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Duration: 11 days or 22 days Season: October & November Travel to Antarctica on an adventure unlike any other. You explore this vast white wilderness of mountains and ice aboard an expedition cruise ship that carries just 80 passengers. You walk, hike, k...
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Travel to Antarctica
Travel to Antarctica on an adventure cruise with ROW.
Travel to Antarctica - By Ship, Kayak and Foot:
Travel to Antarctica on an adventure unlike any other. You explore this vast white wilderness of mountains and ice aboard an expedition cruise ship that carries just 80 passengers. You walk, hike, kayak and actively explore the islands, ice shelves and mountain ranges of this most remote continent on earth, first sighted in 1820 and named Antarctic from the Greek, “opposite of the north.” This is a land of superlatives where each day is filled with new discoveries.
Wildlife viewing is a highlight and because there has never been a native population of people here, when you travel to Antarctic you see wildlife that remains unafraid. Nowhere else on earth can you get so close to massive colonies of penguins as well as several species of seals. Being in this land of magnificent dimensions, where icebergs float on a deep blue sea, creates soul-stirring experiences that lift your spirit and connect you to nature’s grandeur in profound ways. Memories of the peculiar, awe-inspiring and stunning beauty of Antarctica will stay with you forever.
ROW’s classic Antarctic adventure cruise and tour, “Antarctic Unbound: By Ship, Kayak & Foot” is a distinctive water-based odyssey that combines a variety of activities with the excitement of observing emerging springtime life. Your Antarctic cruise takes place aboard the Ocean Nova, one of the most eco-friendly ships touring the Polar Regions. Because of our passion for paddling, ours is the only tour that includes kayaking at no extra charge. Kayaking in the Antarctic offers intimate views of the pristine scenery and unique, magical wildlife. In addition to kayaking, there are daily zodiac excursions, walks on land, and visits to the most scenic bays and peninsulas of Antarctica. On-board experts including naturalists and an ornithologist add to the richness of this extraordinary journey. (Kayaking is currently only available on the 11-day itineraries.)
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- Overview
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- Duration: 11 days or 22 days
- Intensity: Beginner
- Season: October & November
- Minimum Age: 16
- Begins In: Ushuaia
- Ends In: Ushuaia
- Airport: Ushuaia, Argentina
Travel to Antarctica on one of the smallest cruise ships available; kayaking included at no extra charge; intimate and extensive wildlife viewing including up-close penguin and seal encounters; fabulous lectures and learning. As we cruise along the coast of Antarctica, the Ocean Nova might be escorted by albatrosses and petrels. The abundance of life along the coast includes elephant seals, fur seals, bird colonies, and whale feeding areas. A myriad of penguin rookeries abound. Penguin species such as the adelie, chinstrap and gentoo provide hours of entertainment while rare occasions might offer king, macaroni and emperor penguin sightings. It is not uncommon to see minke or humpback whales. The intimate contact with wildlife combined with the breathtaking, otherworldly-landscapes, create a dynamic Antarctica cruise experience for all levels of adventurer.
Antarctica is the world's fifth largest continent and much its area is covered by ice. In fact, about 90% of the world's total ice is here. Curiously, it grows and shrinks by the season, and thus the continent is twice as large in the winter than during the summer. Our trips take place during the late spring and early summer when the wildlife is active and penguins are preparing to nest.
Scenically, Antarctica is stunning. Much more than ice, there are also mountains, islands, sheltered coves and vast wilderness. Antarctica's highest peak is Vinson Massif in the Ellsworth Mountains, at 4892 meters, or 16,050 feet. There are also dormant volcanoes in Antarctica such as Mount Erebus, located on Ross Island, and Deception Island, just north of the Antarctic Peninsula.
As mentioned previously, it was not until 1820 that the first sightings of Antarctica can be confirmed and it is thought that the first landing took place in 1821. In 1840 it was determined that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands, but it wasn't until 1890 that the name Antarctica was first used to refer to the continent. For most of the 19th century, much of Antarctica remained untouched due to its remoteness and the challenging climate which made travel to Antarctica in those times very difficult. The continent has neither indigenous people, nor permanent residents but there are several permanent research bases in Antarctica operated by various governments. Roughly 1,000 to 5,000 people reside at these research stations on the continent throughout the year.
Antarctic tourism is generally considered to have begun in the late 1950s when Chile and Argentina took more than 500 fare-paying passengers to the South Shetland Islands aboard a naval transportation ship. It grew very slowly in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. When the "wall" fell in the fall of 1989 and the Soviet Union started to break up, more ships became available as the Russians had the most ice-worthy vessels and visitations to Antarctica increased through the 1990's. Today, about 35,000 people visit Antarctica as tourists each year, although only about 19,000 go ashore as some of the larger cruise lines have trips that cruise the coast but do not have people disembark. Generally ships sail to Antarctica from Argentina or Chile.
One of the benefits of traveling on a smaller ship is that one of the rules for tour operators is that only 100 passengers at any one time may be landed in any one place in Antarctica. On our ship, you get to go ashore every time we stop.
Unlike any other continent, there is an international treaty signed by 46 countries that governs Antarctica. The signors agree that Antarctica should remain a peaceful, free and demilitarized place where international cooperation and scientific research are available to all, with a minimum of human development.
Our Antarctica cruise adventure holds many surprises and wonders for the curious traveler and we invite you to join us for an incredible learning and life-enriching experience.
"If Antarctica were music, it would be Mozart. Art and it would be Michelangelo. Literature, and it would be Shakespeare. And yet it is something even greater; the only place on earth that is still as it should be. May we never tame it." – Andrew Denton |
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- Dates & Rates
- Below you will find all available instances of this trip. Roll over departure dates to see a complete list of departures. Roll over the demographic icons to get a brief overview of the demographic group.
- Why ROW
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Travel to Antarctica - ROW Difference
Antarctica is one of the most distinct ecosystems in the world and ROW is committed to offering our guests the best experience possible. Our trips are scheduled during Antarctica's late spring and early summer prior to the peak period of visitation. The wildlife is active and preparing for the breeding season and you visit without the crowds that come later.
When travel to Antarctica or other in the Polar Regions, the ship is as important as the tour itself. Most tour vessels carry between 100 to 200 or more people. By contrast, the Ocean Nova is limited to 80 guests. The Ocean Nova burns up to 70% less fuel than comparable ships making this an environmentally conscious tour that aligns itself with ROW Adventures' values to responsible, sustainable tourism.
- On the November 10, 2012 departure, ROW will have a smaller and exclusive group of 12-14 guests led by ROW founder Peter Grubb and partner Betsy Bowen. Both are inspiring travelers that bring a fun, easy-going style, many great stories and an added zest for inspiring curiosity.
- Free kayaking- Antarctica is one of the most powerful places on Earth. Paddling your own kayak while dwarfed by massive, chiseled icebergs and gliding through the serene waters at your own pace, is one of the most humbling experiences life can offer. Most tours charge hundreds of dollars for this activity. In our case, this is included in your trip fee. (Currently, kayaking activities are only offered on the 11-day itineraries.)
- The Expedition Team members on the Ocean Nova are world-class leaders and lecturers who are hospitality trained. The on-going lecture series will give guests a well-rounded background on the geography, wildlife, ornithology, history and more, to further help you discover this boundless white wilderness.
- Zodiac loading is accessible for all guests. Most ships have a steep gangway; however on the Ocean Nova passengers step directly from a loading platform directly onto the Zodiacs, making landing operations much more efficient and comfortable.
- We follow “Leave No Trace” tourism practices
- The Ocean Nova is a member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators), the association that regulates tourism activity in Antarctica.
- All top-quality expedition gear is provided
- Each cabin boasts a sea view and private facilities. The guests have full access to outer decks as well as comfortable indoor viewing.
- You enjoy a fantastic culinary experience aboard the Ocean Nova. The main restaurant located on Deck 3, can comfortably accommodate all guests in one seating. Breathtaking exterior views of the sea ensure you will not miss anything while enjoying good company and food. All meals are prepared by professional chefs, and offer a plethora of options. Breakfast and lunch are served in a buffet style presentation, and dinner is a plated three-course meal with your choice of meat, fish or vegetarian entrees.
ROW is committed to sustainable travel and preservation of the environment. We have passionate, knowledgeable guides and artfully orchestrated itineraries. Our goal is to provide guests with meaningful and memorable interactions with both nature, and our fabulous destinations. We operate in a way that pays attention to the smallest detail, reflecting our respect and commitment to the environment.
The Ocean Nova is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which was founded in 1991 by seven private tour operators with the goal of promoting what IAATO states as the “highest possible standards of travel in this remote, wild and delicate region of the world.” When tourism in Antarctica started in 1969, the number of tourists visiting each year was a few hundred each year but has since risen to over 35,000 people each year, of which about 19,000 actually disembark. In order to prevent tourism from having a negative impact, IAATO works in close cooperation with government and scientific foundations to ensure environmentally sound travel in Antarctica. IAATO has dveloped rules and restrictions for the number of people, assure proper staff-to-passenger ratios, activity and site specific guidelines, emergency evacuation plans and much more. |
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- FAQ
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Travel to Antarctica - FAQs
Where is Antarctica located?
Antarctica is situated over the South Pole and covers approximately 14 million square km./4250 square mi. and is divided into two separate regions called Greater Antarctica to the east and Lesser Antarctica to the west.
What is the weather like?
Weather conditions when traveling to Antarctica vary greatly, being in the extreme southern hemisphere, winters (June-August) are dark and spring/summer (October-February) has long hours of light. During the summers, temperatures range from around 20 degrees to as warm as 48 degrees. Due to the natural patterns of the sun however, the extended daylight hours often warm those areas that are protected from winds. Some guests find it warm enough for t-shirts and shorts!
What is the best time of year to visit Antarctica?
Due to the erratic weather of Antarctica, there is a very small window for traveling to Antarctica that spans from November to March. We prefer to travel during the early season which is late October through the end of November for a variety of reasons. One of these is that even though relatively small numbers of people visit Antarctica, there are even fewer in the spring (October-November) than in the peak tourist season of December to February. Arriving in October and November is beautiful because life is emerging from a long winter's sleep, the landings are still untouched and because:
- Landscapes, penguin colonies, and photographic opportunities are much better in the Antarctic spring. Later-season landings are met with mud and an excess of guano because the penguins have inhabited the rookeries for several months by the time peak season arrives.
- Fewer ships travel during the early season. This allows for a more flexible itinerary than in the later season.
- Prices are lower during the early season than during the peak season.
Is the kayaking in Antarctica special?
So much of life in the Antarctic originates or depends on the sea. Being in a kayak puts you in intimate touch with that life. You paddle among icebergs, among swimming seals and feel the pulse of life in a way that is not possible in any other manner.
How much kayaking will I do on this trip?
Antarctica kayaking is completely dependent on weather and sea conditions. A typical kayak trip ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. Our goal is to give those guests who wish to kayak an opportunity to do so at least twice during our Antarctic voyage.
Do I have to have previous kayaking experience? It's best if you have had previous kayaking experience. If you don't have previous experience, then find a class or other way to kayak prior to the trip. The kayaks are covered sea kayaks, so it's also helpful if you know how to do a wet exit in the remote chance that you tip over.
What will I see during the early season?
The early spring offers unique viewing opportunities not otherwise found during the height of the regular season in Antarctica. Depending on which adventure you will find yourself, with different backdrops. If you are traveling on our 21-day Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Explorer some of the many sites you will enjoy include:
- Excellent photographic opportunities ranging from early season wildflowers to rare orchids.
- The king penguins breed on an irregular cycle so, we will see king penguin chicks in South Georgia! It should be noted this is the only location you will get to see chicks this early in the season.
- Also on South Georgia, elephant seals deliver their pups in October, which means we should have chubby little elephant seal pups to entertain us on our voyage! Fur seal activity is also very busy on the beaches of South Georgia.
- The shorter itineraries in November anticipate seeing:
- Penguins. On the peninsula penguin chicks normally hatch around Christmas. While early season is not the time for chicks on the peninsula, it is a time that parents exhibit pre-chick activity: courting, mating, and nest-building. During mating season, penguins exhibit a variety of postural displays, dances, and calls in the process of obtaining and defending a nest site and in finding a mate. To intrigue a potential mate, males begin building their nest by smoothing out a crater in the ground and filling it with rocks, feathers, and sometimes, bones. A favorite past time is stealing a stone or pebble from a neighbor's nest from an unsuspecting neighbor.
- Weddell seals stretch out on the fast ice and crabeater and leopard seals often lounge on the remaining winter sea ice.
- Lucky guests will catch a harmonized show of a pair of light–mantled sooty albatross.
What is the best way to get there?
The trip embarks from Ushuaia, Argentina. Common air routes typically transit through Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago Chile.
Does ROW Adventures arrange airfare to and from Ushuaia?
We do not book airfare to and from Ushuaia, however we can refer you to an air travel specialist to arrange your flights.
Are you able to arrange extensions?
We have been working with partners in the southern hemisphere since 1992, and have plenty of ideas for extending your trip whether it be hiking in Peru or snorkeling in Galapagos. Guests often combine a trip to Antarctica with a visit to Machu Picchu. Another popular destination to consider is the Easter Islands. We are passionate about travel and are eager to hear about your interests to help you plan your adventure.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
There are many travel arrangements that must be coordinated for any Antarctica trip. Space on our vessel is limited. Generally we recommend that you book four to twelve months in advance. However, space may be available closer to the departure date, so don't hesitate to check with us.
What about sea sicknesses?
While there is always a risk of rough sea conditions while on a ship, it is important to remember each person has a differently reactions to these conditions. The most likely time that rough seas are encountered is while cruising through the Drake Passage. Once we are near the Antarctic Peninsula and islands, most cruising is in sheltered waters. We encourage all guests to bring consult with their doctor regarding preventative medication. Other ideas include acupressure wrist bands, ginger candy and other preventatives.
Are there any extras on board the ship?
In addition to our fascinating ongoing lecture series, there is also a bar and a gift shop. You can purchase wine or beer and enjoy observing the passing scenery in one of the many observation areas onboard, while sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula. There is also a gift shop on board where guests can shop for gifts for family and friends. The Ocean Nova also has internet access available for purchase.
What kind of clothing do I need?
We will provide you with a complete packing list. Here are a few tips:
- Bring loose, breathable layers of wool, silk or fleece as opposed to cotton, with polar fleece a very popular choice.
- Waterproof pants are required for zodiac expeditions and kayak trips.
- You have the option of bringing your own parka or renting a coat on board. If you do choose to rent a parka, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reserve one for you. If you are bringing your own parka, look for one that is lightweight, roomy, and wind and weather resistant. Bright colors are more visible, so they are a safer option for use in the Polar regions.
- Bring a wool or polar fleece sweater.
- No one likes cold hands, so bring gloves to keep your hands warm and dry. We suggest wearing a polypropylene liner under gloves so your hands will be protected when you remove gloves or mittens to take photos.
- Wool Cap. This is great for protecting ears.
What clothing is provided?
We provide dry suits for the kayaks, as well as water-proof boots. If you prefer to rent a parka from our ship, please let us know, and we will make sure there is one available for you. |
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- Video
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- Itinerary
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Travel to Antarctica - Itinerary
This itinerary is meant as a general guideline. Weather conditions determine exactly what we'll do each day once we reach the Antarctic Peninsula.
(see itinerary maps below)
Day 1: Arrive Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the southern-most city in the world, and has much to offer. Prior to departure we invite you to shop in the Argentinian leather markets and encourage you to enjoy the traditional dishes Patagonia is known for such as fresh centolla (South Atlantic king crab), Patagonia toothfish and seasoned lamb. (Overnight at a local hotel is not included, but can be arranged through ROW.)
Day 2: Ushuaia embarkation
Welcome aboard the Ocean Nova! Our Expedition Team, along with the ship’s officers, greet you as you board the ship in the afternoon. Shortly after embarkation, we have a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome dinner. Like all meals on onboard, guests can expect a wide variety of culinary delights as we provide top-of the-line catering. As the evening ascends, we set sail down the Beagle Channel and see a preview of the wildlife that lies ahead; Magellanic penguins, rock cormorants, and sea lion colonies.
Day 3: Drake Passage
We enter the legend-filled Drake Passage where you may find your sea legs! This 500-mile wide passage is where we start of our education lecture series on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica. These on-going lectures will focus on the fascinating history, wildlife and geology of Antarctica. Within this series there are also a few mandatory presentations, specifically those related to zodiac landing and safety, as well as those regarding environmental regulations. Escorted by albatross and petrels as we sail south, we might also see whales and dolphins.
Day 4: Drake Passage
We continue on our journey through the Drake Passage. Guests will be notified of the lecture schedule and are encouraged to attend. The possibility for whale sightings increases as we move closer to the Antarctic Peninsula. Guests often use the time in the Drake Passage to reflect on the wonder of nature. While the journey is largely dependent on weather and sea conditions, we anticipate approaching the Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula sometime in the evening of day 4.
Our goal during your travels is that you benefit from all Antarctica has to offer. To this end our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a customized, flexible itinerary specific to each voyage and driven by weather and ice conditions. The course that the ship follows focuses on the most scenic bays and channels of the Antarctic Peninsula. Our custom itinerary includes stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, and whale feeding areas. We also have opportunities to visit sites of historic and scientific interest. All day-to-day activities are contingent on weather and sea conditions, but in general, we anticipate sea kayaking at least twice throughout our journey.
Day 5: Arrive in Antarctica, Neko Harbor and Paradise Harbor
If the weather permits, we will approach one of the following harbors by kayak:
Neko Harbor - Situated over the west coast of Graham Land, Neko Harbor is considered one of the most beautiful inlets along the Antarctic Peninsula. Neko Harbor is a favorite spot for whales and penguins. The harbor is also a wonderful place to sit in silence, take in the pristine scenery and wait for what the Native Americans in Alaska call “white thunder,” sound of ice fracturing apart in a process called “calving” as Antarctica wakes up from the long winter sleep.
Paradise Harbor-Surrounded by mountain ranges of glaciers and chiseled ice cliffs, Paradise Harbor is action-packed scenic splendor. Ask any veteran traveler of Antarctica about Paradise Harbor, and they will tell you, no two days in Paradise Harbor look the same. The icebergs are in a constant state of motion. If we’re lucky, we also see orcas and maybe gentoo and chinstrap penguins.
The day’s lectures will provide a background for the geology, wildlife and history of these wonderful locations.
Day 6: Wilhelmina Bay
This humpback whale-favored bay is 24 km/15 miles wide and offers a dramatic view of jagged mountains, and scattered icebergs across the bay. Named for Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, the bay holds the record for the largest density of humpback whales ever recorded. Depending on weather conditions, we anticipate paddling to the bay in kayaks. The site also offers a wonderful stage to watch Adelie and chinstrap penguins play.
When we return to the ship there will be an opportunity for guests to deepen our knowledge of this beautiful Wilhelmina Bay in our fascinating lecture series.
Day 7: Lemaire and Penola Channels
After breakfast we invite all guests to a presentation that will help bring into focus important aspects of the Lemaire Channel’s geology, history and wildlife. Lemaire Channel - nicknamed “Kodak gap” for its breathtaking scenery, the Lemaire Channel is one of Antarctica’s top travel destinations. The channel is not only scenic, but its sheltered waters aer usually calm. If the weather permits, we hope to take in the coastline by way of a zodiac tour.
Penola Channel - this is a favorite hangout for crabeater seals and boasts stunning views of springtime in Antarctica.
Day 8: Neumayer Channel, historic bases
Neumayer Channel - Known for the towering cliffs the Nuemayer Channel separates Anvers Island from Wiencke Island and Doumer Island. Photographers will not be disappointed by the beautiful coastline! We hope to approach the coastline by zodiac, weather permitting. While we don’t know which specific day, we will also visit scientific bases such as Poland’s Arctowski or Ukraine’s Vernadsky, and historic bases such as U.K.’s Port Laroy or Wordie House
In addition to the plethora of locations, we see plenty of Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins and might even have the rare privilege of seeing species such as the emperor penguin. It is not unusual to spot Weddell, crabeater and elephant seal colonies resting along the Antarctic coastline as well as the solitary leopard seal or aggressive Antarctic fur seals. Late season tours might enjoy a chance sighting of minke and humpback whales that also travel through these waters.
Day 9: Drake Passage
As we return to Ushuaia, our lecture series and wildlife observing continues.
Day 10: Drake Passage
As our Antarctic travels draw to a close, we enjoy farewell cocktails and sharing tales of all we’ve seen and experienced. We anticipate arriving in Ushuaia sometime in the early hours of Day 11.
Day 11: Ushuaia disembarkation. Transfer to hotel or airport
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22 Day Itinerary Overview:
The 22 day journey begins in Puerto Madryn, Argentina (south of Beunos Aires) and ends in Ushuaia. You'll be amongst the first people of the year to visit some of the most incredible wildlife on Earth. This longer itinerary features stops at both the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia. Each a cherished treasure among wildlife adventurers. You then travel further south to Antarctica where you follow much of the itinerary in the 11 day trip. To receive a detailed, day-to-day itinerary for the 22 day journey, please click here: Antarctica Unbound 22 Day
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11 Day Map
22 Day Map
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- Ship Plans
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Travel to Antarctica - Ship Info
(click on the diagram for a larger photo)
Place built: Denmark
Country of registry: Bahamas
Gross tonnage: 2 183
Length: 73 meters
Width: 11 meters
Draft: 3,5 m
Two fully enclosed lifeboats
Ice Class: BV IceIB, Eo(Hull Ice 1A)
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Crew capacity: 34
Refurbished: 2006
Zodiacs: 7
Cabins: 39
Maximum Passengers: 84
Official language: English
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