This 12-day Fly-Sail itinerary features the best of Antarctica and allows for more exploration, with only one crossing of the Drake Passage. Get up close with iridescent icebergs, vast colonies of Adelie and gentoo penguins, as well as islands that are alive with leopard seals busy with courtship, bustling penguins and maybe feeding whales!
Highlights
Enjoy gorgeous long summer days on the peninsula
Experience polar diving and polar snorkelling with expert guides
Tour scientific research stations and historic huts
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This morning, your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to port for clearance and
loading onto the ship. You’ll have the day at leisure before making your own way to port in the late afternoon to
meet your expedition team and commence boarding at approximately 4.00 pm (final embarkation time will be
provided in your final documentation).
After breakfast, you can independently explore the bustling community that was previously the world’s most
southerly town, a claim that now belongs to nearby Puerto Williams. The town itself sits beneath the spectacular
mountains of Tierra del Fuego on the edge of the Beagle Channel. You may choose to enjoy a trip to Tierra del Fuego
National Park, or visit the small museum, which has informative displays about the original inhabitants and the
current population of Tierra del Fuego.
As the Greg Mortimer pulls away from port, gather on the deck to commence your adventure with spectacular
views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before the important briefings.
This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to
celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
As you commence the Drake Passage crossing, make the most of your time getting comfortable with the motions
of the sea. The expedition team prepares you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity
procedures, and start the lecture programs to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and
environment.
The wildlife experiences begin as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic
albatrosses and giant petrels following in your wake. They rise and fall skilfully, using air currents created by the ship
to gain momentum.
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on day four, the excitement is palpable
with everyone converging on one of the observation decks, watching for your first iceberg. The ocean takes on a
whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of
floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime.
Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
The Antarctic Peninsula's western flanks offer long days and relatively ice-free waters. Visit historic huts and Zodiac cruise through narrow straits and majestic icebergs, and if you're lucky, whale watch from the bow of the ship. A few landing points you will visit include Half Moon Bay, Lemaire Channel, Hydrurga Rocks and more. Expeditions onboard the Polar Pioneer will also venture into Weddell Sea if weather and ice conditions permit. Visit the large Adelie and gentoo penguin colonies of Brown Bluff or Paulet Island, and fossil-rich Seymour Island. You may hike to spectacular vantage points on Beak or Devil Islands; large tabular icebergs and volcanic scenery create long lasting memories. Wherever you go, wildlife, Heroic Age relics and haunting landscapes await.
Day 11: King George Island | Disembark | Punta Arenas, Chile
As you approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and your amazing adventure before
boarding the flight (approximately one-and-a half-hours) to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival at the Punta Arenas
airport, you will be transferred to a preferred downtown hotel.
NOTE: King George Island is located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and
is one of the most remote place on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order to take off and land
safely. We apologise in advance if you experience any delays.
Day 12: Punta Arenas, Chile
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow passengers as we all continue your onward journeys, hopefully with
a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
NOTE: Please advise your Reservations Consultant or travel agent if you require an airport transfer, so it can be
booked in advance. The departure airport transfer is not included in your voyage cost and will be at an additional
cost.
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.
$10,300
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Aurora Stateroom Triple
230.34 ft² - 245.41 ft² - 6 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, three single beds, porthole window, desk area and 42" flat-screen TV
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Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
170 ft² - 245.41 ft² - Greg Mortimer features 8 porthole rooms, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
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Balcony Stateroom C
224.97 ft² - 266.95 ft² - 14 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
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Balcony Stateroom B
254.03 ft² - 266.95 f - 22 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
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Balcony Stateroom A
259.41 ft² - 301.39 ft² - 22 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
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Balcony Stateroom Superior
303.54 ft² - 432.70 ft² - With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Greg Mortimer's two Balcony Suites are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Featuring private balconies, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area, these will sell out quickly!
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Junior Suite
The Greg Mortimer's four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage 418.71 ft² - points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
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Captain's Suite
478.99 ft² - The largest of all the rooms, the Greg Mortimer's singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite.
Initial deposit is $2,500 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 Only Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 10 Dinners
11 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
Waterproof Expedition Jacket
Flight: King George Island to Punta Arenas
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.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
