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Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Sylvia Earle
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Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life. Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica and immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are dwarfed by soaring peaks, and humpback and minke whales feast on abundant krill. Reduce your time on the high seas by flying at least one way across the Drake Passage.
Mirrored reflection on our kayak excursionGetting ready for the diveEnjoying the scenery from the bowArctic viewsHumpback whales migrate to Antarctica during summer to feed in the rich watersA lone Gentoo dwarfed by a monstrous icebergAlmost ready to depart
Highlights
  • See and hear the busting activity of a penguin city
  • Chance to spot leopard seals on ice floes from the Zodiacs
  • Zodiac-cruise in search of feeding and breaching whales
  • Fly over the Drake Passage in both directions to avoid its challenges
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, a representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel. To ensure you can attend your important evening briefing, please plan to arrive no later than 2:00 PM.

Between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, please stop by the hospitality desk in the hotel lobby to collect your luggage cabin tags. A team is going to provide details about embarkation day, answer any questions, and offer recommendations for dining and any last-minute purchases.

Punta Arenas, overlooking the Straits of Magellan, sits along one of the world’s most historic trade routes. The city showcases a unique blend of cultural influences, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, reflecting Chile’s rich heritage. Today, it offers a variety of restaurants and bars serving both local and international cuisine (meals today are at your own expense).

At 7:00 PM, join your fellow expeditioners for a voyage briefing. You'll reconfirm transfer times for the following day, review flight procedures to King George Island, and go over essential IAATO regulations for visiting Antarctica.

Day 2: Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island | Embarkation

This morning, you'll transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Upon arrival, your expedition team welcomes you and assists with preparations for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. Once onboard, you'll have time to settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings.

Note: King George Island, located in the South Shetland Islands at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, is one of the most remote places on Earth. Safe take-off and landing require clear skies and perfect visibility. If weather conditions prevent the flight from operating today, a contingency plan is to be implemented. Your safety is the top priority, and your patience is appreciated should delays occur. For more details, please refer to the terms and conditions.

Day 3-10: Antarctic Peninsula | Antarctic Circle

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that stays with you forever.  

Once you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore, and you have a host of choices available to you. Because you are so far south, you'll experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.  

Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, uses their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions, and wildlife opportunities. 

You generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You'll want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals, and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts, and explore some of your favorite spots along the peninsula.  

While ashore you aim to stretch your legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course, keen polar plungers have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting! 

In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, you may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

On this voyage, conditions permitting, you plan to cross the Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South (approximately). Crossing below The Circle is certainly a special highlight for many people, and the moment be celebrated with a toast out on the deck (weather permitting). You have earned some boasting privileges, joining a small group of lucky adventurers who have ventured to this part of the world.

As you approach and cross the Antarctic Circle, you notice subtle changes in the landscape, and also in the distribution of wildlife. The waters at this time of year are rich with krill and you hope to see plenty of whales - particularly humpbacks and minkes and enjoy the spectacle of penguins feeding their ravenous chicks.

Day 11: Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas | Disembark

As you approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and your amazing adventure before boarding your return flight (approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes) to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you'll be transferred to your group hotel. 

Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator follows their well-established contingency plan, again. 

Day 12: Punta Arenas | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travelers as you all continue your onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to the airport is included in the voyage fare. 

Please note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.

Ship/Hotel

Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle
Sylvia Earle Observation Deck
Sylvia Earle Library

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Deals

Save up to 25% on Antarctica 2025-2027 26808
Book now and save up to 25% on select Antarctica departures. Bookings must be made and deposited by March 31, 2025. This promotion is valid for new bookings and is capacity-controlled. A non-refundable deposit of $2,500 per person is required to confirm your booking within seven days of reserved berth/s. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Feb 8, 2026 departure

Air Credit 26811
Book now and enjoy an air credit of $2000 per person on select Antarctica departures. Bookings must be made and deposited by March 31, 2025. This promotion is valid for new bookings and is capacity-controlled. A non-refundable deposit of $2,500 per person is required to confirm your booking within seven days of reserved berth/s. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Feb 8, 2026 departure

No Single Supplement 26814
For solo travelers, book now and enjoy no single supplements for a limited time. Eligible on all cabin types excluding Captain’s Suite, Junior Suites, or Triple share cabins. This promotion is subject to availability and is only valid on new bookings on select Arctic 2025 and Antarctic 2025-2026 voyages. This offer is not combinable with any other offers and is based on the full brochure fare. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Feb 8, 2026 departure

Per person starting at
$23,795 2-3 travelers
Aurora Stateroom Triple
Aurora Stateroom Triple
22.67m2 (244ft2) - There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Aurora Stateroom Superior
19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2) - Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Balcony Stateroom C
Balcony Stateroom C
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins - most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Balcony Stateroom B
Balcony Stateroom B
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins - standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Balcony Stateroom A
Balcony Stateroom A
19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)- 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins - premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Balcony Stateroom Superior
29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2) - Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)- 4 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.
Captain's Suite
Captain’s Suite
43.8m2 (471.5 ft2) - Captain's Suite - the largest of all our rooms, will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 9 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)
  • 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
  • Return flight Punta Arenas to King George Island
  • Two night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1 and Day 11
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Add-on activities should be reserved at the time of the booking.

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