Journey to the Antarctic Circle

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 Endeavour 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 wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears. 

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.

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).

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.

Your Joining Point Hotel in Ushuaia, Your allocated hotel will be advised in your Final Travel Documentation, Ushuaia, ARGENTINA

Alternate Joining Point

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.

Ushuaia Port, , Ushuaia, ARGENTINA

Alternate Finish Point

On the day of disembarkation in Ushuaia we highly recommend that you book your flights to depart after 12 noon incase of delays caused by unfavourable weather conditions. On the day of disembarkation, the following transfers are included.
- Morning transfer from port to Ushuaia airport (USH) for your onward flight - or -
- Morning transfer port to Ushuaia downtown. Luggage storage is available for the day (at no cost). Onward travel (i.e to the airport or to your Ushuaia accommodation) will be at your own cost.

Breakfasts included: 13

Lunches included: 11

Dinners included: 12

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.

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

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.

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