The Great White Continent
Flights from London→Buenos Aires → Ushuaia → West Falklands → East Falklands → South Georgia → South Shetland Islands → Antarctic Peninsula → Ushuaia → Buenos Aires→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £15795
per person
Overview
Experience the wonders of Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands aboard the Ocean Nova with Guest Speaker Alistair Fothergill.
Even today after many decades of exploration, Antarctica remains a world apart, a majestic last frontier surpassing even the most jaded of travellers' expectations. For this magnificent voyage, Noble Caledonia is working with their long-time Swedish associates at PolarQuest, who have chartered the 84-passenger Ocean Nova, to follow in the footsteps of researchers, pioneers, adventurers, and discoverers on an expedition to the sixth continent. It is hard to put into words the sheer grandeur of an Antarctic landscape. This most southern of continents, this desert of ice, is so unique and uncommon to man's experience, that even the most dramatic of photographs pale into insignificance when one is confronted by the sheer magnitude, beauty and wonder of an Antarctic landscape.
During this voyage, which Noble Caledonia has timed for the Antarctic spring, there will be the possibility of sighting seven different species of penguin. The spring is mating season for penguins and other species, and you can witness their spectacular displays of courtship ritual, nest building and such antics as stone stealing. This is also the time the pack ice begins to melt, resulting in dramatic icebergs, and when visiting the Falklands and South Georgia, the spring flowers will be in bloom.
Highlights
- Embark the Ocean Nova in Ushuaia and cruise through the scenic Beagle Channel.
- Discover the western islands of the Falklands to see four different penguin species nesting side by side on Saunders Island.
- Explore Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, and delve into its rich 19th-century maritime history.
- Cross the Antarctic Convergence and enjoy expert-led lectures on polar history and abundant wildlife.
- Experience the majestic mountains and glaciers of South Georgia, home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins.
- Visit the historic site of Grytviken, including the museum and the final resting place of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
- Navigate to Elephant Island to learn about the harrowing survival story of Shackleton and his crew at Point Wild.
- Cruise the South Shetland Islands, including the potential for a visit to the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island.
- Set foot on the Antarctic continent at locations such as Hope Bay or Paradise Harbour, surrounded by colossal icebergs.
- Search for humpback whales, seals, and diverse penguin colonies throughout the Antarctic Peninsula before your return voyage across the Drake Passage.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
- 2
Day 2 Buenos Aires.
Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
- 3
Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
After breakfast we check out and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. On arrival we transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay and meet our fellow travellers.
- 4
Day 4 Ushuaia.
This morning is free to explore Ushuaia at your own pace. In the afternoon, we embark the Ocean Nova and cruise out through the Beagle Channel. If we are lucky, we might see Magellanic penguins as we sail.
- 5
Day 5 At Sea.
We spend a day at sea, accompanied by seabirds such as petrels, fulmars and albatrosses that gracefully follow our ship. Whales and dolphins may also be seen in the surrounding waters, and the polar experts will begin their exciting lecture programme.
- 6
Day 6 West Falklands.
The plan for today is to explore the western islands of the archipelago, which are isolated and windswept but home to many seabirds including the black-browed albatross. Weather permitting, we will go ashore and explore Saunders Island, a penguin hotspot that is one of the few places on earth where four penguin species nest side by side. Here we can find gentoo, rockhopper, king and Magellanic penguin rookeries as well as nesting black-browed albatross. You can stand on the white sand beach watching the penguins come and go while the striated caracaras patrol overhead.
- 7
Day 7 Stanley, East Falklands.
Today we visit Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. Here, we wander through charming streets lined with small houses and learn how this quiet harbour was once a major port in the 19th century for ships attempting to round the waters of Cape Horn. We sail southeast, bound for South Georgia. The anticipation grows, especially as we cross the Antarctic Convergence and notice a dramatic drop in temperature. Shipboard presentations will continue, featuring the fascinating history and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. Wildlife will guide us to the island – keep a lookout in the ocean for whales, seals, and penguins. Majestic mountains, mighty glaciers, and beaches full of king penguins greet us on the island of South Georgia. We arrive in spring, when there are few ships in the vicinity, and the peaks of the dramatic mountain ranges are still snow-covered. For wildlife enthusiasts, South Georgia is a true haven. Hundreds of thousands of penguins gather at places like St Andrew's Bay and Salisbury Plain. Huge elephant seals lounge on beaches, and at this time of year, we may witness dramatic fights for dominance among the males. The island is also home to several other penguin species, including macaroni, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins, along with the playful and feisty fur seals. South Georgia played a significant role in Shackleton's legendary expedition. After his ship Endurance sank, he and his crew crossed the treacherous ocean in an open lifeboat to reach the island. We hope to visit Shackleton's grave at Grytviken, once an active whaling station, now home to a charming museum. We now set sail towards the world's most remote continent – Antarctica, faithfully accompanied by many seabirds. The onboard polar experts will continue to fill our minds with heroic stories of the early daredevils who explored Antarctica. We also keep our eyes open for the first iceberg, which could appear on the horizon at any time. This is a true Antarctic expedition cruise, and our exact route over the following days is subject to weather and ice conditions. We hope to go ashore at Elephant Island, where we will learn more about the famous Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. In 1916, Shackleton and his crew sought refuge on this island after their ship was crushed by pack ice in the Weddell Sea. Following the loss of their ship, they reached Elephant Island after a harrowing ordeal on drifting ice floes. They established a camp at a location they named Point Wild, after Shackleton's commander, Frank Wild. Today, this area is home to nesting chinstrap penguins. We will spend some time cruising among the South Shetland Islands, just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Dazzling wildlife sightings await us on our excursions to some of the islands, including King George, Half Moon, Barrientos, or Livingston. Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins thrive here, along with several species of seals. Hopefully, we will also have the chance to visit the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island. Along the coastline of the South Shetlands, we keep our eyes open for humpback whales foraging for krill. Continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula, we navigate through vast expanses of pack ice covering large parts of the bays, watching as our experienced officers skilfully steer our ice-strengthened ship. We cruise through labyrinths of icebergs, some of which may be occupied by curious penguins. In good ice conditions, we hope to set foot on the Antarctic continent at Hope Bay or Paradise Harbour. The scenery here, from the colossal icebergs to the seemingly endless Antarctic ice sheet is truly breathtaking. As we leave this magical place and head across the Drake Passage, you can spend time reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past days. On our approach to the South American continent, it is possible to see whales, dolphins, and seals. Celebrate the conclusion of your Antarctic expedition with a farewell dinner on board.
- 23
Day 23 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to our hotel and have the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
- 24
Day 24 Buenos Aires to London.
After breakfast we check out and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
- 25
Day 25 London.
Arrive today.
The Ship
Ocean Nova
We are delighted to have once again exclusively chartered the expedition ship, the Ocean Nova for our island hopping adventures around the British Isles. The vessel was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland's west coast. In 2006 she was completely refurbished and now has a career as a small and comfortable, expedition ship. Whilst at full capacity the Ocean Nova can accomodate up to 84 passengers, we limit passenger numbers on our charters to just 70 guests.
Click here for an interactive tour of the ship.
Deck plan
Life aboard Ocean Nova
The Ocean Nova is a sturdy, ice-classed expedition ship designed for intimate, informal exploration. With a limited capacity of 70 guests on chartered voyages, she offers a friendly atmosphere focused on wildlife and scenery, making her ideal for travellers seeking an authentic expedition experience.
Quick facts
Built
1992
Passenger capacity
84 (70 on chartered voyages)
Crew
34
Length
73 metres
Cruising speed
13 Knots
Ice class
1B
Currency
Euros
Suites
All 39 cabins are outside-facing, featuring Scandinavian-inspired light wood decor and private en-suite facilities. They are designed for functionality and comfort during expedition voyages.
- •All cabins feature sea views, private facilities, a desk, chair, and storage space.
- •Double cabins offer two lower beds; triple cabins feature upper and lower beds.
- •Cabins are cleaned twice daily with nightly turn-down service.
- •Amenities include a hairdryer, telephone, mirror, and individual climate control.
Life on board
The atmosphere on board is informal and expedition-focused, with communal spaces designed for learning and enjoying the scenery. Life centres around the Panorama Lounge, where expert lecturers provide insights on the regions visited.
- •Panorama lounge hosts daily briefings and educational lectures.
- •Observation decks and the Bridge are available for wildlife viewing when conditions permit.
- •A library is available with a selection of books, a laptop, and 24-hour tea and coffee.
- •Onboard facilities include a small gym and a medical clinic with a doctor.
Dining
Meals are served in a single-sitting dining room, fostering a friendly, communal environment where guests and staff dine together. The service style is an informal mix of buffet and table service.
- •All meals are served in a single-sitting dining room with panoramic views.
- •Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; dinner combines buffet and served elements.
- •Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day in the Bar and Library.
- •Dietary requirements should be notified in advance and reconfirmed with the Hotel Manager.
Practical information
The ship operates an informal environment with an emphasis on safety and practical expedition essentials. Guests should note that there is no lift on board and satellite connectivity can be intermittent.
- •Dress code is casual and comfortable; non-slip shoes are recommended.
- •Gratuities are included in the holiday price.
- •Wi-Fi and satellite phone services are available for purchase but may be slow or disrupted.
- •No lift on board; ship voltage is 220V with Scandinavian two-prong plugs.
- •Smoking is prohibited in cabins and public areas, with designated areas provided.
- •Laundry service is available for a fee (no dry cleaning or tumble drying).
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 26 October to 19 November 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price |
| Triple Cabin - Bunk beds | — |
| Twin Cabin - Bunk beds | — |
| Double cabin - Double bed or 2 lower berths | — |
| Twin Cabin for sole use - Bunk bed | — |
Tour Reference Code: SCON261026
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast • Overnight hotel accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast • 19 nights aboard the Ocean Nova on a full board basis • Expedition team • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Excursions • Use of rubber boots on board Ocean Nova • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance
- Drinks
- Lunch on day 4
- Lunch and dinner on days 2, 3 & 23
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787