Embark on this 12-day voyage and celebrate Christmas in traditional Antarctic style! Take advantage of the near-midnight sun, which powers an explosion of life along the shore and brightens the thought of camping out or extended kayaking trips. Penguin highways are busy with traffic as parents hurry to fatten chicks, and waterways are alive with whales and seals. Visit historic sites and step onto the most spectacular continent on Earth as you enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
Highlights
Celebrate a White Christmas in one of the most beautiful places on Earth
Experience a wonderland of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, and seals
Explore penguin rookeries, historic sites, and working scientific stations
Camp out under the midnight sun and kayak into secluded bays
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Enjoy a hearty, late afternoon welcome from your friendly staff and Russian crew. Settle in to your cabin and explore the ship before setting sail in the evening. Excitement lifts as the ship sails down the Beagle Channel. Be sure to keep watch for Magellanic penguins, dolphins, and albatrosses.
The Drake Passage crossing offers excellent bird watching from the outer decks or the warmth of the bridge. Learn about Antarctica from the on-board naturalist’s informative talks, and about safety and environmental guidelines from expedition staff. Meet fellow travelers, chat, read, and prepare for the days ahead. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, while king cormorants fly by, and the appearance of penguins and fur seals heralds the ship's approach to the South Shetlands.
An overnight passage along Gerlache Strait delivers you to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an ethereal wonderland of vast proportions. If weather permits, early risers are rewarded with spectacular views of ice-clad mountains along the Danco Coast, then soaring Anvers Island. Over the next six days explore penguin rookeries, historic sites, and scientific stations and celebrate Christmas with your expedition 'family' in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. In Zodiacs cruise amongst an iceberg fantasia, where seals bask on floes and kayakers glide into secluded bays. Off the ship is a desirable place to be, even camping out one night if conditions allow. Thanks to the small number of expeditioners on board, spontaneity and flexibility is possible, enhanced enjoyment the result.
As the Captain steers the ship north across Drake Passage, your mind and soul revels in rich Antarctic experiences. There’s time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what you’ve seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, you may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner with your newfound friends.
Day 12: Disembark | Punta Arenas, Chile
1 Breakfast
Dawn greets you in the Beagle Channel. After breakfast, disembark for a tour of Puerto Williams before boarding your flight to Punta Arenas.
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.
Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.
Notes
Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.
- Rates represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
Initial deposit is $2700 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 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
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 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
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, or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
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.
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
