Classic
Antarctica Air-Cruise
Fly over the Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Wildlife, Scenery, Optional kayaking and snowshoeing - 8 Days
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Regions:
Antarctic Peninsula |
South Georgia |
South Shetland Islands |
Falkland Islands -
Arctic
Includes round- trip flight from Punta Arenas, Chile with 6 days in Antarctica. Time spent in Antarctica is equivalent to an 11- day traditional ship cruise.
Trip Highlights: Fly over the 'infamous' Drake Passage
directly to King George Island to embark the Ocean Nova. Expect
good guides and a comfortable expedition ship with a fantastic
glass- enclosed observation lounge.
Ship: Ocean Nova
(Air- Cruise) - Expedition Ship
Passengers: 67
Introduction
In less than two hours of flying from Punta Arenas, Chile, arrive at Frei Station on King George Island (the largest Island of the South Shetland Archipelago) where you will embark the Ocean Nova at the gates of the white continent. From King George Island you will navigate for six days and five nights along the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting the most wonderful places and enjoying the best wildlife sites of Antarctica. With daily excursions, your naturalist team will be giving lectures to introduce and inform you about this wonderful continent. This unique experience is sure to be the trip of your lifetime!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
Upon arrival
in the city of Punta Arenas you will be greeted by a staff member
and transferred to Hotel Rey Don Felipe. During the afternoon,
you will meet your expedition mates and receive instructions
concerning the guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica
and the procedures for Zodiac boat embarkation and disembarkation.
Later, enjoy a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers
while enjoying regional cuisine.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island / Embark
Your Antarctic adventure will begin with the two hour flight
from Punta Arenas to King George Island (the largest of the
South Shetland Islands). Upon arrival, you will be able to tour
around the area where the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen
Russian Base are located. Gather at the beach on Fildes Bay
for embarkation of your expedition vessel by Zodiac boats.
Days 3- 6: Exploring Antarctica,
South Shetland Islands
& Antarctic Peninsula
While cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western
coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice- filled
fjords and between spectacular icebergs, you will enjoy the
company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Your journey
southwards will include visits to some of the most magnificent
spots on the white continent, such as: Livingston Island, Port
Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception
Islands amongst others. Your target will be the crossing of
the Lemaire Channel and latitude 65° South. Your adventure will
be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac
boats, lectures and a very enjoyable time onboard.
Day 7: Disembark / Fly to Punta Arenas
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.)
Day 8: Punta Arenas depart
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your
onward flight.
Notes:
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
As a requirement
of participation on this expedition, all passengers must purchase
insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation
in remote areas, including Antarctica. Other conditions may
apply based on pre- existing conditions. We strongly recommend
at least $200,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage which
includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage
and personal property. We can assist U.S. residents with travel
protection options.
Getting There & Getting Home:
Arrive in Punta Arenas on Day 1, no later than 2 p.m. The
same deadline applies to travelers arriving directly to the
hotel on Day 1. That afternoon, all travelers must attend a
mandatory safety and Antarctic briefing session covering
important practical details. You must also attend a fitting
session for your expedition boots. Participation in these
activities is essential for the success of the expedition.
Travelers who miss the 2 p.m. deadline will be considered
'no shows' - they will not be able to participate
in the expedition and will not receive a refund. Tight connections
during an Antarctic expedition are not recommended. Therefore,
it is strongly recommended that a flexible air ticket be held
for your journey home. In addition, booking a departing flight
on the same day as the return flight from Antarctica is not
recommended.
The Aircraft:
The BAE 146- 200 was manufactured
in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace and is equipped with
4 turbofan Honeywell engines. It is a high- wing aircraft with
very short runway requirements which makes it particularly suited
for this kind of destination. It is operated by Aerovias DAP,
which has more than 20 years of experience flying in Patagonia
and Antarctica.
Luggage Weight Restriction:
Due to the
limited carrying capacity of the aircraft, passengers can only
carry 20- kg / 44- lbs of personal luggage, including carry-
on. This weight restriction is strictly enforced - it is not
possible to purchase extra allowance. Note that ALL luggage
will be weighed. Soft- sided luggage is recommended.
Contingency Plan:
Some departures in
the past have experienced delays. Based on past experience,
the estimated chance of delay is very low. Still, it is important
that prospective participants understand that flights to and
from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. Travelers
are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling
of airline tickets or onward travel plans. In the unlikely event
that the flight to Antarctica cannot operate due to unfavorable
conditions, whether at point of origin in Punta Arenas and/or
at the destination in Antarctica, the following contingency
plan applies.
Antarctica- bound Flight: (Flight from Punta
Arenas to King George Island):
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 accommodations
at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, meals, and guided excursions
to local attractions. If by 2 p.m. on Day 4 of the itinerary
it is still not possible to reach Antarctica, the trip will
be interrupted and the cruise fare will be refunded. Between
Day 1 and until 2 p.m. on Day 4, every effort will be made to
transport passengers to Antarctica, taking into consideration
their safety and the safety of the aircraft. The daily program
described below will apply: Day 2: Guided tours to sites of
historic and wildlife interest in Punta Arenas will be provided.
Meals are included as well as accommodation at the same hotel
included on Day 1 of the itinerary. Day 3: Guided tours to sites
of historic and wildlife interest in Punta Arenas will be provided.
Meals are included as well as accommodation at the same hotel
included on Day 1 of the itinerary. Day 4: If by 2 p.m. the
shipping company cannot transport passengers to Antarctica,
the trip will be interrupted. Accommodation with breakfast in
a 3- star hotel in Punta Arenas will be provided. No other services
or meals will be included. The shipping company will refund
each passenger 100% the cruise fare paid for the expedition.
Day 5: Group airport transfers are provided. No other services
or meals are included.
Return Flight: (Flight from King George
Island to Punta Arenas)
In case the return flight to Punta
Arenas is moved forward, passengers will disembark the ship
and fly to Punta Arenas up to one day earlier than indicated
in the itinerary. On arrival, accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos
Hotel or similar will be provided. All other inclusions will
remain per the original itinerary. In case the return flight
from Antarctica to Punta Arenas experiences a delay, passengers
on board the ship will continue cruising to nearby places until
the return flight to Punta Arenas is authorized. In such case,
shipboard accommodation, full board, and all excursions are
included. No refund will be extended for any reason whatsoever.
Kayaking:
Limited to 10 participants
per cruise. Prior kayaking experience and the ability to swim
are required. Kayakers will be under the guidance and leadership
of an experienced Kayak Master at all times. Minimum age for
participation is 16. Space is limited, however, so be certain
to book in advance. Please contact us for additional details.
Hiking & Snowshoeing:
Limited to 12 participants,
no previous experience required. Available on a per excursion
basis. No advance payment; must be paid onboard the ship. Participants
will be led by an experienced mountain guide. Requires a good
level of physical fitness. Minimum age for participation is
12. Please contact us for additional details.
Single Hotel Accommodation:
Single travelers
who book a shared twin cabin will be accommodated in single
rooms at the hotel and must pay a single hotel room supplement.
Note: Passengers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices,
as well as those with conditions that could disturb their traveling
companion, cannot book on a twin- share basis. Please contact
us for additional details.
Antarctic Flight Preferred Seating:
Travelers
can purchase preferred seats on their Antarctic flight. This
option offers travelers an extra level of comfort and a guaranteed
aisle or window seat at the front of the aircraft, as well as
a guaranteed empty middle seat. Priority boarding in Punta Arenas
and an amenities kit are included. Capacity is limited to a
maximum of 8 aisle seats and 8 window seats (aisle 2, 3, 4,
and 5). Please contact us for additional details.
Additional Hotel & Transfer Package:
Travelers can purchase a hotel and transfer package that includes:
one night hotel accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos (or similar)
in Punta Arenas, shared airport- to- hotel transfer, breakfast,
and a drink voucher. Available as a pre- or post- expedition
package.
Included:
Round- trip flights between
Punta Arenas and Frei Station, King George Island; one pre-
expedition hotel night with welcome dinner, drinks, and breakfast
in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on Day
1; one post- expedition hotel night with breakfast in Punta
Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the day of
the scheduled return flight from Antarctica; group transfer
airport/hotel on Day 1; group transfer airport/hotel on day
of scheduled return flight from Antarctica; group transfer hotel/airport
on last day of the air- cruise; shipboard accommodations; guided
shore excursions; onboard lectures and entertainment; comprehensive
pre- and post- voyage information material; gear on loan (waterproof
boots); all meals onboard the ship; wine, beer, juice, and soft
drinks served with lunch and dinner aboard the ship; coffee,
tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks aboard the ship
throughout the expedition; contingency plan (outlined below);
IAATO passenger fee. Subject to change without notice.
Not Included:
Airfare, accommodation,
meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in
the itinerary and the Contingency Plan; preferred seating on
Antarctic flights; optional activities such as sea kayaking
or hiking and snowshoeing; dinner in Punta Arenas upon return
from Antarctica; mandatory evacuation insurance; personal travel
insurance; recommended travel protection policy; personal expenses
(beverages purchased at the ship's bar, communication, laundry,
souvenirs, etc.); gratuities; visas for Chile and/or Argentina;
passport expenses; any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable;
fuel surcharge may apply.
Antarctic Peninsula - Sample Cruises - 2022 - 2023
Trip | Highlights | Prices USD* | Days |
---|---|---|---|
Antarctic Peninsula Expedition | South Shetlands, Antarctic Peninsula, Penguin Rookeries, Lemaire Channel. | $6,895 - $34,716 |
9-12 |
Antarctica Basecamp | Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, mountaineering, and camping out under the Southern Polar skies. | $5,460 - $16,800 |
11 or 12 |
Antarctic Circle Quest | Sail down the Antarctic Peninsula and cross the Antarctic Circle, South Shetland Islands, Wildlife, Scenery. | $7,550 - $33,446 | 10-14 |
South Georgia / Falkland Islands / Antarctica - Sample Cruises - 2022 / 2023
Trip | Highlights | Prices USD* | Days |
---|---|---|---|
South Georgia, Falkland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula | All the major Antarctic highlights, anticipate penguins, whales, seabirds and seals as well as magnificent scenery. | $13,000 - $35,175 | 18-21 |
Antarctica, South Shetlands, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands | All the major Antarctic highlights, anticipate penguins, whales, seabirds and seals as well as magnificent scenery. | $11,795 - $42,076 | 15 |
* Prices are based per person, the lowest price is usually for triple occupancy in a basic cabin, the highest for double occupancy in the best available suite.
Options may be at additional cost and are usually booked when the cruise is booked - it may be too late once the cruise has started.
Contact me about a trip to the Antarctic!
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an Antarctic Expert will contact you
Departures from late October to early March
Our partner company, Antarctica Travels, have been passionately helping people to reach their ultimate destination.
All enquiries will be answered from our office in Patagonia, Argentina.
Dozens of trips - unique combinations of ship + itinerary
Choice of ships - 108 to 139 passenger capacity
$8,050 to $40,000
10 to 33 days
Please note - we cannot help directly to find employment in Antarctica, please do not use this form to request any other information than for Antarctic tourist trips

