hotel
Through the iceberg Ocean Nova Antarctica21 min Edited

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova isn't merely a ship—it's a gateway to unparalleled Antarctic exploration.
AntarcticaPolar· 35 Rooms · ££££
Polar expeditions in comfort and style

Ocean Nova promises an expedition that intertwines adventure, elegance, and a profound appreciation for the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet's most remote corners .

Location: As an extension of Antarctica21's commitment to eco-conscious travel, Ocean Nova's expedition itineraries are thoughtfully curated to immerse travellers in the stunning ecosystems of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic. Expert guides lead excursions that showcase the unique flora, fauna, and landscapes of these pristine regions, leaving guests with a deep appreciation for the Earth's polar wonders.

Rooms: Ocean Nova offers exceptional accommodations for up to 71 guests, each accommodated in comfortable external-facing cabins. All cabins feature large picture windows framing captivating views, a writing desk, a wardrobe, individually controlled heating, and private bathrooms with showers. Amidst the polar wilds, these cabins offer a blend of comfort and awe-inspiring vistas.

Amenities: With its glass-enclosed observation lounge, presentation room, and a spacious dining area, Ocean Nova prioritizes passenger enrichment. A well-appointed bar invites guests to unwind, while the ship's library caters to curious minds. The vessel also boasts a compact gym for those seeking a touch of activity during their expedition. Furthermore, an infirmary and a fleet of seven Zodiacs enhance the overall experience, facilitating safe disembarkation and wildlife encounters.

Activities: Ocean Nova's expeditions are a testament to Antarctica21's commitment to responsible travel. The vessel is ideal for navigating ice-laden waters, enabling immersive encounters with the Arctic and Antarctic. Expert guides lead captivating excursions, granting guests intimate glimpses of wildlife and natural wonders, fostering a deeper connection with these polar realms.

Sustainability: Ocean Nova's legacy aligns seamlessly with Antarctica21's dedication to sustainability. Its ice-class 1B, EO hull and annual upgrades showcase a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. As travellers explore the polar frontiers, the vessel serves as a model for responsible travel, ensuring the preservation of these delicate ecosystems.

When to go to Antarctica

Find out the best time to visit Antarctica with our month-by-month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

Peak season with near 24-hour daylight. Spot adorable fluffy penguin chicks and explore remote huts used by explorers in the Ross Sea.

February

Best time for whale watching, including humpback, sperm, and orca whales. Penguins and fur seals remain abundant, and cruises venture beyond the Polar Circle.

March

As the season winds down, fewer ships visit. Great for whale spotting and witnessing fur seals on the Antarctic Peninsula.

April

Cruise ships are absent during the winter, with extreme temperatures and darkness dominating the region. Only scientists and film crews stay.

May

Cruise ships are absent during the winter, with extreme temperatures and darkness dominating the region. Only scientists and film crews stay.

June

Cruise ships are absent during the winter, with extreme temperatures and darkness dominating the region. Only scientists and film crews stay.

July

Cruise ships are absent during the winter, with extreme temperatures and darkness dominating the region. Only scientists and film crews stay.

August

Cruise ships are absent during the winter, with extreme temperatures and darkness dominating the region. Only scientists and film crews stay.

September

Cruise ships are absent during the winter, with extreme temperatures and darkness dominating the region. Only scientists and film crews stay.

October

Few cruises visit this early, but it offers lower fares, pristine landscapes, and the potential for great photography. Look for penguins and seals on icebergs.

November

The Antarctica season begins, and you can witness hatching penguin chicks. Combining with South Georgia allows viewing elephant seal courting and penguin mating. Spring flowers bloom on subantarctic islands, and seabirds soar over the Drake Passage.

December

Arguably the best time with warmer temperatures, long daylight, and active wildlife. However, it's the most expensive period.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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