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Antarctica

Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise

6 Days aboard Ocean Nova. From AUD $7,805pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
No obligation enquiry
Details

Overview

Why we love this cruise:
An introductory and affordable boutique expedition in Antarctica:
• Quick access via air to Antarctica
• A taste of the White Continent
• Ideal for the time-conscious traveler

This expedition is available on Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer, and Ocean Nova.

Ocean Nova invites you to cruise around this spectacular continent debarking from Ushuaia, the Ocean Nova takes you through the Beagle Channel and to the legendary Cape Horn. Cross the mythical waters of the Drake Passage to explore one of the most spectacular places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent – Antarctica.

Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
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Itinerary Highlights

  • Fastest and most convenient way to travel to Antarctica: crossing of the Drake Passage by a 2 hours flight versus 2 days of oceanic sailing.
  • Intimate group of no more than 72 people, personalised & accurate service due to high passenger-staff ration
  • Zodiac cruising for a close-up and personal experience with the Icebergs of the South!
  • Look out for sea birds, penguins, seals and whales along South Shetland Islands 

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and board ship 
  • Day 2: Cape Horn and Drake Passage
  • Day 3: Drake Passage
  • Day 4: Drake Passage and Antarctica
  • Day 5: Antarctica and Scheduled return flight to Punta Arenas
  • Day 6: Transfer to the Punta Arenas airport

Ship Information

For more information on the Ocean Nova please view the ship page.

View Ocean Nova

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
View cruise map

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and embark ship

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Please make your own way to the port today. If you wish to have a transfer included, please let your consultant know. Board the Ocean Nova and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Cape Horn and Drake Passage

After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Days 3: Drake Passage

As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Drake Passage and Antarctica

After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Antarctica and scheduled return flight to Punta Arenas

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.)

Breakfast included.

Day 6: Transfer to the Punta Arenas airport

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 14 Jan 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
14 Jan 2026 - 19 Jan 2026 AUD$7805ppExpand to view prices
Triple CabinAUD$7805ppContact us
Twin CabinAUD$9367ppContact us
Single CabinAUD$10930ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise
Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise

Cabin Details

Triple Cabin

14m², two single beds, one upper single bed, picture window, writing desk with chair, wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, private bathroom with shower.

Triple Cabin
Triple Cabin
Twin Cabin

10m², two lower single beds, picture window, writing desk with chair, wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, private bathroom with shower.

Twin Cabin
Twin Cabin
Single Cabin

8m², one lower single bed, picture window, writing desk with chair, wardrobe, private bathroom with shower

Single Cabin
Single Cabin

Ocean Nova Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Passengers: 72 maximum (67 on air/cruise)
  • Staff & Crew: 46 (12 expedition staff)
  • Lifeboats: 2 fully enclosed capacity of 110 (in addition to 4 life rafts, capacity 100)
  • Length: 73.0 m
  • Breadth: 11.0 m
  • Propulsion: Diesel engines 2,000 horsepower
  • Ice Class: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
  • Draft: 3.7 m
  • Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water

What's included?

  • On-board accommodation 
  • Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas 
  • 1 post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas 
  • Group transfers 
  • Activities/shore excursions as specified
  • Standard beverages during lunch & dinner
  • Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
  • Waterproof boots on loan
  • Pre-departure material 
  • Service charges and port taxes

What's not?

  • International airfares 
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
  • Travel insurance
  • Expedition gear 
  • Gratuities 
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Important notes and additional information

  • Expedition jacket - US$349 per person 
  • Preferred seating on flight - US$295 per person

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

No obligation enquiry

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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Travel information

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

View Antarctica travel guide

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Antarctica Express Sail/Fly Cruise

6 Days aboard Ocean Nova. From AUD $7,805pp.
No obligation enquiry