Antarctic Explorer - Fly/Fly 12-day
Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life. Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica yourself, reducing your time on the high seas by flying across the Drake in both directions. Immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are dwarfed by soaring peaks and humpback and minke whales feast on abundant krill.
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
• Soar high over the Drake Passage from/to Punta Arenas
Day 1 | Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile |
Day 2 | Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island |
Days 3 to 10 | Antarctic Peninsula |
Day 11 | Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas |
Day 12 | Punta Arenas |
Tour Dates
Day 1 — Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your downtown hotel (preferred flights only).
Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world's most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history.
Day 2 — Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island
This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our early morning charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one-and-a-half hours.
On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you for your Zodiac transfer to board the vessel. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important briefings.
Days 3 to 10 — Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Join Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favorite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the opportunity to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales traveling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendor. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
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
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 |