This one-way fly cruise itinerary features the best of Antarctica and allows for more exploration, by sailing the Drake Passage one way and flying the other. 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!
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Ushuaia Day 2 : Ushuaia | Embark Days 3-4 : Drake Passage Days 5-10 : Antarctic Peninsula Day 11 : King George Island | Disembark | Fly to Punta Arenas Day 12 : Punta Arenas, Chile
Highlights
Enjoy gorgeous long summer days on the Antarctic peninsula
Take a Zodiac cruise along playful leopard seals
Tour scientific research stations and historic huts
Dive and snorkel in the Antarctic and revel in marine life
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before exploring Ushuaia on a half-day city tour.
Ushuaia, capital city of the province of Tierra del Fuego, is located on the shores of the Beagle Channel and is surrounded by the Martial Range, which offers a unique landscape as a result of the combination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forest. Visit The Mission, Brown and Solier neighborhoods, where the old houses belonging to the first families in Tierra del Fuego can be found, such as the Beban, the Pastoriza, and the Ramos. Head 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) out of town to Martial Glacier. The ride in the chair lift to the trails leading up to the glacier provides wonderful regional views and of Ushuaia town, the Beagle Channel and its islands. Afterwards, continue to the End of the World Museum with exhibitions explaining the history of Tierra del Fuego.
Transfer to the pier where the expedition team is sure to welcome all on board the Greg Mortimer at approximately 4.00 pm.
As the Greg Mortimer pulls away from port, everyone gathers on the deck to commence the adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. Have the time to settle into your cabin before our important briefings.
Cross the Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross, petrels, fulmars, and prions. The polar experts speak about Antarctica’s unique wildlife and history and prepare you for landings with environmental, activity and Zodiac briefings. All eyes are peeled for first iceberg, first penguin and first glimpse of land, the mercurial sea stacks outlying the South Shetland Islands. If conditions allow, you may have a chance to go ashore by late afternoon on Day 4.
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 can hope to visit include Half Moon Bay, Lemaire Channel, Hydrurga Rocks and more.
You can hope to visit the large Adélie and gentoo penguin colonies of Brown Bluff or Paulet Island, and fossil-rich Seymour Island. You may be able to 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 | Fly to Punta Arenas
As you approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and your amazing adventure before boarding your return flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to the preferred downtown hotel.
NOTE: King George Island is located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order to take off and land safely.
Day 12 Punta Arenas, Chile
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with
a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
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.
$11,500
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Aurora Stateroom Triple
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
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
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
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
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 Suite
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 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
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.
Notes
Voyage Inclusions
Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1 (preferred flights only)
One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia on Day 1
Half day city tour in Ushuaia on Day 2 (lunch not included)
Luggage transfer from your hotel in Ushuaia to ship on Day 2
Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas on Day 11
Transfer to preferred hotel in Punta Arenas on Day 11
One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas on Day 11
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
Captain’s Welcome and 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 from expedition team
Access to our onboard doctor and basic medical services
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
Comprehensive pre-departure information
A printed photo book produced with photos from your voyage
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
Voyage Exclusions
International or domestic flights to or within South America, unless specified
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Airport arrival or departure taxes
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination charges
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
Initial deposit is $2,700, 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 Credit cards accepted. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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