Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style - 10 Days - $16,195
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 4 days ‘off ship’ exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
- Choice of two purpose-built expedition ships with capacity for 135 and 140 guests
- Antarctic operational experience since 1992
- Excellent expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:7
- Pre and post-cruise hotel nights included
- Complimentary 3-in-1 expedition parka jacket & loan of boots
- Alcoholic drinks included with dinner and during bar opening times on board
- Optional adventure activities on select departures: kayaking program, one-off paddle and paddleboarding excursions (limited places, at additional cost)
Start from Punta Arenas and end at Ushuaia
Landmarks potentially visited on Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure starts in Punta Arenas, a windy port city at the southern tip of Chile. Once a penal colony, this destination is now a cosmopolitan hub.
Please note that you'll need to arrive at the airport no later than 1pm today. After you land, you’ll be welcomed and whisked off to your comfortable hotel in Punta Arenas with a group transfer. After checking in for your complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay, you’re free to explore the city’s historical sites. Cap off the day by joining your fellow explorers for an included welcome dinner. You will also be briefed on the current anticipated timings for departure on your flight to Antarctica.
Day 2: Embarking on your ship
After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, when there is a clear weather window a group transfer will take you to the airport in Punta Arenas, where you’ll board your charter flight to Antarctica. Skipping the rolling seas of the Drake Passage outbound cuts your journey down from two days at sea to two hours by plane.
Please keep in mind that the expected flight timings can alter at the last minute due to changing weather conditions in Antarctica. You’ll need to be prepared to leave the hotel for the airport at any time – you will be kept up to date locally of the scheduling on the day.
If the skies are clear, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the South Shetland Islands and perhaps some icebergs as your plane descends towards King George Island. A short hop by minibus past the Chilean and Russian research bases takes you to the shore. Here, your zodiac shuttle to the ship awaits and the adventure begins in earnest. Keep your eyes peeled for the odd penguin popping up on the beach, a perfect welcoming committee!
Days 3 to 6: Exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
As your adventure unfolds, you’ll feel as if you have stepped onto another planet. Snow-laden mountains and colossal glaciers dominate the continent, which you'll spend the next four days exploring. In between excursions, spend plenty of time out on deck admiring the pristine landscapes and sculptural icebergs, and look out for the blow from a surfacing whale or the splash of penguins porpoising through the water.
While Antarctica’s ever-changing weather and ice conditions will dictate your exact itinerary, the experienced Expedition Team will work hard to maximise your opportunities for exploring. You might be out on scenic zodiac cruises taking in glorious icebergs from the water level while looking for seals hauled out for a snooze, or heading on foot to watch the hilarious antics of gentoo penguins in a chaotic rookery.
Days 7 & 8: Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia
Having skipped over the Drake Passage en route to the continent, you'll pick up the true badge of honour for any intrepid Antarctic explorer and conquer this notorious sea crossing on your way home. If the route is calm enough (a Drake Lake), spend time on deck watching out for wildlife – this is one of the best places to see huge seabirds such as albatross and petrels. Though harder to spot, there could be opportunities for cetaceans, such as the greyhounds of the sea-fin whales.
Before the final chapter of your adventure closes, you can continue to deepen your Antarctic knowledge with the excellent educational program of immersive lectures offered by the Expedition Team on topics such as polar history, marine biology and glaciology. The time at sea also offers a welcome chance to process the awe-inspiring experience you've had in Antarctica before returning to the buzz of civilisation.
Day 9: Disembark and stay overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina
Following a final breakfast on board, bid farewell to your dedicated crew as you disembark in Ushuaia, a lively port city at the very southern tip of Argentina. You'll take a complimentary group transfer to your hotel and check-in for a free night's stay. You have the rest of the day to explore the city, sampling Patagonian cuisine such as lamb or king crab and visiting some of the souvenir shops. Alternatively, drop into the quirky Maritime Museum at the city's old prison, or hike up towards Martial Glacier for spectacular views over the city.
Day 10: Leave for home
Today, you'll either spend more time soaking up the sights of Ushuaia or make your own way to the airport for the first leg of your journey home.
PLEASE NOTE: While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch.
This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.
Why our customers love Swoop
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
About The Ship
- Sleek X-bow design reduces noise and vibration
- Highly ice-strengthened hull rated PC6
- 95% of the spacious cabins have a private balcony
- Features two outdoor Jacuzzis and a sizzling sauna
- Double height windows flood the library and lounge with Antarctic light
- Optional activities including camping, kayaking and one-off paddling (additional cost, select departures)
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on two people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $16195
Additional Notes
While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, there are two dedicated single cabins. Alternatively, the single supplement is 1.7 to 2 times the cost of a standard twin occupancy cabin. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for solo passengers willing to share a cabin, which is available on a twin share basis in select cabin categories.
Children aged 8 years old with a height of 48ins (1.2m) and over are permitted on this trip. Please contact us for more details.
Optional Adventure Activities
Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.
Activity | Cost | Additional Information |
---|---|---|
Kayaking | $995 | An immersive full sea kayaking program for those who want to kayak multiple times (as often as weather and ice conditions allow). Prior kayaking experience is required and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Subject to weather and ice conditions. Booking in advance is essential. |
Paddling | $295 | A one-off paddle session lasting approximately 60-90 minutes using sit-on-top kayaks. Available on all departures, subject to weather and ice conditions. Minimal kayaking experience is required. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. |
Paddleboarding | $295 | Select departures only, subject to weather conditions. One-off paddleboarding session. Basic competency required. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. |
Includes
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Pre-embarkation hotel night and breakfast in Punta Arenas, Chile
- Post-voyage hotel night and breakfast in Ushuaia, Argentina
- 2 hour one-way charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
- Online photo journal of the voyage
- Complimentary 3-in-1 parka jacket
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Accommodation, meals and soft drinks during the voyage on full board
- A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
- Beer, standard wines and spirits, as well as cocktails, during bar service hours (typically pre-dinner and evenings) and dinner
- Basic complimentary WIFI access for one device at a time per guest
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites
- Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person (please note that travel insurance - including medical and curtailment cover - is still mandatory)
Excludes
- Any flights to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation not listed as included
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional additional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking or paddleboarding)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, premium beverages and high data communication
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)