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Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise

Unforgettable Glacial Majesty & Incredible Wildlife

 

Journey through narrow straits of jaw-dropping majesty and gaze at vast glaciers of incandescent blue on this trip of a lifetime. A two-hour flight from Punta Arenas brings you to Antarctica's doorstep where you'll board your comfortable cruise ship. While sea conditions determine the itinerary, our ships call on remarkable places such as Deception Island - a volcanic caldera that we can sail into - and Paradise Bay, a favorite spot for Zodiac cruising to see fantastical iceberg sculptures. Few places on Earth make a deeper or more lasting impression than Antarctica.

Note: This cruise is not privately chartered for MT Sobek travelers. In order to offer the widest selection of travel dates and flexibility for our guests, MT Sobek works directly with the ship owner to book MT Sobek travelers on scheduled departures throughout the year, and we are pleased to offer our in-house expertise and services to assist you every step of the way.

The actual itinerary routes vary from departure to departure - for additional dates and more information about each departure, call for details.

  • Discover the otherworldly beauty of Antarctica from the comfort of your luxury expedition ship

  • Save precious time by swapping the Drake Passage for a flight

  • Explore the Antarctic panorama of stunning icebergs, glaciers, whales, penguins, and other wildlife

Contact an Expert

Save $2,000 Per Person on Select Departures

Please call for an exact quote. Pricing varies by cabin category.

Arrive:

Punta Arenas, Chile

Depart:

Punta Arenas, Chile

Price: from $14,595

Duration:

8 Days

Departures:

See Dates

Group Size:

Up to 71 Guests

Min Age:

8 yrs

Activity:

Level 1

You can expect 1 or 2 half-day excursions for each day in Antarctica depending on weather conditions. During guided shore excursions, guests break up into smaller special interest groups with several options ranging from an easy shoreline walk to a strenuous hike (1-3 hours.) Excursions may include a Zodiac cruise to observe icebergs and wildlife (1-1.5 hours.)
Learn more here.

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

  • Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile

    Day 1

    Receive a warm welcome in Punta Arenas, Chile, and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, gather for a briefing on important voyage information and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. In the evening, raise a toast to the trip with your fellow adventurers while dining on regional fare.

    Accommodation: Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas

    Recently renovated in modern European style, this large hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms - some with sea views. Modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV and room service are provided. There is a restaurant on-site, but the flavors of Punta Arenas await just outside your door, as do museums and other attractions.

    Meals: Dinner

  • Fly to Antarctica

    Day 2

    A quick flight whisks you from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Step off the plane and breathe in the clear Antarctic air for the very first time, then have the chance to explore Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen station. Finally, board a Zodiac to embark for your expedition vessel.

    Accommodation: Ocean Nova-Polar Expedition Ship

    Clean, crisp Scandinavian styling define this well-reputed Arctic ship. It was built in Denmark in 1992 to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship has since been upgraded twice and includes a glass-enclosed top-deck observation lounge. The Ocean Nova offers outside cabins, a spacious dining room and a comfortable library.

    Accommodation: Magellan Explorer

    The Magellan Explorer is the world's first expedition ship custom designed for Antarctic air-cruise operations. The ship provides a stylish base and boutique hospitality for up to 69 passengers, and includes dining areas and observation decks with expansive views - plus a gym and sauna. The ship is being built to the latest Polar Code specifications for safety and maneuverability.

    Transportation: 2-hour transfer flight

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

    Day 3

    On Days 3 to 6, cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sail through ice-filled channels and among spectacular icebergs, enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Disembark by Zodiac and explore with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend engaging lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge. The expedition team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time.

    Accommodation: Ocean Nova-Polar Expedition Ship

    Clean, crisp Scandinavian styling define this well-reputed Arctic ship. It was built in Denmark in 1992 to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship has since been upgraded twice and includes a glass-enclosed top-deck observation lounge. The Ocean Nova offers outside cabins, a spacious dining room and a comfortable library.

    Accommodation: Magellan Explorer

    The Magellan Explorer is the world's first expedition ship custom designed for Antarctic air-cruise operations. The ship provides a stylish base and boutique hospitality for up to 69 passengers, and includes dining areas and observation decks with expansive views - plus a gym and sauna. The ship is being built to the latest Polar Code specifications for safety and maneuverability.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Discover Deception Island & Whaler's Bay

    Day 4

    While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, opportunities abound to discover the best possible overview of the Antarctic environment. These magnificent places include Deception Island, Orne Harbor, Cuverville Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Paulet Harbor, and more.

    Deception Island is one of the few volcanic calderas in the world that large ships can
    sail into and anchor. Explore abandoned whaling stations at Whaler's Bay, hike to a scenic viewpoint, or take the intrepid Polar plunge in the protected waters of the bay. See more than 100,000 chinstrap penguins at Baily Head.

    Accommodation: Ocean Nova-Polar Expedition Ship

    Clean, crisp Scandinavian styling define this well-reputed Arctic ship. It was built in Denmark in 1992 to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship has since been upgraded twice and includes a glass-enclosed top-deck observation lounge. The Ocean Nova offers outside cabins, a spacious dining room and a comfortable library.

    Accommodation: Magellan Explorer

    The Magellan Explorer is the world's first expedition ship custom designed for Antarctic air-cruise operations. The ship provides a stylish base and boutique hospitality for up to 69 passengers, and includes dining areas and observation decks with expansive views - plus a gym and sauna. The ship is being built to the latest Polar Code specifications for safety and maneuverability.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Visit Orne Harbor, Cuverville Island & Paradise Bay

    Day 5

    A steep climb to the summit of Orne Island along Gerlache Strait provides a 360-degree view of the straight, surrounding islands and mountains.

    Visit the peninsula's largest gentoo penguin colony, with 5,000 nesting pairs, on Cuverville Island's rocky shores. Cruise by Zodiac or sea kayak among bergs and curious leopard seals.

    Paradise Bay is one of the Antarctic Peninsula's best-known locations! Land on the continent itself, enjoy sweeping hilltop views (and have fun sliding back down!), and see nesting seabirds and whales in the bay.

    Accommodation: Ocean Nova-Polar Expedition Ship

    Clean, crisp Scandinavian styling define this well-reputed Arctic ship. It was built in Denmark in 1992 to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship has since been upgraded twice and includes a glass-enclosed top-deck observation lounge. The Ocean Nova offers outside cabins, a spacious dining room and a comfortable library.

    Accommodation: Magellan Explorer

    The Magellan Explorer is the world's first expedition ship custom designed for Antarctic air-cruise operations. The ship provides a stylish base and boutique hospitality for up to 69 passengers, and includes dining areas and observation decks with expansive views - plus a gym and sauna. The ship is being built to the latest Polar Code specifications for safety and maneuverability.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Cruise "Kodak Gap"

    Day 6

    A cruise through a breathtakingly narrow Lemaire Channel, with mountain walls rising thousands of feet straight out of the water, is one of the highlights of a trip to Antarctica. Minkes, humpbacks, and orcas are occasionally spotted, and leopard and crabeater seals sometimes frequent the ice floes. This channel runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the most stunning locations on the western coast of Antarctica. The 6.8 miles may become impassable when ice fills the narrow passageway.

    Accommodation: Ocean Nova-Polar Expedition Ship

    Clean, crisp Scandinavian styling define this well-reputed Arctic ship. It was built in Denmark in 1992 to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship has since been upgraded twice and includes a glass-enclosed top-deck observation lounge. The Ocean Nova offers outside cabins, a spacious dining room and a comfortable library.

    Accommodation: Magellan Explorer

    The Magellan Explorer is the world's first expedition ship custom designed for Antarctic air-cruise operations. The ship provides a stylish base and boutique hospitality for up to 69 passengers, and includes dining areas and observation decks with expansive views - plus a gym and sauna. The ship is being built to the latest Polar Code specifications for safety and maneuverability.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Fly from Antarctica to Punta Arenas

    Day 7

    Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, then transfer to your hotel for the night.

    Accommodation: Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas

    Recently renovated in modern European style, this large hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms - some with sea views. Modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV and room service are provided. There is a restaurant on-site, but the flavors of Punta Arenas await just outside your door, as do museums and other attractions.

    Transportation: 2-hour transfer flight

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Depart from Chile

    Day 8

    After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight. Due to the possibility of delay returning from Antarctica, we recommend reserving your outward bound flight for an afternoon departure.

    Meals: Breakfast

show more

Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise

Download Detailed Itinerary

Click here to download the Detailed Itinerary.

What to Expect

 

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

Polar planning can get complicated! We offer in house expertise and services to assist you every step of the way.

Reason #02

Enjoy a boutique Antarctica experience on ships that carry up to 72 passengers on the Ocean Nova and up to 100 passengers on the brand new and purpose-built Magellan Explorer!

Reason #03

Over 30 years offering polar voyages we have built strong relationships with Polar outfitters and ships that cruise the 7th continent.

Meet your guides

Andre Belem

Andre Belem

Andre earned a degree in Oceanography and spent his first Antarctic winter on board the R/V Nathaniel Palmer cruising the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas. This expedition reached the furthest south position for a ship in these waters! Andre then went on to earn a PhD in Polar Oceanography at the Alfred-Wegener Institute. For the last 20 years he has studied Antarctica's role in global climate change, working with other scientists focusing on physical and biological processes in sea ice. When he isn't leading trips, André is Professor of Earth Sciences at Federal University in Rio de Janeiro, leading his research as part of the international team of Past Climate Change Group. 

Nigel Millus

Nigel Millus

Nigel has always had an interest in the outdoors and wildlife, initially visiting Antarctica as a chef where he spent six summers and three winters at British research stations. He eventually learned to scuba dive and bird-watch, and proceeded to work as an ornithologist and naturalist on expedition cruise ships in the Polar regions. He has completed over 140 voyages in the past 18 years all over Antarctica! Nigel is passionate about all things Antarctic and is looking forward to sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with MT Sobek travelers.

Allison Cusick

Allison Cusick

Originally from Seattle, Allison holds an MSc in Marine Biodiversity & Conservation and BSc in Biology with a minor in Earth & Space Sciences. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography and her research focuses on understanding phytoplankton within polar fjords and how melting glaciers influence the ecosystem. As lead scientist to the citizen science project FjordPhyto, she hopes to engage travelers in her research. She first travelled to Antarctica in 2013 on a research ice-breaker in the Ross Sea and has spent her Austral summers on the Antarctic Peninsula. When not doing science, you can find Allison scuba diving or ultra-running, she even ran a marathon in Antarctica, dressed as a banana!

Activities

Expert polar interpretation and on-board presentations, professional navigation through Antarctic waters, and up-close wildlife experiences on Zodiac excursions.

Lodging

Stylish and well-appointed polar expedition ships offer a luxurious way to explore Antarctica. The Hotel Cabo del Hornos awaits in Punta Arenas.

Climate

There may be days of warm sunshine, but be prepared for wind, rain, and possible snow. Daytime temperatures are usually 20°- 32°F.

FAQ

Who will meet me on arrival?

Arrive no later than 2pm on Day 1 and you will be met by a ship representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Will I get sea-sick?

By flying to King George Island, you will skip the open water crossing of the Drake Passage. There are a few hours of open water crossing, but you'll mostly be in protected waters along the Antarctic Peninsula.

What kind of plane will we fly on?

A BAE-146 jet aircraft with the capacity of 71 passengers. It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runway requirements, which make it particularly suited for this kind of destination.

What happens if weather delays the plane?

There is a thorough contingency plan which is outlined in your pre-trip documentation. It includes any necessary hotel nights, meals, and activities in Punta Arenas due to weather delays.

Do you provide waterproof jackets?

No. On this trip, you need to bring your own waterproof outwear - pants and jacket. We have recommendations in the pre-trip documentation.

Do you provide boots?

Yes. On this trip, the ship will provide high-quality insulated polar boots for all travelers.

Where can I find the different cabin types and the difference in pricing?

There are many different cabin options and pricing will depend on the departure date, ship and cabin type you would like to cruise on. Please call our Regional Specialists at 1-888-687-6235 for more details.

Does this trip contribute to any local conservation efforts?

Yes! Each trip offers four citizen science programs that provides an opportunity to join in on hands-on conservation. Participate in whale sightings and identification for Happywhale, Polar Tag sightings, Global Seafarer Study of Marine Phytoplankton, and seabird surveys for the Antarctic Site Inventory.

Pack Ice - Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise
chinstrap penguins - Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise
kayakers - Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise
seal - Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise
hiking group - Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise
antarctic sunset - Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise
gentoo penguin pair - Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise

Testimonials

"We have traveled throughout the world, but never experienced a level of service and attention to detail as we did with MT Sobek."

Dennis G.
MT Sobek Guest

"The "Fly & Cruise" is the best way to maximize your time on "The White Continent" and is a terrific value!"

Pam M.
MT Sobek Guest, Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruise

Trustpilot
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • Go Custom

2022

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Dec 01 - 08, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    AvailableConfirmed
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 02 - 09, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person

    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 06 - 13, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    AvailableConfirmed
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 07 - 14, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person with Min. 3 Guests

    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 11 - 18, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 12 - 19, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person with Min. 3 Guests

    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 16 - 23, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 17 - 24, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person with Min. 3 Guests

    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 21 - 28, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 22 - 29, 2022
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Dec 31 2022 - Jan 07, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    AvailableConfirmed
    Request This Trip

Price Includes

  • Pricing based on double occupancy in a Porthole Cabin
  • Expertise and services of experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage
  • Flight transfer from Punta Arenas to King George Islands on embarkation day
  • Flight transfer from King George Island to Punta Arenas on disembarkation day

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

2023

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Scheduled Dates

  • Jan 14 - 21, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    AvailableConfirmed
    Request This Trip
  • Jan 17 - 24, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person with Min. 3 Guests

    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Jan 27 - Feb 03, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person with Min. 3 Guests

    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Jan 31 - Feb 07, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    AvailableConfirmed
    Request This Trip
  • Feb 01 - 08, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person

    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Feb 06 - 13, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person

    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Feb 11 - 18, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion

    Special Pricing

    $2,000 Off Per Person with Min. 3 Guests

    Waitlist
    Request This Trip
  • Feb 15 - 22, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    Available
    Request This Trip
  • Feb 25 - Mar 04, 2023
    $14,595 price per person dbl occ
    +$895 sea kayaking program+$85 snowshoeing per excursion
    Waitlist
    Request This Trip

Price Includes

  • Pricing based on double occupancy in a Porthole Cabin
  • Expertise and services of experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage
  • Flight transfer from Punta Arenas to King George Islands on embarkation day
  • Flight transfer from King George Island to Punta Arenas on disembarkation day

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert

800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure

Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.

*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.

Start Planning

Inspiration to Explore

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