Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Fly over the Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Wildlife, Scenery, Optional kayaking and snowshoeing
 8 Days  |  Departures: 12/07/18, 12/12/18, 12/17/18, 12/22/18, 12/27/18, 01/17/19, 01/29/19, 02/13/19  |  From $11,395

Information: Antarctic travel basics | more travel details | fly to Antarctica | FAQ's | Request Contact | clothing | boots
Regions:  Antarctic Peninsula | South Georgia | South Shetland Islands | Falkland Islands

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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.

Testimonials  |  Ship types

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.

Rates: $11,395 - $21,495, Triple: from $11,395, Twins from: $12,395, Single from $16,395
Single supplement: 1.85 x the regular double occupancy twin rate.
Child Discount: 5% off the regular per person rate for children age 8 to 12 years old (min age 8 years old)
Shared Accommodation: Can be arranged on request, based on availability. Contact us for details.
Kayaking Supplement: $895 per person
Hiking and Snowshoeing Supplement: $195 per person (Available selected departures only).
Additional Costs:
Antarctica Flight Preferred Seating Supplement: $495 per person (round-trip)
Single Hotel Accommodation Supplement: $450 (Subject to change)

Ship: Ocean Nova (Air-Cruise) - Expedition Ship
Passengers: 67

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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!

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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.

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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 emergency evacuation/repatriation insurance at a minimum coverage of $50,000. We strongly recommend at least $200,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage for Antarctic trips which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. We can assist U.S. residents with this.

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 at 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 a 'no show'. They will not be able to participate in the expedition and will receive no refund. A tight time-schedule connection with an Antarctic expedition is not recommended. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home, and in any case not to book a flight on the same day as the return flight from Antarctica.

The Aircraft:
The 70 passenger 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 Aerovías DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience of flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.

Luggage Weight Restriction:
Due to the limited carrying capacity of the aircraft, participants in the Antarctica Fly and Cruise program can only carry 20 kg / 44 lb of personal luggage, including carry-on. This weight restriction is enforced strictly. Note that hand luggage will be weighed as well as checked baggage. 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, in the range of 5-10%. Still, it is important that prospective participants understand that weather conditions could impact the operation. Travelers are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling of airline tickets or onward travel plans.

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 PM on Day 4 of the itinerary it is still not possible to reach Antarctica, the trip will be interrupted. Should weather delay a departure, the contingency plan detailed below will be put into operation. 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: 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 will not be able to 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 to 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 from Antarctica to Punta Arenas experiences a delay, passengers on board the ship will continue cruising near King George Island, until the return flight to Punta Arenas can be arranged. In such case, shipboard accommodation, full board, and all excursions will be provided at no additional charge. No refunding for whatever reason is foreseen.

Aircraft for Antarctic Flights:
The decision over which aircraft will be used for the Antarctica Fly and Cruise program is at the sole discretion of the tour operator. In case of unfavorable conditions or other circumstances beyond the tour operator’s control, either at the point of origin and/or at the destination, the tour operator reserves the right to fly different aircraft than the one described in the program information material.

Kayaking:
Limited to 10 participants per cruise, prior kayaking experience required. Kayakers will be under the guidance and leadership of an experienced guide 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:
Select departures only Limited to 12 participants, no previous experience required. 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 and to book in advance.

Single Hotel Accommodation:
Single travelers who book a twin cabin on a shared basis will be accommodated in single rooms at the hotel. 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.

Antarctic Flight Preferred Seating:
Travelers can purchase preferred seats on their Antarctic flight. This option offers travelers with an extra level of comfort and a guaranteed aisle or window seat at the front of the aircraft, as well as a guaranteed 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).

Additional Hotel & Transfer Package:
Travelers can purchase a shared airport to hotel transfer; one night hotel accommodation at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Punta Arenas; 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 breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos 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; transfers between the airport and the hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica; transfer from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise program; cabin accommodations and meals aboard the ship; complimentary wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner aboard the ship; complimentary coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccinos, water, and snacks aboard the ship throughout expedition; guided shore excursions; onboard lectures and entertainment; comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material; loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica; contingency plan (outlined below); IAATO passenger fee. Subject to change without notice.

Not Included:
Airfare except flights specified in the inclusions; visa and/or passport expenses; arrival and departure taxes, if applicable; transfers other than those offered in the program, lodging and meals other than those offered in the program; mandatory evacuation insurance; recommended travel insurance; personal expenses, such as beverages from bar; laundry service, telephone calls, use of Internet or other means of communication, etc.; gratuity to ship's crew at the end of the voyage; fuel surcharge may apply.

  Notes

* 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.