MV Polar Athena 9-Day Antarctica Fly Cruise begins in Puerto Natales, Chile, where you can enhance your trip with an optional Torres del Paine extension before flying by charter aircraft to King George Island—your gateway to Antarctica. After landing, you transfer to the MV Polar Athena and set sail along the Antarctic Peninsula, exploring the dramatic Gerlache Strait, calving glaciers, iceberg-filled bays, and wildlife-rich landing sites. Zodiac excursions bring you close to penguins, fur seals, elephant seals, and breathtaking polar scenery. Your voyage continues with expert-led lectures and workshops while navigating the Drake Passage, before concluding with a scenic sail through the Beagle Channel and disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Highlights
Fly from Puerto Natales, Chile, to King George Island
Sail the Gerlache Strait and see jagged Antarctic peaks
Cruise in Zodiacs through iceberg-filled coves
Visit remote islands to see penguins and elephant seals
See Antarctic highlights like Deception Island, Cuverville, Paradise Bay
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.
Start your Antarctic trip in Puerto Natales, Chile. After arriving at Puerto Natales Airport, meet the team and transfer to your hotel. If you want to spend extra time in Patagonia before the expedition, join the Torres del Paine extension package and stay in a traditional lodge.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island, Antarctica | Embark
Fly from Puerto Natales, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica. After meeting the team, board a two-and-a-half-hour charter flight across the Drake Passage with other guests. Upon arrival, take a Zodiac transfer to your ship and begin your Antarctic voyage.
Sail into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula through the scenic Gerlache Strait, flanked by jagged peaks. If ice conditions allow, you venture into regions renowned for impressive tabular icebergs and dramatic landscapes.
Into Antarctica’s hidden places
Prepare to enjoy a Zodiac cruise through sapphire-blue iceberg-filled coves and serene reflective waters, as you are on the lookout for humpback whales, leopard seals, and calving glaciers. You also hope to land on islands, where gentoo penguins nest among whalebone relics, and young fur seals frolic in shallow waters, while elephant seals haul out on shore.
Dramatic coastlines and penguin colonies
The plan is to visit remote and rugged islands along the peninsula, where you can see dramatic volcanic cliffs, glacier-sculpted shorelines, and encounter large colonies of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins nesting side by side.
You glide through the narrow and stunning channels often packed with glittering sea ice and steep mountains on both sides by still waters.
As your voyage north unfolds, icebergs and the Antarctic continent fade on the horizon. While crossing the Drake Passage, albatrosses may glide above as you enjoy workshops, and expert-led lectures.
Day 9: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
1 Breakfast
Sail through the Beagle Channel before concluding your journey with disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina.
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.
$14,4952-3 travelers
Classic Twin
This cabin on Deck 3 measures 12.5m² and has a porthole window. It sleeps two guests in two lower berths and includes a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities feature Starlink Wi-Fi, a 220V European plug socket, and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Signature Twin
These cabins on Decks 4 and 5 measure 12m² and feature a window. Each sleeps two guests in lower berths and has a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket for added convenience.
Classic Suite
This cabin on Deck 5 measures 16.8m² and offers space for two guests. It features a double bed, a lounge area with a sofa, corner desk, and chair, plus a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Signature Suite
This cabin on Deck 5 measures 22.5m² and is designed for two guests. It includes a double bed, a spacious lounge area with a sofa, corner desk, and chair, plus a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities feature Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Signature Single
This cabin on Deck 4 measures 11m² and is designed for one guest. It features a lower berth, a window, and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Initial deposit is 30%, 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
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Highly experienced Captain and Cook
Lectures and tutorials on board
Zodiac excursions (MK V heavy-duty inflatable boats) for shore landings and unforgettable photography opportunities
Rubber Muck boots for shore landings
All transfers included—from the airport to your hotel on arrival, between your hotel and the ship for embarkation and disembarkation, and from your hotel to the airport on departure day
Transfers to Weskar Patagonia Lodge in Torres del Paine if doing extension package
Private charter flights between Puerto Natales (PNT) and King George Island (TNM): Fly one way and experience the legendary Drake Passage only once, with your expedition beginning or ending in Ushuaia, Argentina
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
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.
