If your time is limited, or you don't fancy the idea of crossing the unpredictable Drake Passage to Antarctica from Argentina, then an alternative is to fly instead, giving you more time to spend exploring the relatively calm near shore waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. The flight itself is a unique and special experience, leaving from the Patagonian city of Punta Arenas in Chile, flying out across the Southern Ocean; and eventually taking a bird's eye view over icebergs, islands and mountains of the largest wilderness on Earth.
Flying to Antarctica can shave up to 4 days off of the time it usually takes to experience the Great White continent by ship. The flight from Punta Arenas takes a little over three hours and lands you on King George Island in the South Shetlands, in an area close to the Chilean and Russian Antarctica bases. After a brief visit to this area, you will transfer to a rigid inflatable boat and then onto the ice strengthened ship which will be your base for your time in Antarctica.
Sheltered from the perpetual circulating fetch of the Southern Ocean, the near shore waters of the Antarctica are often calm, welcoming and extremely beautiful. The Antarctic Peninsula offers you the most dramatic scenery and greatest diversity of wildlife in Antarctica. An extension of South American Andes, it is formed of a spine of peaks rising 3000m from the sea. Its coastal mountain scenery is flanked by breathtaking glaciers, deep fjords and ice bergs, some more than a mile long - an environment that will humble the most seasoned explorer.
You can join the "fly to Antarctica" voyages throughout the central months of the Antarctic season. You can also consider a few 'express' combinations of flying one way and experiencing the Drake Passage by ship the other. As with all of our Antarctica Voyages, you will be accompanied by expert guides who will provide an insight into penguins, whales and all of the other wildlife and marine life you are sure to see on your voyage. Whilst some of your time will be spent moving amongst coastal mountains and islands on the Mother Ship, the plan will also be to take you cruising amongst icebergs and glaciers onboard a rigid inflatable boats (RIB); and step onshore to walk amongst colonies of penguins.
Itinerary
Antarctic Express Itinerary (6 days / 5 nights)
These trips involve exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and Islands and either flying to Antarctica and taking a ship's passage back to Argentina, or sailing to Antarctica and flying back.
Day 1: Embarkation in Ushuaia
Board your ship in Ushuaia and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams. Explore the surroundings of this southernmost town in the world before setting sail to Cape Horn.
Day 2: Cape Horn
After an overnight crossing to Cape Horn, weather permitting you will attempt to land on this rarely visited island. Continuing your journey south, you will cross the famous Drake Passage, named in honour of Sir Francis Drake.
Day 3: Crossing the Drake's Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage. An engaging programme of lectures and presentations will be provided throughout the day. In the company of expert guides watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the decks. Keep an eye out for albatross and petrels and various species of whale.
Day 4: Antarctica
After crossing the Antarctic Convergence you will notice a marked change in the environment. Keep your eyes peeled for your first icebergs and sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands you can sail in ice-filled bays before boarding a zodiac for a shore visit to a penguin colony. Wildlife you may see in the bay include sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Endless Antarctic daylight means that you can continue exploring well into the evening.
Day 5: King George Island
Today you will reach King George Island and explore the land around Fildes Bay before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for the night. Please note that meals in Punta Arenas are not included in the voyage cost.
Day 6: Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, make your way to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight home.
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary (8 days / 7 nights)
These voyages include flying to and from the South Shetland Islands and setting sail on a voyage along the Antarctic Peninsula aiming as far south as the scenic highlight of the Lemaire Channel.
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will attend a briefing about your voyage before enjoying a welcome dinner and meeting your fellow passengers.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to King George Island in Antarctica's South Shetland Islands. Explore the area surrounding Frei Station and Bellinghausen Station before boarding a zodiac to meet your expedition vessel. Ship sets sail.
Day 3 - 6: Antarctica
Exploring Antarctica. Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs whilst keeping an eye out for sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day you will have the opportunity to explore the landscape in zodiacs in the company of expert polar guides. Onboard the ship there will be an engaging programme of lectures and presentations and the opportunity to enjoy spectacular vistas from the deck or ship's panoramic lounge.
Flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The expedition team will set the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. You will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel or many other beautiful places.
Day 7: Depart King George Island
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for the night. Please note that meals in Punta Arenas are not included in the voyage cost.
Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, make your way to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight home.
10 Day Fly & Sail Voyages: Polar Circle
These voyages include flying to and from the South Shetland Islands and setting sail on a voyage along the Antarctic Peninsula aiming deeper south in order to cross the Antarctic Polar Circle.
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will attend a briefing about your voyage before enjoying a welcome dinner and meeting your fellow passengers.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and Polar Circle Air-Cruise the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s FreiStation and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
Day 3 - 8: Antarctica
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day.
In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle.
The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 9: Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 10: Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
These itineraries are for guidance only, and sailing schedules are subject to change. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Contingency plan
In the unlikely event that your flight to Antarctica cannot take place due to unfavourable weather conditions a contingency plan with come into action at no additional cost. The goal is to provide you with an engaging and comfortable travel experience in Patagonia whilst waiting for weather conditions to improve.
Dates
Antarctic Express Itinerary
Ushuaia - Antarctica - Punta Arenas (6 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, one-way flight King George Island to Punta Arenas
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Express Itinerary
Ushuaia - Antarctica - Punta Arenas (6 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, one-way flight King George Island to Punta Arenas
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Christmas in Antarctica! Fly & Sail Voyage
Punta Arenas - Antarctica - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 176 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Includes: free Expedition Jacket
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Christmas in Antarctica!
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Christmas in Antarctica!
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
New Year in Antarctica!
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
New Year in Antarctica!
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
New Year in Antarctica!
Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctica - Polar Circle - Punta Arenas (10 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Express Itinerary
Ushuaia - Antarctica - Punta Arenas (6 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, one-way flight King George Island to Punta Arenas
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctica - Polar Circle - Punta Arenas (10 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctica - Polar Circle - Punta Arenas (10 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 67 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands Itinerary
Punta Arenas - Antarctic Peninsula - Punta Arenas (8 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 73 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Hiking & Snowshoeing
Fly & Sail Voyage includes: 1 pre-&-post-voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas, return flights Punta Arenas to King George Island
Notes:
Included (voyages on Magellan Explorer & Ocean Nova):
- Hotel accommodation (B&B) as specified in your chosen itinerary
- Economy flights from Punta Arenas / Antarctica as specified in your chosen
itinerary
- Full board accommodation onboard your chosen ship
- Drinks served with lunch and dinner (wine, beer, juice and soft drinks)
- Coffee, tea, cocoa, water and snacks onboard
- All shore landings per the daily program
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team
- A pair of waterproof boots on loan for shore landings
- Comprehensive pre-departure materials
- All luggage handling aboard ship
- Group transfers between the airport and hotel in conjunction with the charter
flight as specified in the itinerary
- IAATO passenger fee
- Aqua-Firma automatically offsets the Carbon Emissions of your polar voyage
and flights to / from Antarctica via our Rainforest4Climate Programme
- All service taxes and port charges relating to the voyage
Our prices exclude (all ships):
- International flights
- Fuel surcharge where applicable*
- Optional activities (e.g. kayaking, diving) unless stated
- Meals ashore in Punta Arenas / Ushuaia
- Other drinks onboard
- Other transfers in Punta Arenas / Ushuaia
- Passport and visa expenses
- Travel insurance
- Excess baggage charges
- Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
- Tips for voyage staff and crew
- Passports and visas
Activity level:
Low unless you select an adventure activity such as kayaking
Single supplement:
Single cabins are available on both vessels
*Fuel surcharge:
The standard vessel fuel surcharge is included in the voyage price for each of the above voyages. A supplementary fuel surcharge may be applied by the ship without notice. We will let you know if this applies to your booking and send you an updated invoice.
