8-Day Antarctica Fly/Cruise
Flying over Cape Horn and the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, this expedition offers you the unique option to visit Antarctica in just 8 days while avoiding the heady seas that are routinely encountered on classic expeditions that sail both ways across the Drake. This is the perfect Antarctica expedition for travelers with either limited vacation time or who want to avoid the potential of getting seasick sailing across the Drake. The main ship, the M/V Ocean Nova, is a comfortable, ice-hardened mid-range vessel that features tastefully done and spacious common areas and modest cabins featuring private bath. A second ship, the M/V Hebridean Sky, is a more expensive, all-suite ship with fewer departures however it is an ideal alternative for elite travelers. The customized plane used to fly us to Antarctica is a specially equipped, privately owned aircraft that is perfectly suited for flying in this rugged, remote environment. These expeditions fly round trip between Punta Arenas, Chile and the air strip on King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, your gateway to the great white continent of Antarctica!
*** Rates and availability: Due to the worldwide popularity of these cruises, it's advised to book as early as you can, a year out or more. Please contact us for availability and specific prices.
Important Program Notes:
- Optional: See Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak! Join a small group of participants and paddle in Antarctica under the leadership of an experienced Kayak Master (US$895/person).
- Optional: Gain greater mobility and see more of the Antarctic landscape with the optional hiking and snowshoeing program (US$85/person).
- Optional: For an extra level of comfort, travellers can purchase "Preferred Seats" on their Antarctic flights. This option offers a guaranteed aisle or window seat at the front of the aircraft, and a guaranteed empty middle seat. It also offers priority boarding when departing from Punta Arenas and an amenities kit (US$495/person - round trip).
- The maximum baggage allowance is 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds) of luggage per person, including carry-on. We highly recommend soft sided luggage and bags.
- For single travelers, we recommend signing up on a "willing to share" basis. If you are willing to share a cabin, there is no single supplement. However if you require a guaranteed single cabin, add 85% to the normal per person sharing rate for a twin cabin or consider booking a dedicated single cabin, of which there are a handful on the Ocean Nova.
- English is the official language on a cruise unless specified otherwise.
- For families with young kids, please contact us as there are minimum ages on the fly/cruise expeditions while older children may be entitled to a special discount.
- Because of the temperamental nature of this region's legendary environment, travelers need to be aware and prepared for contingency touring plans (conducted by Expedition representatives) in case inclement weather precludes flying. In general, we recommend an open ticket for return if possible or travel insurance to cover any trip interruption/delay scenarios. We can send details of these contingency plans on request.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile and overnight
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by the expedition vessel's local representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers and enjoy a group orientation at the hotel that reviews important details about your voyage and summarizes the essential guidelines for all Antarctic travelers. Later this evening, we will gather for an official welcome dinner where you can meet more of your fellow adventurers while dining on delicious local fare. All travelers need to be in Punta Arenas by 3pm today or earlier. We can help arrange an extra hotel night at your request for those who would prefer to arrive a day early which is recommended if your schedule allows. Transfers are included for travelers arriving before 2pm however they cannot be guaranteed for guests arriving after 2pm.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Cabo de Hornos Hotel
Day 2: Fly to King George Island (BLD)
Today your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Your plane is the BAE-146, a specially designed craft manufactured in the UK by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). Operated by Aerovoas DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience of flying in the rugged climes of Patagonia and Antarctica, the plane is a high-wing aircraft with very short runaway requirements which makes it especially well- suited for Antarctic flying. As we disembark the aircraft, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to board your expedition vessel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Day 3: Explore Antarctica (BLD)
Over the next four unforgettable days, we will cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing through ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, we travel by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert Antarctic guides. On board the vessel, enjoy an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and appreciate spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while discussing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The ship's Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by wildlife and seascape, crafting a unique and astonishing experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore the best possible places that provide a true window into Antarctica's storied environment and wildlife. 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 magnificent places.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Day 4: Explore Antarctica (BLD)
Enjoy up to 2 or 3 landings today, conditions and time allowing, as we discover more of this magical place.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Day 5: Explore Antarctica (BLD)
Continue our voyage, seeing and learning more and more about Antarctica.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Day 6: Explore Antarctica (BLD)
Enjoy a final full day exploring Antarctica.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Day 7: Fly from King George Island to Punta Arenas (B)
Today we return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the plane back to Punta Arenas. After arriving, transfer to the hotel and overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Cabo de Hornos Hotel
Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas (B)
Today, transfer to the airport in Punta Arenas in time for your flight out.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
8-Day Antarctica Fly/Cruisefrom $13495 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
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