Webinar: MT Sobek Antarctica Fly & Cruise

Join us for an exclusive deep dive into our most popular Polar adventure—the Antarctica Fly & Cruise! Join Mindy Teini from MT Sobek and Laura Gerwin from Antarctica21 as they take you on an unforgettable journey from Punta Arenas to the breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica. Skip the rough seas and fly straight to the action, where towering glaciers, incredible wildlife, and the adventure of a lifetime await. Don’t miss this chance to explore a true bucket-list experience with the experts!

Antarctica Webinar Overview

Discover Antarctica: The White Continent

I’m beyond thrilled to share a bit about our partnership with Antarctica21 and why traveling to the end of the Earth—Antarctica—is one of the most extraordinary experiences we offer at MT Sobek.

My name is Mindy Teini, and I’m the Director of Custom Travel here at MT Sobek. Along with overseeing our custom travel programs, I also manage our polar cruising adventures. I’ve been with MT Sobek for about seven years and have had the pleasure of working with Antarctica21 for over thirteen. Antarctica holds a very special place in my heart. It’s wild, humbling, and unforgettable—and I’m so excited we get to bring others there.

Joining me in this conversation is my friend and partner in polar exploration, Laura Gerwin from Antarctica21.

Laura’s passion for Antarctica is infectious. Her first trip to the continent was in 2009 as a dishwasher for the United States Antarctic Program. That experience—harsh and exhilarating—drew her back. She later returned as a “monster bus” driver supporting passenger logistics at the airfields. Eventually, she spent over two years living on the ice over five seasons. Since 2017, she’s worked with Antarctica21, and for the past three years, she’s been part of their internal team. She’s explored not just the Antarctic Peninsula, but also South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and nearly made it to the North Pole.

Together, we want to answer a few questions you might have: Why Antarctica? Why travel with us? What’s a day like on the White Continent? And why Antarctica21 is our go-to partner in the region.

Why Go To Antarctica?

When I mention Antarctica, people often respond with surprise—some even disbelief. But once I start talking about the massive icebergs, the unreal hues of blue in the frozen landscapes, and the astonishing wildlife, the fascination starts to take hold.

Antarctica is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s a continent made of ice—towering glaciers, surreal shapes and colors, and enormous bergs that defy scale. Wildlife lovers will encounter penguins galore, elephant seals, leopard seals, and a rich variety of birdlife. We’re talking humpbacks, orcas, minkes—basically, the ultimate polar safari.

And there’s more than nature: Antarctica is also home to groundbreaking scientific research, compelling history, and stories of epic human exploration. It’s not just cold. It’s alive with meaning and discovery.

Why Travel with MT Sobek

At MT Sobek, we added polar cruising to our lineup for two big reasons:

1. Antarctica is the ultimate destination for adventure seekers, perfect for our travelers who thrive on journeys to the world’s wildest corners.
2. We make it easy to go farther. Our custom trips in Chile, Argentina, and Patagonia mean we can turn your polar cruise into a complete Southern Hemisphere adventure. You’ve already made the long trip—why not explore more?

We can design seamless extensions before or after your cruise, turning a once-in-a-lifetime trip into something even more incredible.

Why Antarctica21?

We proudly partner with Antarctica21 because they pioneered the fly-cruise model to Antarctica—an absolute game-changer.

Instead of spending 4+ days crossing the notoriously rough Drake Passage by ship, Antarctica21 flies you from Punta Arenas, Chile, directly to King George Island. It’s a 2.5-hour flight versus days of seasickness. This saves time, avoids discomfort, and means you spend more time where it matters—on the ice.

Another major advantage is the size of their ships. Antarctica21 vessels hold just 76 passengers, which is crucial. Antarctic regulations only allow 100 people ashore at once, so larger ships force a rotating schedule. With Antarctica21, you get more time off the ship, more time exploring.

Plus, their guide-to-guest ratio is unmatched—one expedition leader for every 5–6 travelers. And their guides are exceptional: marine biologists, historians, photographers, mountaineers, climatologists. These are polar professionals who bring the experience to life.

What really sets them apart for us is their local connection. Antarctica21 is based in Punta Arenas, and their staff, board, and founders live there. We love working with companies that engage and invest locally—it’s a core value at MT Sobek.

They’re also deeply committed to sustainability. Antarctica21 is carbon neutral and runs a non-profit foundation that supports education, conservation, and youth access to Antarctica.

What to Expect on the Antarctica21 Journey

Most travelers start in Punta Arenas, Chile, and join our classic 7-night / 8-day air-cruise itinerary. After a welcome day at Antarctica21’s cozy and high-tech Explorer’s House, we fly across the Drake to King George Island and board our expedition ship.

We spend five nights exploring the Antarctic Peninsula with multiple landings, Zodiac excursions, and wildlife sightings. On Day 7, we fly back to Punta Arenas and spend one more night at our hotel before departing.

There are longer options too. The Polar Circle Voyage gives you seven nights on board and a chance to cross the Antarctic Circle. And for the truly wildlife-obsessed, there are a few departures that visit South Georgia, home to millions of king penguins and elephant seals—a photographer’s dream.

Life Onboard & A Day in the Life

Every day is different, but here’s a taste of what a typical expedition day looks like:

• 7:30 AM: Wake-up call over the PA.
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast buffet (with fresh pastries, eggs, and a hidden cheeseburger menu).
• 9:00 AM: First excursion—Zodiac cruising or on-shore adventures.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch buffet while sailing to the next landing.
• 2:00 PM: Afternoon expedition—more landings, wildlife, and ice exploration.
• 5:00 PM: Snacks, drinks, and a presentation from the expedition team.
• 7:00 PM: Three-course dinner served by the onboard hospitality team.

The guides help you get the most out of every excursion, with options tailored to your activity level—whether you’re climbing icy ridges or sitting quietly among penguins.

Want more adventure? Antarctica21 also offers a kayaking program (book early!), allowing you to paddle among whales and icebergs in near silence.

Our Home Base: The Explorer’s House

The Explorer’s House in Punta Arenas is a gem. This is where your journey begins—and where contingency planning shines if the weather causes delays. Guests enjoy a warm welcome, educational exhibits, a gear-check station, snacks, and a cozy space to relax.

It’s exclusive to Antarctica21 travelers and helps ensure seamless operations, whether you’re heading out or waiting on weather.

Explore Our Ships

You’ll choose from three exceptional vessels:

• Magellan Explorer (2019): A purpose-built, sleek, comfortable ship with a gym, sauna, outdoor BBQ deck, and sweeping observation lounges.
• Magellan Discoverer (coming soon): The Explorer’s sister ship, with more space, larger rooms, and new amenities.
• Ocean Nova: A small, iconic expedition vessel (only 68 guests!) offering excellent value. 2025–2026 will be its final season.

Recommended Packing List for Antarctica

Antarctica21 provides sturdy Bogs expedition boots, so you just need to bring a pair of waterproof outer layers (top and bottom) and your favorite warm layers underneath. Pro tip: Pack waterproof shoes for around the ship and a waterproof backpack for Zodiac rides.

Six months before departure, you’ll gain access to the Antarctica21 Expedition Portal, with videos, gear lists, reading materials, and—post-trip—your digital logbook, complete with photos and wildlife sightings from your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

As someone who’s had the absolute privilege of experiencing Antarctica, I can tell you: this is a trip of a lifetime. We recently held a Q&A with my colleague Laura Gerwin, and I wanted to share some of the key takeaways—especially for those of you planning your first expedition, traveling solo, or just curious about the experience.

• Solo Travelers: One of the most common questions we get is whether we match up solo travelers in cabins. The answer is yes—we absolutely do! While we have single room rates available, we also offer a share program where we pair you with another traveler of the same gender. This way, you don’t have to book a single cabin to come on your own. And honestly, this is an amazing trip for solo travelers. You’re instantly on a ship with 65 of your newest best friends. You won’t spend a moment alone—unless you want to. I can speak from experience: I’m still friends with people I met on my cruise. You just connect with like-minded travelers so quickly.
• Activities: A lot of people ask about snowshoeing—yes, we offer it! We also have hiking poles available for anyone who needs them. Snowshoeing is offered as a guided group activity, usually for around 12 people at a time. It’s not something you can do on your own, but it’s available at select landing sites. The cost is around $85 and you can sign up onboard. If snowshoeing isn’t your thing, you can still hike in the same area, just at your own pace. It’s all very flexible.
• Activity Level: Another great question we often hear: How physically demanding is the expedition? The answer is: it’s as active—or as relaxed—as you want it to be. Getting on and off the ship does require a bit of mobility. There are stairs onboard, although our newer ship, the Magellan Discoverer (launching in 2026), will include a small elevator. You’ll need enough mobility to get in and out of a Zodiac—fortunately, we’ve designed the boarding process to be as easy as sitting down. Once you’re on land, it’s completely up to you. If you want to stay near the landing site and enjoy watching penguins from close by, you can absolutely do that. If you want to hike farther afield, go for it. On my last trip, we even had someone jogging laps within the landing perimeter! We also have plenty of staff onshore and onboard to help everyone find the right pace. And if you’d rather sip a cup of tea and watch the view from the ship? That’s totally fine too.
• Kayaking: Kayaking is one of the more active add-ons, and it’s incredible if you want to explore from a different perspective. There is an additional fee, which varies by ship. For example, it’s currently $695 on the Ocean Nova and $895 on the Magellan Explorer. All the current prices and program details are listed on our website, and our trip consultants can help walk you through what’s available.
• Overnighting on Shore: This comes up occasionally: Can you overnight on shore? The answer is no—we’ve tested it before, but it just isn’t comfortable or safe enough to guarantee a good experience. Weather conditions can change quickly, and we don’t want to make promises we can’t deliver on. That said, if you want to sleep under the stars, you can absolutely do so on the ship’s open deck. Some travelers even bring sleeping bags and set up out there for a night under the Antarctic sky.

When’s the Best Time to Go?

The Antarctic travel season runs from November to March, and each period has something unique to offer:

• November–December: Great for photographers. The snow is pristine, and penguins are nesting and laying eggs.
• January: Penguin chicks are hatching—an incredible time to witness new life on the continent.
• February–March: Whale sightings are at their peak. The sea ice has melted enough for them to confidently navigate the region, making it a magical time for marine life enthusiasts.
• March: You’ll also start seeing sunset and sunrise colors again as the season winds down. The light is absolutely stunning.

No matter when you go, Antarctica delivers something unforgettable.

The Ice Is That Magical

I can’t stress this enough: the ice is mesmerizing. It’s one of the most magical aspects of the trip. You’ll see every shade of blue—from the deepest navy to almost white—and everything in between. It’s unlike anything else I’ve seen.

Current Discounts

For those wondering about pricing and current deals—our current promotions are running through March 31st. I haven’t heard any rumors about them being extended, so if you’re looking to book, now’s a great time.

New Rules: Photography

Photographers often ask about the new rules. The distance rules haven’t changed much—15 meters is still the standard. But now, you’re not allowed to sit, kneel, or lie down on the ground.

That makes capturing low-angle shots a little trickier. Some travelers have gotten creative—using foldable stadium-style seats to help mimic a lower angle while staying within the guidelines.

It’s all about finding new ways to work within the restrictions and still get those unforgettable photos.

Final Thoughts

The Magellan Discoverer

We’re very excited for the launch of the Magellan Discoverer in December 2026. Her inaugural voyage will be special—it’ll include the Chilean fjords and feature one-way sailing across the Drake Passage with a return flight. If you’ve ever wanted to experience both sailing and flying, this is the perfect trip.

MT Sobek and Antarctica21 are both pioneers in adventure travel—our partnership is a natural one. We’re proud to send travelers to Antarctica with a company that values sustainability, education, and truly personalized exploration.

Ready to go? Let us help you plan your polar adventure—and don’t forget: current promotions include $2,000 off 2026 trips and some amazing rates for 2025–2026 departures, including a rare Ocean Nova voyage under $14,000 per person. Reach out to MT Sobek or talk to one of our experienced travel consultants at 800-974-0300. And of course, you can download our Fly & Cruise itinerary right from our website.

Antarctica is waiting. Let’s get you there!