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Mirrored reflection on our kayak excursion

Antarctic Explorer - Fly/Sail

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Polar Pioneer
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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!
Pondering the pack ice from atop a stranded iceberg. Getting ready for the diveA seal sleeping on a mound of snow.Zodiac cruising among the pack ice and icebergs of the peninsulaMirrored reflection on our kayak excursion
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
  • Witness the endless sunlight of the midnight sun
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Fly to Puerto Williams | Embark | Beagle Channel

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.

Day 2-3: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
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.

Day 4-6: Weddell Sea

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
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.

Day 7-9: Antarctic Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
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

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Ship/Hotel

Polar Pioneer

Enjoy a drink at the bar.
Polar Pioneer's dining room.
Polar Pioneer's bar and lounge.

Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Cabo de Hornos Hotel
The reception desk at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel
The bar area at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$11,200
Polar Pioneer's Public Twin Cabin.
Select a 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.

- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
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)
  • 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, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • 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.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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