Antarctic Explorer - Cruise/Fly (New Year Voyage)
Antarctica at its most accessible! Fly one way from the icy continent’s picturesque west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Witness mountains disgorging glaciers to the sea; photograph glistening icebergs, look out for humpback and minke whales feasting on krill – perhaps from your kayak; see penguins feeding their hungry chicks while being watched by hungry leopard seals – it all awaits you!
Expedition Highlights
• Adélie penguins that have been feeding in the open ocean return to land, stomachs filled with krill
• Observe extraordinary wildlife including fledging penguin chicks
• Spot leopard seals on ice floes from our Zodiacs
• Keep watch to see the extraordinary site of whales feeding on plentiful krill
• Experience the thrill of Antarctic kayaking (additional cost)
• Cruise & Fly expedition – only cross the Drake Passage once
Day 1 | Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina |
Day 2 | Embark the Greg Mortimer in Ushuaia |
Day 3 | Drake Passage crossing |
Day 4 | Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands |
Days 5 to 10 | Antarctic Peninsula |
Day 11 | Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas |
Day 12 | Punta Arenas, Chile |
Day 1 — Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel (preferred flights only).
Day 2 — Embark the Greg Mortimer in Ushuaia
Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego is located at the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains giving you a unique landscape in Argentina, which is the combination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forests. On this half day introductory tour, you will visit “La Mision” neighborhood, the old Government House, and the upper area of the city, which offers beautiful panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.
During the excursion you will see the antique houses that belonged to the first families settled in Ushuaia. The excursion ends with a visit to the Old Prison Museum before transferring to the pier for embarkation.
After embarkation, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin. As the Greg Mortimer pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.
This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
Day 3 — Drake Passage Crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.
Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in our wake. They rise and fall skillfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
Day 4 — Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks, watching for our first icebergs. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a long time. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Days 5 to 10 — Antarctic Peninsula
Over the next few days a host of choices are open to us, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. Our experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design our voyage from day to day. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-20 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. We will generally try for two landings or Zodiac excursions each day; cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales that are feeding near the surface and landing on the continent and its off-shore islands to visit penguin rookeries, seal haul outs, historic huts, and a few of our other favorite spots along the peninsula. There will be plenty of time for sleep when you get home!
During this voyage, there will be an opportunity to camp ashore (weather and time permitting). This will give you the chance to sample the style of adventure that Scott, Shackleton and other legendary Antarctic explorers experienced, although with slightly better equipment and in more comfort! Rest assured our warm and comfortable ship with its hot showers will only be a short distance away!
There are many exciting places we can choose to visit. A sample of some of the places where we may land, hike, and photograph or view spectacular wildlife follows:
Paradise Harbor
A protected bay surrounded by magnificent peaks and spectacular glaciers, the rocky cliffs of this spectacular harbor provide perfect nesting sites for blue-eyed shags, terns and gulls. The serenity of Paradise Harbor envelops us once the ship’s engine is turned off. This is a haven for whales and we keep our eyes open for humpbacks, orcas, minkes, and crabeater seals, as we explore the bay in Zodiacs.
Hydrurga Rocks
This group of low-lying unprotected granitic rocks protrude from the sea, swept by ocean swells. At first these rocks appear uninteresting, but on closer investigation, calm channels lead to a hidden interior where Weddell seals are hauled out on protected snow beds and noisy chinstrap penguins raise their families on rocky platforms. Hydrurga is the Latin family name for leopard seal (Hydrurga Leonina), and on occasions we see some skulking in the shallows. There are many places to simply sit and watch the rise and fall of clear green water and listen to the magic sounds and calls of the wildlife.
Half Moon Island
This wildlife-rich island is tucked into a neat bay at the eastern end of Livingston Island. On a clear day, the glaciers and mountains of Livingston Island dominate the vista. There is a large chinstrap penguin colony tucked in between basaltic turrets colored by yellow and orange lichens. Gulls nest on these turrets and there are often fur seals and elephant seals hauled out on the pebble beaches. There is a large rookery of nesting blue-eyed shags at one end of the island, while at the other end of the island lies a small Argentinian station that is sometimes occupied by scientists conducting research on the penguin colony and surrounding waterways.
Lemaire Channel
If ice conditions allow, standing on the observation deck of the Greg Mortimer quietly as the ship sails along the narrow Lemaire Channel could certainly be one of the highlights of our voyage. Cliffs tower 2,300 ft (700 m) straight out of the ocean on either side of the ship. The water can sometimes be so still that perfect reflections are mirrored on the surface and it is clear to see why this Channel is often called “Kodak Alley”. Gigantic icebergs may clog the channel, creating navigational challenges for our captain and crew; occasionally they may even obstruct our passage.
Port Lockroy
Located on Goudier Island, British Port Lockroy is an important site for both scientific research and visitors to the Antarctic continent. Designated a historic site in 1994 and opened to the Antarctic tourism industry in 1996, it was discovered in 1904 and used by the whaling industry in the first half of the 1900s. It was part of the British Operation Tabarin during World War II, and was later used as a British Research Station. Today, Pork Lockroy is manned by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and operates as a museum, gift shop and post office for visitors from passing Antarctic expeditions. You can even send a post card home from the Penguin Post Office, the world’s most southern Post Office!
Neko Harbor
Located in Andvord Bay, Neko Harbor is an inlet home to gentoo penguins, and regularly welcomes Weddell seals. The scenery is dramatic - towering peaks and calving glaciers surround the harbor. The thundering crack of the glaciers as they calve is sure to stop you in your tracks.
Robert Point
A fine example of the South Shetland Islands – tiny toes of land that are literally alive with wildlife. Here, there are two species of penguins breeding - chinstrap and gentoo. It is not uncommon to find wallows of elephant seals that are 60 beasts strong. Giant petrels nest on the ridgeline.
Other places we may visit around the Antarctic Peninsula are:
Pleneau Island • Vernadsky; a Ukrainian scientific base • Petermann Island • Penola Strait • Antarctic Sound • Cuverville Island • Danco Island • Enterprise Island • Melchior Islands
Day 11 — Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas
As we approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and our amazing adventure before boarding our flight (approximately one-and-a half-hours) to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to our preferred downtown hotel.
Day 12 — Punta Arenas, Chile
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travelers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
Per Person USD Rates Antarctica 2021-22 |
Aurora Stateroom Triple |
Aurora Stateroom Twin |
Balcony Stateroom C |
Balcony Stateroom B |
Balcony Stateroom A |
Balcony Stateroom Superior |
Junior Suite |
Captain's Suite |
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XC Ski, Kayak, Snowshoe Santiago ✈ Falklands Antarctica - Ushuaia | $20,795 | $22,995 | $25,095 | $25,595 | $26,295 | $31,895 | $38,495Full | $44,995 |
Camp, XC Ski, Kayak, Snowshoe Ushuaia - Antarctica - Ushuaia | $10,795 | $11,995 | $13,095 | $13,395 | $13,695 | $16,595 | $19,995 | $23,395 |
Mountaineering, Kayak, Snorkeling, Snowshoe Ushuaia - Antarctica Falklands - Ushuaia - Call for Availability - | $23,700Full | $26,300 | $28,100 | $28,800 | $29,600Full | $36,300 | $43,800 | $51,200 |
Mountaineering, Kayak, Snowshoe Ushuaia - Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $16,895 | $18,695 | $20,395 | $20,795$18,716 | $21,395$19,256 | $25,995 | $31,295 | $36,595 |
Camp, Kayak, Snorkeling Ushuaia - Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $13,395 | $14,795 | $16,095 | $16,495$14,846 | $16,895$15,206 | $20,495 | $24,695 | $28,795Full |
Kayak, Snorkeling Ushuaia - Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $13,395 | $14,795 | $16,095 | $16,495$14,846 | $16,895$15,206 | $20,495 | $24,695 | $28,795 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Ushuaia - Antarctica ✈ Punta Arenas | $12,495Full | $13,595 | $14,695Full | $14,995Full | $15,395Full | $18,295 | $21,695 | $25,095 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Punta Arenas ✈ Antarctica ✈ Punta Arenas | $14,795 | $16,095 | $17,295 | $17,595 | $17,995Full | $21,195 | $25,095 | $28,795Full |
Kayak, Snorkeling Punta Arenas ✈ Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $14,495$13,046 | $15,895$14,306 | $17,295 | $17,595$15,836 | $17,995$16,196 | $21,595 | $25,795 | $29,895 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Ushuaia - Antarctica ✈ Punta Arenas Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $13,595$12,236 | $14,895$13,406Full | $16,195 | $16,495 | $16,895 | $20,095 | $23,895Full | $27,695 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Punta Arenas ✈ Antarctica ✈ Punta Arenas Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $13,795 | $14,995 | $16,095 | $16,395$14,756 | $16,795$15,116 | $19,795 | $23,195 | $26,695 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Punta Arenas ✈ Antarctica - Ushuaia Save up to 10% (Prices in Red) Discounts are subject to change & capacity controlled, call for currently available discounts Expires Jan 21st 2021 | $13,995 | $15,395 | $16,695 | $16,995$15,296 | $17,395$15,656 | $20,895 | $24,895 | $28,895 |
Kayak, Snorkeling Ushuaia - Antarctica Falklands - Ushuaia | $20,795 | $22,995 | $25,095 | $25,595 | $26,295 | $31,895 | $38,495 | $44,995Full |
International Airfare Not Included. Rates are per person, based on twin-share. Single costs are 1.5 times the twin rate in all cabin categories. Twin share, with no supplement, is available in Aurora Stateroom and Balcony Stateroom categories.
Flights included for Fly/Cruise itineraries.
Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.
Optional Activities: Kayaking $1,260 (trips < 20-days) $1,470 (trips > 20-days). Photography Free. Snowshoeing $320 (trips < 20-days) $370 (trips > 20-days). Snorkeling $640 (trips < 20-days) $740 (trips > 20-days). Camping $150. Ski/Snowboard touring $1,470 (Oct 29th & Nov 24th 2021), $1,260 (Nov 14th 2021). Alpine Trekking (climbing) $1,260 (Dec 14th 2021). South Georgia Alpine Crossing $2,220 (by skis on Oct 29th 2021, by foot on Nov 8th & 24th 2021).
A $15 per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or increase/decrease the amount) when you settle your account. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members.
Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance Required. All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
Captain's Suite * 480 Sq Ft / 44.5 m² including balcony Deck 4 Twin or double bed • Private en-suite • Full size window • Desk area • Closet space • Private balcony • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • Separate lounge area • 42" flat-screen TV |
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Junior Suite * 420 Sq Ft / 38.9 m² including balcony Deck 7 Twin or double bed • Private en-suite • Full size window • Desk area • Closet space • Private balcony • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV • Separate lounge area |
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Balcony Stateroom Superior * This category receives Suite benefits* in the 2020-21 Season only 328-433 Sq Ft / 30.5-40.2 m² including balcony Deck 4 & 6 Twin or double bed • Private en-suite • Full size window • Desk area • Closet space • Private balcony • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV |
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Balcony Stateroom-A, Balcony Stateroom-B, Balcony Stateroom-C 225-337 Sq Ft / 20.9--31.3 m² including balcony Decks 4 & 6 Twin or double bed • Private En-suite • Floor to ceiling window • Desk area • Closet space • Private balcony • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV Many "B" staterooms are fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups |
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Aurora Stateroom — Twin & Triple (on select voyages) 170-245 Sq Ft / 15.8-22.8 m² Deck 3 Twin or double bed (Three twin beds in Triple) • Private En-suite • Porthole window • Desk area • Closet space • Room-controlled thermostat • Safe for storing valuables • 42" flat-screen TV |
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Suite benefits include: • One free pair of binoculars per suite • 1-hour spa treatment (per person) • Free stocked mini bar (Balcony & Junior stocked once, Captain’s replenished as needed) • Gratuities/tips for crew included to the value of $15 per person per day • 1 free bottle of champagne per suite |