Antarctica
Fly and Cruise Antarctica
Antarctica
Antarctica
Experience the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula by flying one way across the Drake Passage. Witness vast glaciers, abundant penguin colonies, and feeding whales while enjoying daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions.
Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life.
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ends: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
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.
Includes an overnight hotel stay and a mandatory pre-flight briefing in Punta Arenas.
The itinerary involves a charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (Antarctica), reducing time crossing the Drake Passage. Due to weather dependency for the flight, an alternate departure on Day 1 may be required. Do not book flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12:00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Photo Workshop More info about this activity
The photography workshops are composed of onboard lectures and practical activities led by dedicated expedition guide. Each session is meant to give you additional skills you can put into immediate practice out in nature.
You'll become more familiar with your own camera equipment while also learning best practices for taking pictures of moving wildlife and wide-open terrain in typical polar conditions, such as dim lighting and falling snow.
Charter Flights More info about this activity
In departures with charter flights, part of the air transport segment is covered by the operation of the trip as part of the itinerary.
Check in the inclusions and exclusions of the program which air sections are included in your itinerary.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Snorkelling More info about this activity
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you’ll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
With a longstanding tradition of pushing the boundaries, Aurora Expeditions launched our Antarctic snorkelling adventures in 2014. In 2016 the activity has also been added to a range of our Arctic expeditions. This unique experience will allow passengers to see both destinations in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.
Paddling More info about this activity
Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you'll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Diving More info about this activity
Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic Islands are some of the last unspoiled regions of the world. The mysterious White Continent, with its multi-colored ice caps, glistening glaciers, and towering snow-capped mountains, offers unparalleled scenery and photographic opportunities. Enormous numbers of penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds congregate in the food-rich waters along the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic shores.
In the Arctic, the dives in the polar areas vary from shallow ice diving, where we dive near the ice-floes (approx. 9 meters, 30 feet) to shore diving, where we dive to approximately nine to 18 meters (30 to 60 feet). The combination of sunlight, sea water, and the often extraordinary formations of ice.
The chances of diving are subject to weather, wildlife and sea ice conditions.
Heed the call of the deep south and follow in the footsteps of early Antarctic explorers, who returned with magnificent tales of an ice-covered land teeming with life. This expedition offers a unique chance to experience the awe-inspiring immensity of the Antarctic Peninsula, while saving valuable time at sea by flying across the infamous Drake Passage in one direction. Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, setting the stage for an unparalleled immersion into the frozen continent.
Immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, where colossal glaciers calve dramatically into the sea, towering peaks dwarf the vast penguin colonies below, and rich waters provide a feast for humpback and minke whales. Spend your days exploring this pristine wilderness with experienced expedition team members, enjoying twice-daily landings or exhilarating Zodiac excursions. From navigating among spectacularly shaped blue icebergs to trekking up snow-covered ridges for breathtaking views, every moment is a chance for profound connection with nature before you complete the voyage by sailing the legendary Drake Passage back to South America.
Highlights:
Witness extraordinary wildlife, including fledging penguin chicks.
Zodiac cruise in secluded bays and quiet coves filled with brash ice.
Keep a close watch for the tail fluke of whales as they take a deep dive.
Observe ice seals such as Weddell and crabeater seals hauled out on ice floes.
Discover enormous glaciers and spectacularly shaped icebergs in various shades of blue.
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrival, Briefing, and Preparation for Antarctica
Arrive in Punta Arenas and be transferred to your included hotel. It is crucial to arrive no later than 2:00 pm for the essential pre-flight briefings. Visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to collect your luggage tags and confirm embarkation details. The city, overlooking the Straits of Magellan, is rich in history and culture. At 7:00 pm, meet your fellow expeditioners for a vital voyage briefing to reconfirm transfer times, flight procedures to King George Island, and outline IAATO regulations for visiting Antarctica. Meals today are at your own expense.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island, Embarkation
Charter Flight to Antarctica and Boarding the Expedition Vessel
This morning, you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for a chartered flight (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, weather permitting) across the Drake Passage directly to King George Island, Antarctica. Upon arrival, the expedition team will greet you and prepare you for the short Zodiac transfer to the vessel. Once onboard, you will have time to settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings.
Note: King George Island requires clear weather for safe operation; a contingency plan will be applied if the flight is delayed, as your safety is the utmost priority.
Days 3–9: Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Immersive Discovery in the South Shetland Islands and Peninsula
The thrill of arriving in Antarctica and spotting your first massive iceberg is unforgettable. For seven days, we will explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Leveraging the long daylight hours (18-24 hours), your experienced expedition team will skillfully design the daily itinerary based on the best weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings. We generally target two landings or Zodiac excursions per day. Exhilarating Zodiac cruises will take you along spectacular ice cliffs and among grounded icebergs, offering views of seals, whales, and porpoising penguins. On land, you'll visit active penguin rookeries, historic sites, and explore favourite scenic spots. Opportunities for optional activities (like Sea Kayaking or Snorkeling) will be offered when conditions allow, as well as the chance for a Polar Plunge. Scenic ship cruising through dramatic straits and quiet bays to watch feeding whales is also planned.
Days 10–11: Drake Passage Crossing
Reflecting on the White Continent and Heading North
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before the ship re-enters the legendary Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. Use this time to attend enriching lectures and film presentations to complete your Antarctic experience. This is a period for reflection and discussion, encouraging you to become an ambassador for the conservation of this magical region. Weather and time permitting, the Captain may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn as we approach the tip of South America.
Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia
Arrival in Tierra del Fuego and Onward Travel
During the early morning, the vessel quietly cruises up the scenic Beagle Channel and docks in Ushuaia. Disembarkation is scheduled around 8:00 am. Say goodbye to your expedition team and fellow passengers. Transfers to the airport will be arranged for guests with flights before 12:30 pm. Those with later flights (after 12:30 pm) will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airport transfer. Note: We recommend booking flights departing after 12:00 pm due to potential delays.
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrival, Briefing, and Preparation for Antarctica
Arrive in Punta Arenas and be transferred to your included hotel. It is crucial to arrive no later than 2:00 pm for the essential pre-flight briefings. Visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to collect your luggage tags and confirm embarkation details. The city, overlooking the Straits of Magellan, is rich in history and culture. At 7:00 pm, meet your fellow expeditioners for a vital voyage briefing to reconfirm transfer times, flight procedures to King George Island, and outline IAATO regulations for visiting Antarctica. Meals today are at your own expense.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island, Embarkation
Charter Flight to Antarctica and Boarding the Expedition Vessel
This morning, you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for a chartered flight (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, weather permitting) across the Drake Passage directly to King George Island, Antarctica. Upon arrival, the expedition team will greet you and prepare you for the short Zodiac transfer to the vessel. Once onboard, you will have time to settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings.
Note: King George Island requires clear weather for safe operation; a contingency plan will be applied if the flight is delayed, as your safety is the utmost priority.
Days 3–9: Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Immersive Discovery in the South Shetland Islands and Peninsula
The thrill of arriving in Antarctica and spotting your first massive iceberg is unforgettable. For seven days, we will explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Leveraging the long daylight hours (18-24 hours), your experienced expedition team will skillfully design the daily itinerary based on the best weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings. We generally target two landings or Zodiac excursions per day. Exhilarating Zodiac cruises will take you along spectacular ice cliffs and among grounded icebergs, offering views of seals, whales, and porpoising penguins. On land, you'll visit active penguin rookeries, historic sites, and explore favourite scenic spots. Opportunities for optional activities (like Sea Kayaking or Snorkeling) will be offered when conditions allow, as well as the chance for a Polar Plunge. Scenic ship cruising through dramatic straits and quiet bays to watch feeding whales is also planned.
Days 10–11: Drake Passage Crossing
Reflecting on the White Continent and Heading North
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before the ship re-enters the legendary Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. Use this time to attend enriching lectures and film presentations to complete your Antarctic experience. This is a period for reflection and discussion, encouraging you to become an ambassador for the conservation of this magical region. Weather and time permitting, the Captain may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn as we approach the tip of South America.
Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia
Arrival in Tierra del Fuego and Onward Travel
During the early morning, the vessel quietly cruises up the scenic Beagle Channel and docks in Ushuaia. Disembarkation is scheduled around 8:00 am. Say goodbye to your expedition team and fellow passengers. Transfers to the airport will be arranged for guests with flights before 12:30 pm. Those with later flights (after 12:30 pm) will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airport transfer. Note: We recommend booking flights departing after 12:00 pm due to potential delays.
INCLUSIONS
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1.
Charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
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’.
Cabin size: 22.7m2
There are two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'re close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s close to the action.
May be converted into a Triple Share cabin with additional bed on request.
1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin size: 19.9m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 20.9m2 - 24.2m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 23.9m2 - 24.2m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 29.2m2 - 35.2m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 29.2m2 - 35.2m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Cabin & balcony combined size: 41.6m2
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren\\\'t enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites\\\' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)
1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
1-hour spa treatment (per person)*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included – to the value of AUD$15 per person per day
1 x free bottle of champagne per suite
*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 43.1m2
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain\\\\\\\'s Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you\\\\\\\'ll need to get in early to secure this suite.
1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)
1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
1-hour spa treatment (per person)*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included – to the value of AUD$15 per person per day
1 x free bottle of champagne per suite
*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.
* 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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THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA
8175 NW 12 ST #120, Doral, FL 33126
Miami - Dade, Florida
Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
WhatsApp: +1 (786) 705-2241
Email:
travel@thepolartravelcompany.com
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