Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness

11 days4.918 reviews
From
ZAR  177,520

Hop aboard the Ocean Nova and set sail through the wilderness of Antarctica

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ocean Nova. Explore during the early season, which unveils a landscape of white, raw beauty. Visit penguin rookeries that burst with life as they prepare for the season ahead – spot the Adelie, Gentoo and chinstrap penguins. From the outer decks or during Zodiac cruises, keep your eyes peeled for leopard seals resting on ice floes and the iconic albatross soaring above. Make daily excursions and on shore landings, listen to lectures from your onboard experts and learn about the wildlife and geology of the area. Engage in Citizen Science Projects and wake up every morning to the cold, vast landscape of the Great White Continent – this is Antarctica in its most unspoiled state, offering views that few are privileged to witness!

Map of Best Of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness including Antarctica and Argentina
Trip code: GQMDW
Start
Ushuaia, Argentina
End
Ushuaia, Argentina
Destinations
Antarctica, Argentina
Meals
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
Expedition cruise ship, zodiac
Accommodation
1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship
Days
11
Group size
Min 1 - Max 80
Ages
Min 12
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Comfort
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 504 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

Take at least two excursions daily, either in Zodiacs or on land, to explore the incredible surroundings of the Antarctic wilderness. After winter, Antarctica awakens, and snow cloaks the continent in a pristine whiteness – a completely unique landscape.

Cruise on Zodiacs through ice-strewn bays and channels, among floating electric blue icebergs. Look out for marine wildlife as you go!

Attend informative lectures by your onboard polar experts, who can provide amazing insights into the region's diverse wildlife and unique geology.

Participate in initiatives like NASA's GLOBE Observer program, where your observations help track environmental changes. You can also take part in Citizen Science Projects like the Seabird Survey, which gathers data on Antarctic birds.

Become an expert birdwatcher – see the vast penguin populations in the rookeries, watching as they build their nests and court. Look out for albatross, fulmars and petrels as you sail the Drake Passage.

Boats

Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova
BOAT TYPE: ExpeditionPASSENGERS: 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.
Explore features
Ocean Endeavour anchored in Antarctic waters surrounded by icebergs
Ocean Endeavour
BOAT TYPE: ExpeditionPASSENGERS: 200
The Ocean Endeavour is comfortable, spacious and the place to be in the Antarctic season. Not only is it one of the few polar expedition ships in Antarctica, it also has one crew member for every eight travellers. This means you’ll enjoy a more personal, informative and comfortable trip. With a gym, library, wide range of cabin types, modern Zodiacs, and superb views, the Ocean Endeavour is quite literally the coolest way to take the trip of a lifetime.
Explore features

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness including Antarctica and Argentina

Inclusions and activities

Meals

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Accommodation

1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship

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

Optional activities
  • Onboard Gym - Free
  • Polar Plunge - Free
  • Snowshoeing - USD150
  • Day Paddle - USD349
  • Antarctic Camping (Ocean Nova ) - USD399

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. There is no lift on the Ocean Nova climbing stairs on board will be necessary.
  • 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 energised for when the weather clears. 

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

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.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Andrew · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 02 Dec 2024

Chad · Traveled November 2023
Review submitted 19 Nov 2023

Carl · Traveled November 2023
Review submitted 20 Nov 2023

Fiona · Traveled November 2023
Review submitted 19 Nov 2023

Javiera · Traveled November 2023
Review submitted 20 Nov 2023
Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness
From
ZAR  177,520