66 Degrees South Fly Cruise

The highlight for us was the day we went through the Lemaire Channel, visited Pleneau Bay and Port Charcot, did the polar plunge, and had a deck BBQ dinner. It was an amazing day. The landscape and wildlife were incredible. Conceptualizing the sheer quantity of ice surrounding you is breath taking. And the penguins were always funny to watch. The guides were incredible and beyond knowledgable. Their passion is contagious and it was clear they love their job. Fellow passengers and other ship crew were also extremely friendly and interesting. One unfortunate surprise was the final payment process. The payment processor was through a different company and country than any of the previous payments, so getting approval from one's card issuer was unnecessarily challenging for many passengers. This could've been prevented by communicating the information prior to departing Punta Arenas. Our most magical moment was at the Port Charcot hike where scenery was truly amazing and looked like a painting.

Travelled: February 2021

The trip was fantastic. I highly recommend that anyone travel to Antarctica. I am so glad that we chose to fly the Drake Passage, instead of sailing it, which gave us more time in Antarctica. I also think crossing the polar circle was a huge highlight. I would also insist that anyone booking a trip participate in the kayak program... knowing what I know now and having experienced the kayak program was the best thing about the trip. Kayaking gave us a pristine and uncluttered experience of Antarctica and allowed us to visit more than other tourists on our boat. I also really enjoyed stepping on the Antarctic continent. Most of the stops were on islands along the peninsula, but one stop was on the continent itself, which is a must do. The people we met on the trip were great. I did notice that the average age range of the guests on board was 60-80 years old, but in the kayak program it was younger (30-40 years old) and more at my pace. It was great to meet all the guests on the ship, but I did notice that the tour groups tended to stay separate and did not mingle, and that was disappointing. The food was great, but there were not many chicken options and limited salad bar items. I would have liked to see more white-meat options at dinner.

Travelled: February 2021

Hard to pick just one moment --- the colours in icebergs, the complete lack of fear of penguins (they have to be the only animal on the planet that doesn't run and hide from humans), the active volcano, the whales and their incredible curiosity and playfulness, the moment I set foot on Antarctica --- it was one memorable moment after another.

Travelled: January 2023

Over the top fabulous trip. Surprise: 1)I don't think I understood that the trip was not a "Swoop" trip but rather a brokered trip booked through the ship's operator. 2)I didn't expect that over half the people of the trip (China residents) would not speak English. Made it tough for getting them understanding instructions. The variety of people from 13 countries was great; the other 12 countries could speak some or fluent English.

Travelled: February 2021

I can't say which was my most memorable because every minute of the tour was memorable! 1.) Landing on the continent with the flag 2.) Polar circle crossing baptismal ceremony 3.) Polar plunge 4.) Spending time with fellow guests, staffs, and crew of Ocean Nova

Travelled: January 2023

The pure and spacious of Antarctic, the abundant of wildlife, the greatness of the nature, the efforts and enthusiasm every expedition staff are also very impressive. I still missing all of these when I back home.

Travelled: January 2020

The ship's crew was the highlight of the trip for us, they were simply magnificent. While it was good to go and see Antarctica, once was enough for us there. The surprise was how desolate it was. Very austere and lonely.

Travelled: February 2021

I answered NO above because, at my age, there are just too many other places to see. Chile was a completely new country to me and it was interesting to learn about the history. The Andes are awesome. Antarctic wildlife was like just a few places in the world were humans are not feared. That is so unusual and a privilege to experience.

Travelled: February 2021

Two highlights were crossing the Antarctic Circle and stepping foot twice on the continent.

Travelled: February 2021

The most memorable moment of all times was the heat and the intensity of the sunlight that i saw at the top of the mountain. As u know, Antarctica had the highest recorded temperatures while I was there. and its not just like any other high temperature that I'm used to in NY, this sun in Antarctica is very strong. its bright and it got very hot. never did I even imagine that the sun and the heat that i will face in Antarctica will be stronger than what im used to NY. goes to show how severe the climate emergency is. and its real!. that was astonishing!

Travelled: February 2020

spending hours with the penguins

Travelled: March 2020

I think for me it was the feeling of a vast space, extraordinary geological riches, of course the wildlife, but also the human footprint.

Travelled: February 2021

Torres del Paine - The ever changing view of the Paine Massif and Los Cuernos from our room at Explora. Antarctica - The scale of the landscapes and walking among thousands of penguins.

Travelled: March 2023

Everything was amazing. The whales, seals and penguins are magnificent and cute at the same time. The lectures bring you new knowledge and understanding. The expedition teams are superb! And the service on board and at Punta Arenas also super nice.

Travelled: January 2023

Highlight was kayaking landscapes were beautiful, and the wildlife, although not comparable to Africa, was enjoyable Nice people on the trip No surprises

Travelled: February 2021

The best place in the world, there is no war, no pollution ( or very little), environment and wild animals are not impacted by human activities

Travelled: January 2023

being attacked by a leopard seal while in a kayak

Travelled: March 2020