Embark on a 9-day Antarctica sail and fly cruise aboard MV Polar Athena. Begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, and cross the Drake Passage while attending expert-led lectures, workshops, and observing seabirds from the deck. Explore striking Antarctic coastlines, glacier-sculpted islands, and large colonies of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins. Glide through iceberg-filled channels, watch humpback whales and seals, and take Zodiac cruises to hidden coves. Venture into the Gerlache Strait and regions with tabular icebergs. Disembark at King George Island and fly to Puerto Natales, Chile, with optional Torres del Paine extensions.
Highlights
Cross the Drake Passage and enjoy wildlife from the deck
Attend expert-led lectures and workshops at sea
Watch albatrosses and petrels soar above the ship
Navigate narrow channels filled with icebergs and glaciers
Explore Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguin colonies
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.
The expedition team greets you at your hotel and transfers you to the ship. Once on board, the ship transits the Beagle Channel. After this, you begin your crossing of the Drake Passage.
After leaving the Beagle Channel, cross the Drake Passage. Join lectures and workshops, and watch for birds from the deck. By day three, see icebergs and the Antarctic continent on the horizon.
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 can glide through the narrow and stunning channels often packed with glittering sea ice and steep mountains on both sides by still waters.
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 can also hope to land on islands, where gentoo penguins nest among whalebone relics, and young fur seals frolic in shallow waters, while elephant seals are hauled out on shore.
Exploring Antarctica's raw and untouched beauty
You sail into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula through the scenic Gerlache Strait, flanked by jagged peaks. If ice conditions allow, you can venture into regions renowned for impressive tabular icebergs and dramatic landscapes.
Day 8: King George Island | Disembark | Fly to Puerto Natales
On the final day, you hope to disembark at King George Island and take a charter flight back to Puerto Natales. There, you can stay at a very comfortable lodge, where you can relax and reflect on your extraordinary Antarctic experiences.
Day 9: Puerto Natales, Chile
1 Breakfast
For those continuing their adventure, there’s the opportunity to join the Torres del Paine extension package, where you may go horseback riding through the stunning Patagonian landscapes, take a scenic hike to Mirador Base Las Torres, visit Laguna Sofia, explore the Milodón Cave, or enjoy other carefully planned activities.
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, 8 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 might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
