • Contribute to various vital research projects by participating in our Citizen Science Program, all led by our expert Expedition Team.

 

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. As there is no lift on board, you’ll also need to take stairs to get to the gangway and other parts of the ship.
  • 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.

 


 

Inclusions and activities

*Meals: 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners
*Transport: Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
*Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel (1 night), Expedition Cruise Ship (11 nights)

 

Included activities

*Welcome Briefing
*Daily Briefings and Recap
*Onboard Lecture Program
*Citizen Science 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.

SPECIAL DEPARTURE: 25th of November 2026 special guests onboard – authors, Jane Caro AM, Jock Serong and Hilde Hinton
On the 25th of November 2026 departure, you’ll be joined by three of Australia’s most esteemed authors, Jane Caro AM, Jock Serong and Hilde Hinton, who will help guide your experience through words and impressions. Together, this literary trio will lead a hands-on writing workshop, host a ‘Writers on Writing’ panel exploring the journey from pen to publication, and guide a dynamic book club that delves into a fascinating book that explores Nel Law’s story, the first Australian woman to step foot on the Antarctic Continent. Please refer to the “itinerary disclaimer” section of the Essential Trip Information for further information.

The name of this trip was previously called “Best of Antarctica In Depth”

 


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! Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, enjoy an included transfer to your hotel. This evening, you have an important welcome meeting at your hotel to meet your Expedition Team and fellow travellers, and learn more about the journey ahead and the details for tomorrow’s embarkation. If you have free time before the meeting, consider exploring downtown Ushuaia for souvenir shopping or savouring classic Argentinian flavours at one of the city’s fantastic local restaurants.

Special information

An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare.

Day 2 • Embarkation in Ushuaia

Enjoy a relaxed morning. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore downtown Ushuaia on foot – it’s compact, charming and set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, so be sure to bring your camera! Then, take a transfer to the port of Ushuaia, where you’ll board the Ocean Nova, your home for the next 11 nights. Once on board, settle into your cabin then head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova journeys through the historic Beagle Channel on route to Antarctica. Later, join the excitement inside to learn more about the incredible days ahead.

Day 3-4 • At Sea, Drake Passage

Over these two days at sea, enjoy gazing out at the vast Southern Ocean and capturing photos of seabirds gracefully circling the ship. Use this time to connect with your fellow travellers and get to know the Expedition Team. Visit the ship’s bridge and experience our open bridge policy, where our Captain welcomes you into Ocean Nova’s command centre. Here, you can witness the expedition in motion while enjoying the prime vantage point for spotting wildlife and your very first iceberg. Or take time to step onto one of Ocean Nova’s outer decks, where you can breathe in the fresh sea air and experience the powerful winds of the roaring forties and furious fifties. Keep watch for the first sighting of land which, with favourable sea and weather conditions, may come by early evening on day four.

Day 5-10 • South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once the South Shetland Islands come into view. Weather permitting, you can anticipate at least two excursions daily, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. One day, you might hike to a penguin rookery, the next, you could find yourself cruising in a Zodiac among towering icebergs. From locking eyes with a curious humpback whale to hearing the thunderous crack of a calving glacier, you’ll wake each day eager to continue exploring this icy wonderland. The highlight for many will be their first land excursion – a moment that is nothing short of unforgettable! There’s also the chance to engage with in-depth lectures from your team of onboard experts on the region’s glaciology, history and unique wildlife as you journey through this awe-inspiring wilderness. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to optional activities such as an overnight camping experience on the ice, a snowshoeing trek or a paddling excursion. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova – a brisk dip into Antarctica’s frigid waters is guaranteed to leave you feeling revitalised and energised!

Special information

No two days of any expedition are the same, and landing sites are subject to change depending on the elements and potential wildlife spotting opportunities, but our expert team of expedition guides will ensure that each day is memorable, offering you a sense of exploration and adventure unlike anywhere else on earth.

Optional activities such as Day Paddle, 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.

Day Paddle and Camping 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 11-12 • At Sea, Drake Passage

As the Ocean Nova begins its voyage back to Ushuaia, take this time to reflect on the remarkable journey you’ve experienced. Settle in for more onboard lectures and watch a slideshow of stunning images taken by our Expedition Photographer during your voyage. By the evening of Day 12, you’ll enter the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel. That evening, savour a special farewell dinner. Celebrate the incredible adventure you’ve shared with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Day 13 • Ushuaia

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Ocean Nova as your unforgettable Antarctic expedition comes to an end, leaving you with memories of a truly remarkable adventure. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included.

Special information

If you would like to stay longer in Ushuaia beyond today or would like to explore South America, please speak to your booking agent to discuss options. If you are 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 $15,385 per person, twin share

All departures
Deals (2)
November 2026 1 sailing
December 2026 1 sailing

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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.

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