Tour Description

Embark on a journey of discovery on this 11-day expedition designed for wildlife lovers. Set sail to where whales gather in their most significant numbers on the Antarctic Peninsula. While sailing on the ice-strengthened Ocean Nova and exploring by Zodiac daily, you can scan the icy waters for silhouettes of these marine mammals as they glide through ice floes. You’ll also spend your days searching for curious penguins, basking seals and lots of seabirds soaring above. As you enter the frozen wilderness of the White Continent, you’ll witness icebergs, thunderous calving glaciers, mountain ranges and ice-strewn waters – this is Antarctica!

Priced From:

$ 11215.00pp ^*

Valid From: 10MAR2027

Valid To: 29MAR2027

Start Location: Ushuaia

End Location: Ushuaia

Countries: Antarctica, Argentina,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Witness the migration of humpback whales as these gentle giants journey to Antarctica to feast on krill.

Jump on Zodiacs for at least two excursions daily, where you can take in the epic scenery, make onshore explorations and look for wildlife.

Gain insight from onboard polar experts who will cover a range of fascinating topics during their daily lectures, from the diverse wildlife to the unique geology of the region.

Look for gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur and Weddell seals, albatrosses and more, all set against the backdrop of towering icebergs and glaciated mountains.

Take part in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to meaningful research by photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale, who help to track and identify individual whales across the oceans.

Itinerary

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 paddling 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.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

28FEB2026

Return Date :

10MAR2026

14645NZD

available

Departure Date :

28FEB2026

Return Date :

10MAR2026

16255NZD

available

Departure Date :

28FEB2026

Return Date :

10MAR2026

19875NZD

available

Departure Date :

28FEB2026

Return Date :

10MAR2026

18070NZD

available

Departure Date :

28FEB2026

Return Date :

10MAR2026

18070NZD

available

Departure Date :

28FEB2026

Return Date :

10MAR2026

29215NZD

available

Departure Date :

28FEB2026

Return Date :

10MAR2026

16255NZD

available

Departure Date :

09MAR2026

Return Date :

19MAR2026

14645NZD

available

Departure Date :

09MAR2026

Return Date :

19MAR2026

16255NZD

available

Departure Date :

09MAR2026

Return Date :

19MAR2026

19875NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey

Trip code

GQMWJ

Validity

Validity: 10 Mar 2027 to 29 Mar 2027

Introduction

Style

Comfort

Themes

Polar,Wildlife

Transport

Expedition cruise ship,zodiac

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

Although you don't need to be particularly fit to take part in an Antarctic expedition, you do need to have a good level of mobility. You must be able to complete the onboard safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures unaided. Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet while negotiating the ship over potentially slippery decks and gangways. Zodiacs are accessed via a gangway which is reached via some steep and narrow internal stairs. There is no lift on the Ocean Nova climbing stairs on board will be necessary. Onshore conditions will vary. Ice and snow underfoot can make conditions slippery. Some locations have steep climbs or longer walks to reach a place of interest but wherever possible, the expedition guides will offer options of shorter or longer stays onshore, and varying levels of activity. The Expedition Team and crew are on hand to assist guests on and off the Zodiacs during all excursions.

Joining point

Your Joining Point Hotel in Ushuaia

Your allocated hotel will be advised in your Final Travel Documentation

Ushuaia

ARGENTINA

Joining point instructions

An arrival transfer from Ushuaia (USH) airport to your hotel is included if you are arriving on Day 1. Please meet the Intrepid representative in the arrivals hall. A pre-departure briefing will be held on the evening of Day 1 at your joining point hotel. The time of your pre-departure briefing will be confirmed in your Final Travel Documentation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1, please contact your booking agent to discuss additional arrangements. If you have not pre-arranged a transfer, taxis are available from the airport to your hotel. A taxi counter is located in the arrival halls. A Taxi fare from the airport to downtown is approximately ARS250.

Finish point

Ushuaia Port

Ushuaia

ARGENTINA

Finish point description

Your ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier in Ushuaia usually between 7am and 8am. Once the ship is docked, you will bid farewell to the expedition team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. Weather conditions can always change our arrival times and airline schedule changes have also known to occur in Argentina. Please book your hlight home from Ushuaia to depart as late in the day as possible or at a date after your expedition. If you have booked a flight to depart before noon on the date that your expedition ends, you will be at risk of missing your flight.

Important information

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 An optional day paddle is a one-off excursion available on all voyages for an additional cost. Pre-book via your booking agent.

Group leader

Your expedition will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader and at least one Assistant Expedition Leader. In addition, there will be a team of Polar experts and Expedition Guides who will be with you throughout. These experts will have various areas of expertise to inform you about the wildlife you may see, the terrain you'll pass through, the history of the area and to help you get the most out of photography opportunities. In addition there will be specialist guides for kayaking or day paddling and special guest presenters. With a guest to guide ratio of 8:1, there will always be someone around to answer any questions you may have.

Safety

On your way to join your voyage, you may take advantage of the opportunity to visit a larger South American city such as Buenos Aires or Santiago. It is worth researching matters of personal safety and security in these places before your departure. Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Communications

STAYING IN TOUCH WHILE ON BOARD It is possible to stay in touch whilst on board. The Ocean Nova is equipped with the latest available satellite communication equipment for our areas of operation providing us the possibility of Internet, phone reception. While we are pleased to offer these services, please understand that our ship communications are affected by the ship’s position, satellite coverage and local weather conditions. It may take several attempts before you are successful in making contact. Please keep in mind, you are travelling the most remote part of the world. There may be periods of time (hours/days) where phone and Internet are not available. A pre-paid PIN Card will also be required for making telephone calls. Voice PIN cards allow calling from your cabin or guest telephones to shore telephones at various rates per minute dependent on location and type of phone you are calling (calling mobile phones tends to be more expensive). Current prices for these optional services will be posted onboard the ship or can be requested from your booking agent. Please note: refunds are not provided for unused voice or data cards

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure from Ushuaia and also again at the end of your voyage.

Why we love it

Witness the migration of humpback whales as these gentle giants journey to Antarctica to feast on krill.

Jump on Zodiacs for at least two excursions daily, where you can take in the epic scenery, make onshore explorations and look for wildlife.

Gain insight from onboard polar experts who will cover a range of fascinating topics during their daily lectures, from the diverse wildlife to the unique geology of the region.

Look for gentoo and chinstrap penguins, fur and Weddell seals, albatrosses and more, all set against the backdrop of towering icebergs and glaciated mountains.

Take part in Citizen Science Projects and contribute to meaningful research by photographing whale flukes for Happy Whale, who help to track and identify individual whales 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 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. 

Health

GENRAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with this style of travel. Please also bear in mind the isolation of where you will be travelling and the distance to medical facilities. Please note that if in the opinion of the staff, any traveller is found to be unfit to complete the itinerary on the day of embarkation, they may be denied boarding and excluded from the trip without a refund. MEDICAL INFORMATION Antarctic expedition voyages travel to remote areas with limited or no sophisticated medical facilities. Should a medical emergency arise, we must be armed with the necessary information to help you. Hence, any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care must be covered by your travel insurance and brought to our attention before the voyage. Medical forms will be available approximately four months before departure as part of your Cruise Enrolment. Some conditions may preclude you from travelling. If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition, please contact your booking agent as soon as possible to discuss your medical history with our Medical Team and ensure you meet our travel requirements. VACCINATIONS We highly recommend receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as well as up to date influenza vaccine, particularly given the presence of Avian Influenza in Antarctica. Generally, you do not need other travel vaccinations for this voyage. Some travel vaccinations may be required or recommended for countries you are visiting en route to Antarctica. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return. To find out which, if any, vaccinations are mandatory or recommended for your destination, please contact your local doctor, immunisation centre or medical centre for up-to-date information. You should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet that records each vaccination. Always carry this with you on your travels; it could provide essential information for doctors in the event that you fall ill whilst travelling. TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages and is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you provide us with your travel insurance details. Travel insurance is one of the most critical components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. You must have the most suitable insurance with adequate coverage. Because of Antarctica's remoteness, medical attention and evacuations are extremely expensive, making insurance coverage an absolute necessity, particularly as you have invested large sums of money to travel there. Please see section “travel Insurance” for further information BEFORE DEPARTURE It’s a requirement that all guests travelling to Antarctica complete enrolment and medical information to ensure we adhere to IAATO guidelines. A link to complete this information online will be forwarded to you approximately four months prior to departure and must be completed no later than 3 months prior to your departure. This information will be passed on to the onboard medical team so the information provided must be clear and accurate. On review of your medical information, you may be required to provide further details or visit your Medical Practitioner about any health issues that could affect the journey. MEDICAL FACILITIES ONBOARD There will be a licensed English-speaking physician on board. The ship has a medical clinic with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. The clinic will not be stocked with every drug or piece of equipment required for every medical problem. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicines for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. It is wise to carry an extra two weeks’ supply of prescription medications just in case of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have particular health needs, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician explaining your health problems and/or the dosage required for the prescribed medication. MOTION SICKNESS The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world, although at other times they are so smooth that it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'! Although our vessel is among the most stable ships in its class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition. Please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide for more information on motion sickness.

Food and dietary requirements

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. The tap water on board is safe to drink. We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage via your online Polar forms. Kosher food cannot be prepared.

Money matters

There is no currency in Antarctica, however, the maritime currency of the world is $USD and as such $USD (US$ or USD) is the currency onboard the Ocean Nova ship. For ease, we operate with a cashless society, all items purchased from the Polar Boutique, lounge or bar (including drinks) are charged to your ship account and settled at the end of your expedition. Any laundry, postage, communication charges and adventure options booked onboard (space permitting) are also charged to this account. An account for payment will be presented to you on the final day of the voyage. Final payment can be made using cash or a card (Visa or MasterCard). Personal cheques are not accepted onboard. If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise the reception count. SPENDING IN ANTARCTICA It is wise to travel with sufficient cash to pay for incidentals such as shipboard items on the last day of the voyage, airport taxes and taxi transfers. In Antarctica, there are limited opportunities to spend money other than on the ship. If you are visiting the Falklands, it is advisable to have Pounds Sterling or US dollars to spend while in Stanley. Argentinean Pesos are not accepted. Please note there are no ATMs on the Falkland Islands. For trips to the Peninsula, you may visit Port Lockroy which is a small museum and has a souvenir shop, as does the museum in Grytviken on South Georgia. TIPPING Gratuities are at your personal discretion. While crew members are paid a fair and competitive wage, they also spend a large amount of time at sea - away from their families and go above and beyond to make your voyage a once in a lifetime experience. All nationalities and individuals have their own customs, and we believe it is your right to tip what you would be prepared for in your home country. If you are looking for guidance, then a suggested amount would be US$15-20 per person, per day. Onboard the Ocean Nova gratuities are collected at the final balance and distributed among the entire crew, including all back of house staff (chefs, housekeeping), sailors, and also the front line Expedition Team. Gratuities can be added to your onboard account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash onboard. Full details will be provided before you settle your onboard account. MEALS NOT INCLUDED All meals are included once onboard the Ocean Nova, but we suggest you allow US$100 per person for meals prior to boarding the ship or after you have disembarked.

What to take

The Antarctic Peninsula has relatively mild weather conditions when compared to the rest of the continent. As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and warm clothing. The dress code onboard is relaxed and casual and you will not need to dress formally for meals. The inside of the ship is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly – a whale sighting or seals on a nearby ice-floe nearly always produce a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent. When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs. PROVIDED EXPEDITION GEAR Staying warm and dry during your voyage is vital. Our Expedition gear has been carefully selected to provide you with all the necessary features for an enjoyable Antarctic adventure. We'll gather your gear sizes about 4 months before your trip, and you'll receive them once you're aboard the ship. Our chosen Expedition Parkas, Inner Jackets, and Muck Boots are designed to fit a wide range of sizes, accommodating up to 3XL for both men and women. • Expedition Parka (on loan): A water repellent coating on the outer layer helps to move moisture away from the body, making this a breathable and light jacket. With hi-vis elements, large pockets for easy accessibility and watertight seals, this is the perfect parka to keep you warm and dry on the ship to shore Zodiac excursions in all kinds of weather. Men's sizes range from S to 3XL, while women's sizes span from 8 to 20, offering a comprehensive array of choices tailored to your preferences. • Insulated Inner Jacket (yours to keep): Made out of 100% recycled synthetic fibres, your vegan 600 fill insulated puffer jacket will keep you warm even on the wildest days of your expedition. With a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which encourages water to bead off the fabric’s surface, the jacket was produced using sustainable chemistry with minimal impact on people and the environment. A great memento to take home at the end of your voyage to remember your incredible Antarctic adventure! Our size range extends from 48 (S) to 62 (4XL) for men, and from 6 (XXS) to 20 (3XL) for women. • Muck Boots (on loan): We will provide black, rubber Muck Boots for the entire duration of your voyage. They are specifically engineered to deliver grip and performance on snow and ice while keeping your feet warm and dry. Our size range begins at 4 and extends up to 15, catering to both men and women. Additionally, it's important to note that our neoprene Muck Boots possess a calf measurement circumference of 42cm. Moreover, it's worth noting that our neoprene Muck Boots have a calf measurement circumference of 42cm. While these boots do offer a certain degree of flexibility around the calf area, if your calf dimensions significantly surpass this measurement or if you experience limited ankle flexibility, accommodating you with our existing Muck Boot inventory onboard may not be possible. PACKING LIST We have prepared a full list of equipment to use as a checklist when packing for your Antarctic expedition. Please refer to the Antarctic Travellers Guide for more information. Laundry facilities are available onboard the ship (at extra cost).

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what could be done better. It allows us to suggest improvements for future travellers.

Emergency contact

Issues on your trip: While we always endeavour to provide you with the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your Expedition Leader straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. Assistance in Buenos Aires If you have booked accommodation and/or airport transfers in Buenos Aires with Intrepid and you require any assistance upon arrival, please contact our office in South America (Peru) on +51 996 055 559 or +51 940 512 701 Transfers in Buenos Aires If you have booked an arrival transfer in Buenos Aires with Intrepid, please collect your bags and proceed through customs. Upon exiting the baggage claim area you’ll be met by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign with your name on it. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays t immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our office in South America (Peru) on +51 996 055 559 or +51 940 512 701 If you have booked a departure transfer in Buenos Aires with Intrepid from the hotel to the airport your transfer driver will pick you up from the hotel at the following times prior to your scheduled departure flight: - if you are flying flying out of Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) - International flights - 4 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight. - Domestic flights – 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight - If you are flying out of Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) - International flights – 3.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight - Domestic flights – 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight If you require any assistance with your Antarctica trip once you are in Ushuaia please contact our local Intrepid representative on the number listed below. In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: +54 911 6227 2697

Responsible travel

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL - Polar Latitudes Polar Latitude operates your voyage on the Ocean Nova ship. Please find below Polar Latitudes responsible travel values. These shared values are core to our partnership. Our deep appreciation for Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant biodiversity inspires our unwavering commitment to its preservation. We believe that with great travel comes great responsibility, and we strive to minimise our impact while offering unique and authentic experiences. Adhering to stringent environmental protection guidelines established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), we go beyond compliance to make Antarctic exploration more responsible. We aim to conserve this extraordinary ecosystem through various sustainability measures and support essential research initiatives that deepen our understanding of this unique polar environment. Together, we embark on a journey that honours the beauty of Antarctica while safeguarding its future for generations to come. Initiatives to Minimise Our Environmental Impact Responsible expeditions are at the core of every voyage. The Ocean Nova’s efficient design and low fuel consumption minimise our carbon footprint while we explore Antarctica’s pristine environment. We have implemented several measures to minimise our footprint: • Eco-conscious expedition gear • Sustainable practices like reusable water bottles and eco-friendly cleaning supplies • Advanced heat and water recycling systems • Responsible waste removal Citizen Science & Research Initiatives Our Citizen Science Program invites travellers to engage in scientific research, collecting crucial data to understand unique ecosystems and their responses to climate change. Additionally, we support non-profit and academic organisations by offering complimentary berths and onboard spaces for essential research projects, ensuring our expeditions help preserve and understand this remarkable environment.

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

Accommodation notes

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.

Transport notes

The Ocean Nova has a fleet of 8 Zodiacs which means that all passengers can enjoy a landing at the same time.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages and is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you provide us with your travel insurance details. Travel insurance is one of the most critical components of any trip, especially in Antarctica - the most remote and inhospitable place on Earth. You must have the most suitable insurance with adequate coverage. Because of Antarctica's remoteness, medical attention and evacuations are extremely expensive, making insurance coverage an absolute necessity, particularly as you have invested large sums of money to travel there. Your travel insurance must provide a minimum coverage of USD250,000 for medical expenses, evacuation (including ship-to-shore transfer), and emergency repatriation. It must also cover all significant pre-existing conditions, particularly those that have the potential to cause issues on board. Your insurance must include coverage for COVID-19. Be aware that some travel insurance policies have minimum requirements for vaccination series (i.e., two doses + booster) to cover COVID-19-related medical, evacuation, and emergency repatriation. Your travel insurance policy must meet these minimum requirements. We also strongly recommend that it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, personal accident, death, sickness, loss of baggage and personal belongings, and disruption to your travel plans. We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance simultaneously as booking to ensure you are covered for cancellation and curtailment from when you confirm your Antarctic voyage. You need to know precisely what you are covered for and ensure that your policy covers this from when you leave to when you arrive home. If you plan to participate in adventure options, please ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers you for these activities. For more information, please refer to the Antarctica Travellers Guide.

Itinerary disclaimer

No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (1 night),Expedition cruise ship (9 nights)

Hero Images