This Fly/Sail expedition features the best of Antarctica across 11 days and allows for more exploration, with only one crossing of the Drake Passage. Get up close with tabular icebergs, vast colonies of Adelie and gentoo penguins, and dramatic volcanic landscapes in the ice-filled Weddell Sea. Discover the Antarctic Peninsula’s many islands, alive with leopard seals busy with courtship, bustling penguins, and whales!
Highlights
Visit the Adelie and gentoo penguin colonies of Brow Bluff
Zodiac through narrow straits and icebergs in the Antarctic Peninsula
Explore Fildes Bay's penguin and seal-rich waters & visit Trinity Church
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams and enjoy a tour of the scenic port before being warmly welcomed aboard the Polar Pioneer. Take part in an introductory and safety briefing before your evening’s cruise down the Beagle Channel.
Ease into shipboard life as you cross the Drake Passage. The naturalist and paleontologist expand your Antarctic knowledge and prepare you for landings. The outer decks and flying bridge provide excellent space to see and photograph wildlife.
Spend the next few days exploring the ice-filled Weddell Sea where weather systems and shifting pack ice dictate your schedule. Visit the large Adelie and gentoo penguin colonies of Brow Bluff, and fossil-rich Seymour Island. Hike to spectacular vantage points on Beak or Devil Islands, where large tabular icebergs and volcanic scenery create long-lasting memories.
The Antarctic Peninsula's western flanks offer long summer daylight and ice-free waters. Visit historic huts and Zodiac cruise through narrow straits and majestic icebergs and if you are lucky, cruise among whales. The landing points to visit are Half Moon Bay, Lemaire Channel, Hydrurga Rocks, and more!
Day 10: King George Island | Disembark | Punta Arenas
Arrive at mountainous King George Island. If time and weather permit, explore penguin and seal-rich waters of Fildes Bay and visit the surprising Trinity Church at Bellingshausen Station, before catching your charter flight back to Punta Arenas in Chile. Transfer to your overnight accommodation.
Day 11: Punta Arenas
1 Breakfast
After breakfast at the Cabo de Hornes Hotel, bid a fond farewell to your fellow passengers as you make your journey home or continue on with your own arrangements.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.
Notes
Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.
- Rates represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
Initial deposit is $2700 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Wifi
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
