Best of Antarctica holiday

This best-selling Antarctic expedition is timed so that you head south as the continent comes alive with hatching penguin chicks, and as minke, humpback and southern right whales are returning to feed.
Antarctica Ushuaia Beagle Channel Tierra del Fuego Drake Passage Antarctic Peninsula Zodiac land excursions Penguin rookeries Whale and seal-spotting Expert lectures Spectacular photography opportunities Take part in citizen science projects Optional activities include: kayaking, photography lessons, camping, snowshoeing
Price
£7375To£9700excluding flights
Duration
11 Days
Last minute
Late availability on these dates: 28 Feb, 09 Mar, 18 Mar
Make enquiry

Description of Best of Antarctica holiday

Embark on an adventurous expedition cruise that takes you into the frozen wilds of Antarctica. Pass through iconic bodies of water including the Beagle Channel and the Drake Passage, past immense glaciers that creak and crack , and walk on the ice with specialist guides as they lead you on daily excursions by Zodiac.

Your home for the next 10 nights: a state-of-the-art expedition cruise vessel carrying just 80 passengers, with an excellent guide to guest ratio. There are observation decks, health & wellness facilities, and space for experts to conduct lectures on Antarctica’s history, geology and biology, giving depth to your experiences in the White Continent.

For most people the highlight of the trip will be the land excursions, to vast penguin rookeries or to see fur seals. But expect to find yourself continually drawn to the observation decks, where staff are at hand to help you with your photography skills as you keep an eye out for humpback and minke whales, and glaciers calving off into the sea.

You can add optional experiences on to personalise your trip. You could join the kayaking programme and get up close and personal with the icebergs, opt for a day paddle, or even camp on the continent. With no shortage of amazing views, there’s no better time to brush up your photography under the tutelage of a pro.

This is one of those holidays where even 10 years down the line you’ll be able to remember every single day.

Map

Price information

£7375To£9700excluding flights
Make enquiry

Check dates

2026: 28 Feb, 9 Mar, 18 Mar, 16 Nov, 6 Dec, 26 Dec
2027: 26 Jan, 10 Mar

Travel guides

Expedition cruising
Antarctica
Our guide reveals a vast, icy continent that is considered by many to be Earth’s last slice of wilderness.

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.

Planet

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 and increase the unique biodiversity found there.

• The Ocean Nova boasts one of the lowest fuel emissions in the Antarctic expedition cruise industry, averaging 3.5 - 4 metric tonnes per day. Its compact size, efficient design, and low fuel consumption ensure minimal environmental impact while exploring the pristine polar regions.

• Our expedition gear is sourced from eco-conscious suppliers, with reusable, Velcro-free parkas to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• We promote sustainable practices by encouraging the use of aluminium water bottles, offering them for purchase on board and providing water-refilling stations throughout the ship.

• Ocean Nova has a state-of-the-art heat and water recycling system that maximises efficiency.

• All waste is responsibly removed from Antarctica and disposed of in Ushuaia, leaving no trace behind.

• Our onboard cleaning supplies are eco-friendly and free from harsh chemicals, ensuring a safe and clean environment for guests.

• The ship's advanced ballast water treatment plant prevents the introduction of invasive species.

People

OUR CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play critical roles in the regulation of the Earth’s climate system and in many ways are the “canary in the coal mine” of climate change. In the coming years, politicians and regulatory bodies will decide the fate of Antarctica and our scientists need all the information they can get to help inform this future policy. This is where Citizen Science comes in. Through partnerships with NASA, Oxford University, Happy Whale and others, our onboard Citizen Science Program allows you to contribute to the future of Antarctica, to collect data that can contribute to real scientific studies of the frozen continent and its inhabitants.

We include a stay in Ushuaia before this tour, the hotel used employs local staff, supporting the local community. For customers spending additional time in Ushuaia, we recommend visiting a locally-owned café, selling hand-crafted chocolates as well as immersing themselves in the town and supporting other local businesses.

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