Antarctica Fly & Adventure Cruising Tour
Unforgettable Glacial Majesty & Incredible Wildlife
- Available: January, February, March, November, December
- Activity: Level 1
- Accommodations: Luxury Small Ship, Comfortable Small Ship, Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- 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
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
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
Accommodation: Magellan ExplorerTransportation: 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
Accommodation: Magellan ExplorerMeals: 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.
nnnnAccommodation: Ocean Nova-Polar Expedition Ship
Accommodation: Magellan ExplorerMeals: 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 strait, 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
Accommodation: Magellan ExplorerMeals: 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
Accommodation: Magellan ExplorerMeals: 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
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
Why Travel With Us?
Polar planning can get complicated! We offer in house expertise and services to assist you every step of the way.
Enjoy a boutique Antarctica experience on ships that carry up to 72 passengers on the Ocean Nova and up to 100 passengers on the purpose-built Magellan Explorer!
We have been offering polar voyages since the mid-nineties, consistently building strong relationships with outfitters that cruise the 7th continent.
Know Before You Book
Pricing
Please call for an exact quote. Pricing varies by cabin category. A 30% nonrefundable deposit is needed to secure your reservation.
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.
Dates & Prices
- 2024
- 2025
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2024
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
2025
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
Special Details
Magellan Explorer
Special Details
Ocean Nova
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 PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of experienced adventure guides
- Pricing based on double occupancy in a Porthole Cabin
- Flight transfer from Punta Arenas to King George Islands on embarkation day
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- Flight transfer from King George Island to Punta Arenas on disembarkation day
- 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
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
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Andre B.
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 M.
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 C.
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!
Activity Level
This trip is rated 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 about activity levels here.
Accommodations
Stylish and well-appointed polar expedition ships offer a luxurious way to explore Antarctica. The Hotel Cabo del Hornos awaits in Punta Arenas.
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.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas
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.
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 72 passengers, and includes dining areas and observation decks with expansive views — plus a gym and sauna. The ship is built to the latest Polar Code specifications for safety and maneuverability.
Weather
There may be days of warm sunshine, but be prepared for wind, rain, and possible snow. Daytime temperatures are usually 20°- 32°F.
FAQs
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.
