Antarctica Fly/Sail Expedition: What to Expect with Aurora Expeditions

by Claudia Corona, Trip Planner 

Booking an Antarctica expedition is one thing. Knowing exactly what happens from the moment you land in Punta Arenas, what the ship provides, and what you need to bring is another.

Here is a practical breakdown of how a departure with Aurora Expeditions typically unfolds, so you arrive informed, prepared, and ready for one of the most extraordinary journeys on Earth.

Most Aurora Expeditions Antarctica voyages range from around 10 to 20 days, depending on the itinerary and route. Experiences vary from traditional ship-based expeditions crossing the Drake Passage to Fly/Fly and Fly/Sail options designed to maximize time in Antarctica while reducing time at sea. Regardless of the route, the focus remains the same: exploring the Antarctic Peninsula through Zodiac excursions, shore landings, wildlife encounters, and, depending on the voyage, optional adventure activities such as kayaking, camping, or snowshoeing.

Quick Facts: Aurora Expeditions Antarctica Expedition

Departure point: Punta Arenas, Chile

Vessel featured: Greg Mortimer
Expedition style: Small ship polar expedition with daily Zodiac excursions, shore landings, and expert-led activities

Included gear: Expedition parka, rubber boots, walking sticks, and reusable water bottle
Bring yourself: Waterproof trousers, warm layers, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and personal essentials
Important tip: Arrive in Punta Arenas with extra time before departure, as Antarctic operations are highly weather dependent.

Arrival Day in Punta Arenas

The standard arrival deadline is 2:00 PM local time. This is not a soft suggestion: embarkation day has a fixed schedule, and missing the briefing means missing critical safety and operational information before you board.

Upon arrival, head to the Aurora Expeditions check-in desk, typically set up in the lobby of the designated pre-departure hotel. This has been the Dreams Hotel on past departures, although hotels may vary depending on the season. Staff will confirm your documentation, answer immediate questions, and provide your initial instructions for the evening.

The main event is the compulsory group briefing around 6:45 PM, held in a meeting room at or near the hotel. Wine, soft drinks, and canapés are offered, making it feel more like a proper expedition welcome than a simple logistics meeting. The briefing covers everything from safety procedures to landing protocols, and attendance is mandatory for all passengers.

Plan your flight accordingly. If you are connecting through Santiago, allow enough time for the domestic flight to Punta Arenas. Delays on this route can happen, especially during Patagonian shoulder seasons.

What Aurora Provides and What You Need to Bring

One of the most common questions before departure is about gear: what should you pack, and what does the ship provide?
Aurora Expeditions provides parkas, rubber boots, and walking sticks for use during the expedition. These items are distributed onboard as part of the preparation before your first Antarctic landings.

If you arrive without a warm outer layer for the short transfer to the vessel, ask the ground team about options for that journey. The parka provided for the expedition is intended for onboard and shore excursion use.

Walking sticks are available for Zodiac landings and shore excursions and can be particularly helpful on uneven terrain, snow, or longer walks on the Antarctic Peninsula.
A reusable water bottle is provided to every passenger. Bring your own if you have preferences about size or material, but you will not arrive without one.

Motion sickness medication is available onboard. The Drake Passage is famously unpredictable. Some crossings are calm, while others can be challenging. The ship’s medical team distributes medication as needed, but if you have a history of seasickness, speak with your doctor before departure about prescription options to have available from day one.
Waterproof trousers are not part of the standard kit. Bring your own. They will see real use during Zodiac landings, and this is one piece of gear you do not want to be without.

Life During the Expedition

No two days in Antarctica look exactly the same, and that is part of what makes the experience so special. The expedition team plans each day around weather conditions, sea conditions, wildlife activity, and the best opportunities for exploration.

A typical day may include a morning Zodiac excursion, time onboard for lectures or wildlife watching, and an afternoon landing or additional expedition activity. The schedule is flexible by design. The goal is not to follow a rigid itinerary, but to make the most of the conditions Antarctica offers each day.

This flexibility is essential in Antarctica. Some of the most memorable moments come from adapting to what nature provides.

The Greg Mortimer

Aurora Expeditions operates the Greg Mortimer, an expedition vessel purpose-built for polar environments. Its hull is designed for ice navigation, and its Ulstein X-BOW design helps improve comfort and stability in rough seas, an important consideration when crossing the Drake Passage.

The vessel is designed around an expedition experience, with dedicated expedition staff leading daily activities, sharing knowledge through lectures, and helping coordinate efficient Zodiac operations and shore landings.

The Mud Room

The Greg Mortimer has a dedicated mud room, the staging area between the ship’s interior and the Zodiac loading platforms where passengers prepare before landings and clean up after returning onboard.

Boots are washed, parkas are stored, and wet gear stays in this area rather than being brought back into cabins. Learning the mud room routine early makes every subsequent landing smoother and more enjoyable.

A Note on the Onboard Shop

The ship carries a well-stocked shop with quality waterproof clothing and expedition accessories. It is a genuine resource rather than simply a souvenir shop.

That said, prices reflect the convenience of buying onboard. If you need base layers, gloves, or waterproof accessories, purchasing before departure will usually offer more choice and better value. The shop is best treated as a backup for forgotten or inadequate gear.

Packing Tip: Renting Expedition Gear in Chile

Many travelers choose to rent bulky expedition gear locally before departure, especially waterproof outer layers or boots, to save valuable luggage space. Rental options vary depending on the operator and departure city, so it is best to confirm availability before traveling.

The Practical Takeaway

Antarctica rewards preparation, and Aurora Expeditions’ logistics are well organized. Clear check-in points, compulsory briefings that genuinely prepare you, and expedition gear provided onboard make the process straightforward.

Your job is to arrive on time, bring the right base layers and waterproof trousers, and have a seasickness strategy ready before you board. Everything else, the ship handles.
One final note: connectivity is limited in Antarctica, and travelers should expect to disconnect more than they would on a typical cruise. Communication options vary depending on the vessel and location, but the real luxury of the experience is the opportunity to be fully present in one of the most remote places on Earth.

This article is based on firsthand observations from an Aurora Expeditions familiarization departure aboard the Greg Mortimer.