Air, Land & Sea to Antarctica
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
DELUXE | CRUISE: This classic Antarctic adventure begins and ends in Punta Arenas. Arrive to Antarctica by flight and sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home.
This 8-day Antarctica experience flies you from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in the South Shetlands. Enjoy a tour of the area around the Presidente Eduardo Frei research base before boarding the M/V Ocean Nova or Magellan Explorer.
Sailing through the icy fjords, you’ll see the dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife of the Antarctic. Penguins, sea birds, seals and whales all thrive here, and zodiac vessels take you in for a closer look. You’ll also have the benefit of expert guides and informative lectures, to put your sightseeing in perspective. Enjoy every comfort aboard ship as you explore many of the islands, channels and points around the Peninsula. The precise itinerary will vary according to conditions, ensuring you a memorable journey in comfort and safety.
Return to King George Island for your return flight to Punta Arenas.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Start of the Antarctic Program
Arriving in Punta Arenas before 2pm, you will be welcomed by local staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will be welcomed at the Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Accommodation: Cabo de Hornos Hotel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-km (1.25-miles), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.
Accommodation Options: Ocean Nova / Magellan Explorer
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Nights |
Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Antarctica
No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Antarctica
On your Antarctic expedition, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your experience. Speak to your Destination Specialist to arrange sea kayaking (limited to a maximum of 10 guests per cruise, these must be pre-booked and sell out fast), or consider signing up for a hiking and snowshoeing excursion, which can be arranged on board and during your cruise.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Exploring Antarctica
On every journey, the Expedition Team includes at least 12 expert polar guides and their number one priority is ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. With a team that knows Antarctica’s unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology, and loves sharing their expertise with you, you’re sure to treasure every moment of your Antarctic exploration.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back 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).
Accommodation: Cabo de Hornos Hotel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
End of the Antarctic Program
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Ocean Nova:
2024: December 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27
2025: January 17, 22, 27; February 1, 6, 11
Magellan Explorer:
2024: November 26; December 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31
2025: January 14, 19, 31; February 5, 10, 15, 20, 25; March 2
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material
- 5 nights in cabin-style accommodations
- 2 night in first-class accommodations in Punta Arenas
- Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George island
- Flight from Frei Station on King George island to Punta Arenas
- Shared transfer from airport to hotel in Punta Arenas
- Shared departure transfer from hotel to airport in Punta Arenas
- Guided shore excursions
- Lectures and entertainment on board
- Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica
- Contingency plan and IAATO passenger fee
- Wine, beer, juice and soft-drinks with lunch and dinner, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks throughout the cruise
- Buffet breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 5 a la carte lunches and 5 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and regional airfare other than stated in inclusions
- Gratuities
- Optional activities
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar
- Internet connection on board the ship
- Phone and or laundry service
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
OTHER INFORMATION:
About the Magellan Explorer: Magellan Explorer has a capacity for 76 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors. The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship’s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. The fitness center aboard Magellan Explorer has been designed and built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, the world’s only fitness company with boutique gyms on all seven continents.
About the Ocean Nova: Ocean Nova is a great ship for Antarctica expeditions. It is a sturdy and nimble expedition vessel that was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland. It has a strengthened hull that is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The ship was fully refurbished in 2006 and since then has benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements. For air-cruises, Ocean Nova has a capacity for 67 passengers accommodated in comfortable outside cabins. The ship offers three categories of accommodation: dedicated Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins. All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with a chair, a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with a shower. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The ship has a fleet of 7 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Aircraft: There are three similar aircraft for flight operations: the BAE 146-200, the AVRO RJ 85, and the AVRO RJ 100. These aircraft were manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). They are high-wing aircraft with short runway requirements, which make them particularly suited for this kind of destination. They are operated by Aerovías DAP, which has more than 25 years of experience flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.
Explorer’s House:
An expedition to Antarctica is an experience like no other and success depends on preparation. Located only a few blocks from your hotel, Antarctica21’s new Explorers House is your exclusive base in Punta Arenas. Feeling like a private club, it is a purpose-built open space where you can prepare for your expedition by attending briefings, practicing your Zodiac-boarding skills, shopping for expedition gear, and more.
Contingency Plan: Antarctica21 has been organizing Antarctic air-cruises since 2003. Over these years they have gained extensive experience in the delicate coordination of land, air, and sea operations in the extreme Antarctic environment. While historically most flights have operated on the scheduled day, in some instances weather conditions have required that adjustments to the departure time of Antarctic flights be made to avoid protracted delays. In the unlikely event that the flight to or from Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, a Contingency Plan will apply.
The Contingency Plan is included in the cost of your expedition. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while adapting to the weather and keeping you informed of developments, whether in Punta Arenas or Antarctica. A change in the flight schedule can impact travel to Antarctica or return to Punta Arenas, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the circumstances. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers you financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent you from reaching Antarctica. Key highlights are included below, and full terms and conditions can be reviewed at www.antarctica21.com/termsconditions.
In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is moved forward:
In some cases, it may be necessary to move forward the Antarctic flight to the afternoon or evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. This will result in an early departure from Punta Arenas and early arrival in Antarctica. It is one reason why it is important that guests arrive in Punta Arenas by 2PM on Day 1 of the itinerary. Travelers who miss the 2PM arrival deadline will be considered “no-show”.
In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is delayed:
The group will remain in Punta Arenas while waiting for an improvement in the weather and for the opportunity to fly to Antarctica. Included are accommodation, meals, and, when possible, based on the circumstances, guided excursions to local attractions. If by 2PM on Day 4 of the itinerary it is still impossible to depart for Antarctica, the trip will be interrupted, and the cruise fare will be refunded.
In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is moved forward:
In those cases when the forecast suggests the likelihood of unfavorable weather conditions in Antarctica persisting for several days, the flight back to Punta Arenas may be moved forward to the previous day to avoid a protracted delay in Antarctica. Accommodation is included upon arrival. All other inclusions will remain per the original itinerary. No refund will be extended.
In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is delayed:
The group will remain in Antarctica and wait for the opportunity to fly to Punta Arenas. In the unlikely event that the delay exceeds 2 days and the weather forecast indicates the impossibility to fly over several more days, the captain of the vessel may decide to sail back to South America for safety reasons. Included are meals and accommodation on the ship and local excursions. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, the trip will end at the airport. Travelers are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling of their airline tickets or onward travel plans.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Sea Kayaking in Antarctica: Experience Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak. The sea kayaking program is an optional small-group experience limited to a maximum of 10 participants, and must be pre-booked. The group enjoys multiple excursions throughout the voyage, under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master. Every day in Antarctica, your Kayak Master will work with the Expedition Team to look for the best kayaking opportunities based on suitable and safe weather conditions. A dedicated safety Zodiac will support the group. Each kayaking excursion will be approximately one and a half hours. The Kayak Master will strive to offer some time at the landing site so you can also explore on land. To take part in the kayaking program, you must have previous experience and know how to swim. The minimum age for participation is 16 years. Space is limited. For complete details, please review the “Sea Kayaking” document, which is available upon request. Please ask your Destination Specialist for more information.
Hiking & Snowshoeing in Antarctica: See more of the Antarctic landscape with the Hiking & Snowshoeing program. Excursion locations are selected for their scenic appeal and will provide unique vantage points for photographs. The Hiking & Snowshoeing program is an optional small-group experience offered on board the ship as a one-off excursion, and the activity can be booked and paid on board the ship. A Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide leads the group. Every day you are in Antarctica, the Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide will work with the Expedition Leader to look for the best hiking or snowshoeing opportunities within the trip’s schedule, based on suitable and safe weather conditions. Each excursion will be approximately one and a half hours in duration. Depending on the conditions of the terrain, some excursions may require the use of snowshoes and/or trekking poles, which Antarctica21 provides. To take part in the Hiking & Snowshoeing program, you do not need previous experience. However, your level of physical fitness should be good. The minimum age for participation is 12 years. For complete details, please review the “Hiking & Snowshoeing in Antarctica” document, which is available upon request. Please ask your Destination Specialist for more information.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Subject to availability and weather conditions. Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
17 Dec 2024
