Antarctica's Whale Season (Ocean Nova)

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. When you arrive at Ushuaia Airport, take your included transfer from the airport to your hotel. 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 you’re free to get ready for an early morning tomorrow!

Enjoy a leisurely morning with the backdrop of the Andes mountains and maybe go for a walk downtown before your coach transfer to the port of Ushuaia. Here, you’ll board the Ocean Nova – your home for the next nine nights. After meeting your Expedition Team on board and settling into your cabin, head to the outer decks as the Ocean Nova sails through the historic Beagle Channel towards Antarctica. Then, join the excitement inside to learn more about the upcoming days.

Spend two days travelling across the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, named after the British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, towards the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. If conditions allow, you can explore the outer deck spaces, scouting for dolphins, whales and various seabirds, including the iconic wandering albatross with its enormous three-meter wingspan. The comprehensive lecture program will also get underway for you to join at your leisure, with your team of polar experts sharing insights into Antarctic history, geology, biology and everything in between. If the weather is on your side, you should reach the Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on Day 4 – the first sighting of land always builds great anticipation on any expedition south.

The Antarctic Peninsula is known for many wildlife sightings and the backdrops of mountains, icy landscapes and water provide incredible scenes as you search for whales migrating along the coast. The peak of the migration season (February and March) is the best opportunity to see these ocean dwellers, as all Antarctic whale species migrate long distances, feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich Southern Ocean during the southern summer. The most common species found in the region are humpback, minke and fin whales and orcas. As whale season is in full swing, you have the unique opportunity to participate in one of the onboard Citizen Science projects – the Happy Whale Project. Here, you can upload photos of whale’s tails (flukes) online, along with details of where the images are taken, which are then used to analyse and identify the individual whale and track its movement across the oceans. Your contribution could make a real difference in understanding and conserving these magnificent creatures. Sightings can happen from the outer decks of the ship, during a Zodiac excursion, or on the ship’s bridge with your captain, where the open bridge policy allows you into the command centre of the Ocean Nova for a look at the inner workings of your expedition and access to the best place to spot whales.

A typical expedition day begins with a wake-up call from your Expedition Leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow travellers for breakfast in the Dining Room. Weather permitting, you can look forward to at least two excursions each day, offering plenty of chances to immerse yourself in the stunning Antarctic landscape. For those who crave even more adventure, treat yourself to an optional kayaking excursion that offers a new perspective of this frozen expanse. You’ll also be able to take a polar plunge off the Ocean Nova. There’s nothing like a quick dip in the Antarctic’s icy depths to invigorate you!

As the Ocean Nova begins its journey back home to the port of Ushuaia, now is your time to reflect. You’re scheduled to reach the relatively calm waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening of Day 10, marking the beginning of your return journey. This evening, enjoy a slideshow of images taken by your Expedition Photographer during your voyage – these yours to take home as a lasting memento of your unforgettable Antarctic adventure. Your final dinner will be a highlight of your Antarctic adventurer, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate with your fellow travellers and Expedition Team.

After breakfast, disembark the Ocean Nova as your Antarctic expedition ends. A morning transfer to Ushuaia Airport or downtown is included, but if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.