Across The Antarctic Circle (fly & sail)

Venture below the Antarctic Circle on a fly/sail expedition. Discover an isolated world of eternal ice, feeding whales, and bustling penguin colonies in the heart of the white continent.


Antarctic Polar Circle
© AUE

Duration: 12 days / 9 nights on board
Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


This expedition offers the unique opportunity to venture below the Antarctic Circle, entering a world that feels more isolated and colder than regions further north. Navigating through pack ice and narrow channels, travelers will witness dreamlike landscapes of ice-clad mountains and spectacular icebergs while observing wildlife in its purest state. The journey allows for exploration of the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, taking advantage of up to 24 hours of daylight to maximize nature encounters.

Throughout the voyage, Zodiac cruises and shore landings are conducted twice daily to visit historic sites, scientific stations, and lively penguin colonies where chicks are fed by their parents. The waters at this time of year are rich in krill, ensuring excellent sightings of humpback and minke whales, as well as Weddell and crabeater seals hauled out on ice floes. Crossing the latitude 66°33’ South is the crowning milestone of the adventure, celebrated with a toast on deck to honor the few explorers who reach these extreme latitudes.

Highlights:
Celebrating the crossing of the Antarctic Circle at approximately latitude 66°33’ South.
Navigating through pack ice and narrow channels surrounded by enormous glaciers.
Sighting humpback and minke whales along with various seal and penguin species.
Visiting fascinating historic sites including explorers' huts and scientific stations.
Crossing the Drake Passage with educational lectures provided by polar experts.

Itinerary

© AUE
© AUE
© AUE

Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Gateway to the expedition
Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to the assigned hotel. This historic city overlooking the Straits of Magellan reflects a blend of European and Chilean cultures. In the evening, attend a mandatory briefing for tomorrow's flight and Antarctic regulations.

Day 2: Flight Punta Arenas to King George Island, Embarkation
Overflying the Drake Passage
Transfer to the airport for a charter flight of approximately one hour and forty-five minutes to King George Island. Upon arrival, the expedition team will prepare you for the Zodiac transfer to the vessel, followed by cabin settling and safety briefings.

Days 3-9: Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
Deep into the ice
Explore the western side of the peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. We will conduct Zodiac cruises among icebergs and hikes along pebbly beaches or snow-covered ridgelines for panoramic views. The highlight is crossing the Antarctic Circle (latitude 66°33’ S), celebrated with a toast on deck if conditions allow.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage crossing
Sailing north
After a final morning landing, the ship enters the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. The lecture program and film presentations continue as we watch for Southern Ocean wildlife and reflect on our shared experiences.

Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia
Journey's conclusion
Cruise up the Beagle Channel before docking in Ushuaia in the early morning. After bidding farewell to the team and fellow passengers, transfers to the airport or downtown area will be provided for onward journeys.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Gateway to the expedition
Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to the assigned hotel. This historic city overlooking the Straits of Magellan reflects a blend of European and Chilean cultures. In the evening, attend a mandatory briefing for tomorrow's flight and Antarctic regulations.

Day 2: Flight Punta Arenas to King George Island, Embarkation
Overflying the Drake Passage
Transfer to the airport for a charter flight of approximately one hour and forty-five minutes to King George Island. Upon arrival, the expedition team will prepare you for the Zodiac transfer to the vessel, followed by cabin settling and safety briefings.

Days 3-9: Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
Deep into the ice
Explore the western side of the peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. We will conduct Zodiac cruises among icebergs and hikes along pebbly beaches or snow-covered ridgelines for panoramic views. The highlight is crossing the Antarctic Circle (latitude 66°33’ S), celebrated with a toast on deck if conditions allow.

Days 10-11: Drake Passage crossing
Sailing north
After a final morning landing, the ship enters the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. The lecture program and film presentations continue as we watch for Southern Ocean wildlife and reflect on our shared experiences.

Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia
Journey's conclusion
Cruise up the Beagle Channel before docking in Ushuaia in the early morning. After bidding farewell to the team and fellow passengers, transfers to the airport or downtown area will be provided for onward journeys.


© AUE
© AUE
© AUE


INCLUSIONS

All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on Day 2.
Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
Beer and house wine with dinner.
Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Wi-Fi*.

* Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

EXCLUSIONS

International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.

Note: A $15 USD 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 adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Sylvia Earle | Date: 02 Jan 2028 - 13 Jan 2028 (5077)
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
$22,595
$19,206
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$24,595
$20,906
Balcony Cat. C
$25,195
$21,416
Balcony Cat. B
$26,495
$22,521
Balcony Cat. A
$28,495
$24,221
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$31,195
$26,516
Junior Suite
$37,095
$31,531
Captain´s Suite
$42,395
$36,036

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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