Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea

A unique 11-day expedition combining the convenience of a charter flight to Antarctica with the exploration of the legendary Weddell Sea. Sail among colossal tabular icebergs, discover fossil-rich volcanic islands, and follow in the footsteps of Shackleton’s historic *Enduranceexpedition in one of the wildest and most remote environments on the planet.


Fly and Cruise Antarctica
© Sebastian Arrebola

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Starts: Punta Arenas, Chile
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and ice conditions. The Weddell Sea is known for its impenetrable ice floes.
Includes one night's hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas.


Included
Optional


Aurora Expeditions’ "Wild Antarctica" is an invitation to explore the heart of polar adventure. By flying directly to King George Island, travelers are immediately immersed in the Antarctic landscape. The central focus is the Antarctic Sound, the gateway to the Weddell Sea, famously known as "Iceberg Alley" where massive tabular ice cathedrals drift northward, challenging navigation and offering cinematic vistas.

During the voyage, a team of experts will reveal the secrets of volcanic islands holding fossils from a temperate era, such as stone-turned ammonites. Wildlife encounters are masterful: from massive Adélie penguin colonies to sightings of humpback and orca whales. Each day offers two Zodiac excursions or landings at historic sites, allowing guests to hike snowy ridgelines or immerse themselves in polar waters during the famous "Polar Plunge."

Highlights:
Charter flight over the Drake Passage to start the adventure directly in Antarctica.
Exploration of the Weddell Sea, home to monumental tabular icebergs and sea ice.
Sightings of exceptional wildlife: whales, Weddell seals, and Adélie penguins.
Educational talks on paleontology, Shackleton's history, and Antarctic ecology.
Immersive experience with Zodiac cruises and the exhilarating "Polar Plunge."

Itinerary

© Sebastian Arrebola
© Sebastian Arrebola
© Sebastian Arrebola

Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Gateway to the Magellan Straits
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening briefing to coordinate the charter flight and learn about IAATO visitor regulations.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island - Embarkation
Jump to the White Continent
A 1h 45m charter flight to Antarctica. Zodiac transfer to the vessel and start of the voyage following mandatory safety briefings.

Days 3-8: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
Ice, Fossils, and Wilderness
Intensive exploration with two daily landings. We sail through the Antarctic Sound toward the Weddell Sea. Searching for Adélie penguin colonies, fossils on volcanic islands, and whales in dramatic straits. Time to enjoy the observation lounge or visit the bridge for panoramic views.

Days 9-10: Drake Passage Crossing
Reflection in the Southern Ocean
Final morning landing before heading north. Days of final lectures, photo presentations, and spotting oceanic birds. Weather permitting, we may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn.

Day 11: Disembark Ushuaia
Journey's End
Cruising up the Beagle Channel and arriving in Ushuaia at 8:00 AM. Transfer to the airport or city center to continue your journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Gateway to the Magellan Straits
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening briefing to coordinate the charter flight and learn about IAATO visitor regulations.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island - Embarkation
Jump to the White Continent
A 1h 45m charter flight to Antarctica. Zodiac transfer to the vessel and start of the voyage following mandatory safety briefings.

Days 3-8: Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
Ice, Fossils, and Wilderness
Intensive exploration with two daily landings. We sail through the Antarctic Sound toward the Weddell Sea. Searching for Adélie penguin colonies, fossils on volcanic islands, and whales in dramatic straits. Time to enjoy the observation lounge or visit the bridge for panoramic views.

Days 9-10: Drake Passage Crossing
Reflection in the Southern Ocean
Final morning landing before heading north. Days of final lectures, photo presentations, and spotting oceanic birds. Weather permitting, we may sail close to the legendary Cape Horn.

Day 11: Disembark Ushuaia
Journey's End
Cruising up the Beagle Channel and arriving in Ushuaia at 8:00 AM. Transfer to the airport or city center to continue your journey.


© Sebastian Arrebola
© Sebastian Arrebola
© Sebastian Arrebola


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’.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Sylvia Earle | Date: 17 Feb 2026 - 01 Mar 2026 (3470)
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
$20,095
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$21,895
Balcony Cat. C
$22,495
Balcony Cat. B
$23,595
Balcony Cat. A
$25,395
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$27,795
Junior Suite
$34,895
Captain´s Suite
$41,295
Ship: Douglas Mawson | Date: 15 Feb 2028 - 25 Feb 2028 (4997)
Aurora Stateroom Twin
$19,295
$16,401
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$20,395
$17,336
Balcony Stateroom Category C
$20,895
$177,761
Balcony Stateroom Category B
$21,995
$18,696
Balcony Stateroom Category A
$23,695
$20,141
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$25,895
$22,011
Junior Suite
$26,176
$26,176
Captain’s Suite
$29,916
$29,916

* 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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