Antarctica
Fly and Cruise Antarctica
Antarctica
Antarctica
Visiting Antarctica is one of the greatest wildlife experiences imaginable
On this voyage you will experience the fantastic Drake approach from Ushuaia to the White Continent and return back in comfort on a 2-hour flight after a stunning cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. This is a true expedition voyage with zodiac landings at penguin rookeries and fascinating lookouts along the way.
Duration: 7 days
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Punta Arenas, Chile
Language: English Speaking Voyage
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!
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.
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.
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.
Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, you cross the mighty Drake Passage, followed by the ever-present seabirds and whales. With its patented reclining bow and efficient stabilizers, the brand-new vessel, Ocean Albatros, cuts through the waves to give smoother and more comfortable sailing towards South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, you pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water. The cruise ends at King George Island where you board a strong 4-engine jet for the flight back to the South American continent. After a comfortable 2-hour flight you land in Punta Arenas in Chile. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days!
Any voyage to Antarctica is an adventure, but this cruise offers a unique experience for the few. Shore landings, excursions, lectures and Zodiac safaris are easily accommodated to help you enjoy an unrivalled expedition experience. Onboard the brand new strong, Ice Class 1A expedition vessel, Ocean Albatros, it is sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, hopefully enabling all expedition guests to set foot on the Antarctic continent, as well as the surrounding islands.
DAY 1 | ARRIVAL USHUAIA. EMBARK OCEAN ALBATROS
Arrive and embark in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town.
Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. A hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows, and boggy quagmires. Afterwards you embark the ship Ocean Albatros, your home for the coming days.
The journey begins as you navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
DAYS 2-3 | AT SEA. DRAKE PASSAGE, POSSIBLE FIRST ZODIAC LANDING
Sailing onward, you cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy sea, and its nickname ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with your first sight of seals, penguins, and albatrosses. Having crossed the Drake, you will explore the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marvelled by the captivating landscapes you will encounter along the way.
With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Albatros will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage than conventional expedition vessels – and with a far lesser fuel consumption.
DAYS 4-5 | EXPLORING THE SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Over the next days, you will begin the exciting Antarctic experience your ancestors only dreamed of. During these days you will explore the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marvelled by the captivating landscapes you will encounter along the way.
Weather permitting, the projected landfalls could include: Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim. Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins. But there are many other fascinating landing options.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiplies with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds along the planned route along the Antarctic Peninsula. Leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island and humpback whales of Gerlache Strait. Landings and routing are as always dependent on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, the ships offer excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar, and a library for the guests to spend their spare time. The ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.
DAY 6 | DEPART ANTARCTICA – FLY TO PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE
Today it is time to bid farewell to the ship, crew, and expedition staff as you disembark and by Zodiacs go ashore at Fildes Bay on King George Island. King George Island is the largest of the South Shetland Islands and home to no less than 10 research stations, 2 churches and one of Antarctica’s few airstrips open for commercially chartered flights. While your luggage is transported to the airport, you enjoy a 2-kilometer walk to the Chilean Eduardo Frei Base, calmly awaiting the airplane landing on the legendary airstrip.
Once the ‘Fasten your seatbelt’ sign lights up, it is time to re-cross the Drake Passage – now in 2 hours. Just enough time to realize what a truly spectacular adventure you have just completed.
After arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile, a transfer is arranged for the 4-star hotel in the town center.
Punta Arenas is the ‘capital’ of southern Patagonia. The historic city is surrounded with rolling hills and has the Strait of Magellan in front. Its past is rich in exciting events, from being a penal colony to becoming a sheep and gold rush colony with many European settlers.
DAY 7 | PUNTA ARENAS
This morning concludes the Cruise & Fly expedition, and you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.
DAY 1 | ARRIVAL USHUAIA. EMBARK OCEAN ALBATROS
Arrive and embark in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town.
Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. A hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows, and boggy quagmires. Afterwards you embark the ship Ocean Albatros, your home for the coming days.
The journey begins as you navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
DAYS 2-3 | AT SEA. DRAKE PASSAGE, POSSIBLE FIRST ZODIAC LANDING
Sailing onward, you cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy sea, and its nickname ‘The Roaring Fifties’. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines, and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement – and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself!
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with your first sight of seals, penguins, and albatrosses. Having crossed the Drake, you will explore the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marvelled by the captivating landscapes you will encounter along the way.
With the patented X-BOW design, the Ocean Albatros will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage than conventional expedition vessels – and with a far lesser fuel consumption.
DAYS 4-5 | EXPLORING THE SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS AND THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Over the next days, you will begin the exciting Antarctic experience your ancestors only dreamed of. During these days you will explore the Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marvelled by the captivating landscapes you will encounter along the way.
Weather permitting, the projected landfalls could include: Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim. Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins. But there are many other fascinating landing options.
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiplies with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds along the planned route along the Antarctic Peninsula. Leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island and humpback whales of Gerlache Strait. Landings and routing are as always dependent on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, the ships offer excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar, and a library for the guests to spend their spare time. The ships are staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife.
DAY 6 | DEPART ANTARCTICA – FLY TO PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE
Today it is time to bid farewell to the ship, crew, and expedition staff as you disembark and by Zodiacs go ashore at Fildes Bay on King George Island. King George Island is the largest of the South Shetland Islands and home to no less than 10 research stations, 2 churches and one of Antarctica’s few airstrips open for commercially chartered flights. While your luggage is transported to the airport, you enjoy a 2-kilometer walk to the Chilean Eduardo Frei Base, calmly awaiting the airplane landing on the legendary airstrip.
Once the ‘Fasten your seatbelt’ sign lights up, it is time to re-cross the Drake Passage – now in 2 hours. Just enough time to realize what a truly spectacular adventure you have just completed.
After arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile, a transfer is arranged for the 4-star hotel in the town center.
Punta Arenas is the ‘capital’ of southern Patagonia. The historic city is surrounded with rolling hills and has the Strait of Magellan in front. Its past is rich in exciting events, from being a penal colony to becoming a sheep and gold rush colony with many European settlers.
DAY 7 | PUNTA ARENAS
This morning concludes the Cruise & Fly expedition, and you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.
INCLUSIONS
• 6-day cruise from Ushuaia to King George Island with accommodation in a shared outside double stateroom with private facilities
• One-way flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas, in standard seats
• 1 overnight stay in centrally located hotel in Punta Arenas in a shared double room (post-cruise)
• All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
• Transfer from Punta Arenas airport to hotel in connection with the King George Island flight
• Expedition parka
• Rubber boots on a loan basis
• Guiding, briefing and lectures by our expedition leader and team
• Special photo workshop
• English-speaking expedition team
• Visual Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps, species list and more!
• Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea
• Breakfast at the hotel (during our stay in Punta Arenas day 7)
• Free tea and coffee 24 hours a day (during the cruise)
• Welcome and farewell cocktails on board
• Taxes
EXCLUSIONS
• Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
• Comfort seat upgrade on the flight (see prices separately)
• Meals other than on board the ship
• Meals on day 6 (after returning to Punta Arenas)
• Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
• Tips for the crew
• Personal expenses
• Transfer to/from the airports in relation to international flights
• Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
* 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.
** 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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