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Small ship wildlife cruise for photographers & nature lovers

Ocean Nova Wildlife Photography Expedition to Antarctica and the peninsula; proposed route map;

Introduction

We are very excited to be able to announce a unique charter in collaboration with WildPhoto Travel of Norway and Andy Rouse, multi-award winning professional wildlife photographer. An exclusive photographic expedition aboard the 68-berth vessel the MV Ocean Nova, setting sail in the early Antarctic season of 2027.

This voyage is designed by photographers, for photographers therefore giving you extended time (9–10 full days) in the Antarctic Peninsula during one of the most visually spectacular windows of the year. With snow-covered landscapes, active penguin colonies, seals on ice, and dramatic light; the conditions are ideal for capturing striking wildlife and landscape images. To help you make the most of every moment we have a team of world class photo leaders on board too.

Unlike more rigid itineraries, our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take full advantage of photographic opportunities as they arise - whether it’s perfect light, a rare wildlife sighting, or a magical moment unfolding in the ice right in front of you.

That is why this is such a special expedition and one where you will take home memories that last a lifetime.

See Antarctica at its finest!

This will be an unforgettable journey; for the wildlife, the landscapes, and simply the feeling of being in such an awe-inspiring place. Early in the season, Antarctica is at its most pristine, with dramatic backdrops and active wildlife. With support from expert photo leaders, you’ll be able to capture images and memories that will stay with you forever. No brochure can truly convey what it’s like to be there, but we’ve included a taste of the experience through some of Andy’s favourite images in the slideshow above.

What sets this cruise apart is the variety. Yes, we aim to land at iconic penguin colonies (weather permitting), but we’ll also seek out those special atmospheric conditions that elevate images to something magical. Zodiac cruises will bring us close to stunning ice formations, playful penguins, dramatic seascapes - and even offer underwater photography opportunities using simple polecams from the boat, so no wetsuits required.

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15 day / 14 night Antarctica voyage with landings and zodiacs

bullet point Expedition designed for photographers with maximum time spent in the environment
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Landings timed for the best light (dawn & dusk) and activity

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Zodiac cruises throughout to maximise wildlife encounters including speciality ones for underwater polecam shots

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Multiple photography guides on board including Andy Rouse, with tuition available in wildlife photography and post processing skills

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Early season voyage for maximum snow and beautiful landscapes

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Modern, comfortable and intimate expedition ship - all cabins are outer cabins with ensuites

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Flat access onto zodiacs, with queuing inside the ship

bullet point Landings in Antarctica
bullet point Zodiac cruises for wildlife
bullet point On board photography
bullet point Guidance & tuition for processing images
bullet point On board lectures

 

Day 1

Pre-departure package of arrangements will be announced in due course. Day 1 will set sail from Ushuaia.

Day 2 At sea, heading toward Antarctica.
Day 3 Arriving South Shetland Islands, where we aim for a landing at Halfmoon Island or Yankee Harbour.
Day 4 Antarctic Sound area - iceberg photography,  Adelie penguins on ice. Possible landings at Brown Bluff and Gourdin Island. 
Day 5 Antarctic Sound area - dependent on ice  conditions the expedition may enter the Weddell Sea for Emperor penguins
Day 6 Antarctic Sound area
Day 7 Explore and photograph in the Cuverville Island - Useful Island, Neko Harbour, Danko Island.
Day 8 As Day 7 plus some lesser known places.
Day 9 South through Lemaire Channel towards Pleneu Bay and Petermanns Island.
Day 10 As Day 10 although this may be closed with ice early season.
Day 11 Return northwards with possible landing or Zodiac cruise at Astrolabe Island.
Day 12 Deception Island - with good weather - Bailey Head a black volcanic beach & large numbers of Chinstrap penguins.
Day 13 Last landing in South Shetland Islands before heading north to Ushuaia. If bad weather forecast the homeward cruise may start today.
Day 14 At sea.
Day 15

Arrive Ushuaia. Transfer to hotel or fly home - again assistance with arrangements will be provided.

Based on our wealth of experience running previous Antarctic photography expeditions we plan to use the travel route as illustrated on the map shown, however this may change due to ice, weather, availability, or other conditions.

Therefore we will not have a fixed itinerary for the expedition, but rather adjust the expedition to the current conditions at the time to make it as good as possible for photography. We know the best spots to go to get the best images, that is why you are coming on a photography designed expedition cruise. The itinerary below is therefore an example only and subject to change depending on circumstances encountered.

MV Ocean Nova - 68 passenger, ice-strengthened ship

MV Ocean Nova

Our home for the duration of this trip will be the MV Ocean Nova. The MV Ocean Nova is a superb exploration vessel and is world famous for her modern design. She is a comfortable expedition vessel capable of carrying around 78 passengers, however for this departure we have chosen to limit the number of passengers to 69; this will make it less crowded on the landings and it will also allow us to bring more photo guides with us. Another advantage to limiting the numbers in this way is that we can offer more single cabins on the trips. The MV Ocean Nova is one of the very few genuinely smaller ships remaining in Antarctica and South Georgia - a huge advantage for photography groups..

Built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, the Ocean Nova’s ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. All cabins feature an outside window and private ensuite facilities, again not something that every Antarctic vessel can claim. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, there is a spacious dining room where you will be served delicious meals and a full medical suite so that you can have complete peace of mind.

The ship has 8 Zodiac boats, with almost flat access (a very unique feature) that are well suited for excursions and wildlife watching, which is very important for photography and efficient landings. The ship was fully refurbished in 2006 and since then has benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements.

Deck Plans

The deck plan for the ship is shown here so that you can get an idea of the interior layout and where your preferred cabin will be. Externally the ship has excellent outside spaces for photography, which will be useful for landscapes and the seabirds that will inevitably follow our wake.

The MV Ocean Nova offers three categories of accommodation: dedicated Single, Double and Twin Cabins. All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with a chair, a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, and an ensuite bathroom with a shower.

Within each category you will find a Standard, Deluxe and Superior cabin type. The difference is purely space, usually more room between the beds and perhaps more storage. We are sharing the cabin allocations with WildPhoto Travel so everyone has a fair and equal choice. If you are not travelling with a friend or partner then don’t worry we will room you with someone we feel you will get on with! So take a look at the configuration and then at the available cabin list.

Deck plan of Ocean Nova for wildlife photography expedition to Antarctica

The price for the remaining double is shown as a per cabin cost, whilst the twins are quoted as a price per berth. We keep it as up to date as we can, so we suggest you refresh the page to get the most up to date availability.

We have shown an image of each of the cabins below, as there are small differences in the layout, size and therefore, price.

For your convenience the button below each cabin links directly to a booking email to us at Wildlife & Wilderness for that cabin, so we suggest that you read the other tabs before you do this.

Upper Deck

Twin Cabins:

Cabin 312 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 312

Deluxe twin cabin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $18495 each

Cabin 318 - Superior twin

Cabin 318

Superior twin cabin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $19995 each

Cabin 320 - Superior twin

Cabin 320

Superior twin cabin with en suite bathroom, window and table

One berth available at $19995 each

Bridge Deck - All Twin Cabins

Cabin 402 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 402

Deluxe twin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $18495 each

Cabin 404 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 404

Deluxe twin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $18495 each

Cabin 406 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 406

Deluxe twin with en suite bathroom, window and table

ONE berth available at $18495 each

Cabin 408 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 408

Deluxe twin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $18495 each

Cabin 410 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 410

Deluxe twin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $18495 each

Cabin 412 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 412

Deluxe twin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $18495 each

Cabin 414 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 414

Deluxe twin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $18495 each

Cabin 416 - Deluxe twin

Cabin 416

Deluxe twin with en suite bathroom, window and table

Two berths available at $18495 each

Possible species

bullet point Adelie penguin
bullet point Chinstrap penguin
bullet point Gentoo penguin
bullet point Emperor penguin
bullet point Leopard seal
bullet point Weddell seal
bullet point Crabeater seal
bullet point Elephant seal
bullet point Albatros, petrels & other pelagic species

 

There will be a number installments for payments - the final details will be confirmed soon.

A full package pre and post tour will be made available in due course.

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and El Calafate in Argentina, or travel north to the Valdes Peninsula for more fabulous wildlife. Contact us for more details.




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