Fly & Cruise Polar Circle - 10 Days - $22,495
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 7 full days in Antarctica
- One of the highlights is plunging south to the little-visited Antarctic Circle
- Access Antarctica in only 2 hours by flying in from Punta Arenas, Chile
- Antarctic operational experience since 1992
- Impressively high expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6
- Kayaking and one-off paddling available (additional cost)
- Complimentary pre & post-cruise hotel nights, plus 3-in-1 parka jacket
- House drinks included with onboard dinner & bar service
Start from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and end at Punta Arenas to Antarctica
Landmarks potentially visited on Fly & Cruise Polar Circle
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive into Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in windy Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your included hotel. Here, you'll be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day and the anticipated flight schedule, which is highly weather dependent. You'll then enjoy an included welcome dinner and the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Please note that you must arrive no later than 2pm.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship is approaching King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes will be from a unique perspective as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
Days 3 to 5: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.
Your first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, you'll be alerted to any new sightings. The team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are your daily excursions to land. Your first zodiac landing is something you'll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.
Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won't be long before you can tell the difference between an Adelie, Gentoo or Chinstrap penguin. You may take a zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and killer whales in action, you'll welcome each day with a sense of adventure and excitement.
Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit.
Days 6 & 7: The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66 degrees 33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you've made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most magical, odd ice formations are seen anywhere in Antarctica.
Days 8 & 9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven't had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you'll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to journey to land by zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.
Day 10: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, you'll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 11: Depart for Home
After breakfast, say goodbye to your fellow explorers and depart for home.
NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flight(s) to/ from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.
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.
What our customers think of Fly & Cruise Polar Circle
Fly & Cruise Polar Circle trips scored 4.7/5 from 11 reviews
Review:
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
- 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 2 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 $22495
Additional Notes
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, there are 2 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.
At the date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64lbs (29kg) and 48ins (1.2m) must be met. Please contact us for 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. Available on all departures, subject to weather and ice conditions. Booking in advance is essential. . |
Paddling | $295 | 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. |
Includes
- Return charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica (2 hours each way)
- Pre and post voyage airport transfers in Punta Arenas
- 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay with dinner and breakfast, 1 night post-cruise hotel stay with breakfast, both in Punta Arenas
- Online photo journal of voyage
- Complimentary 3-in-1 parka jacket
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
- Beer, standard wines and spirits, as well as cocktails, are included during bar service hours (typically pre-dinner and evenings) and dinner (from November 2024 onwards)
- Basic complimentary WiFi access for one device at a time per guest (from November 2024 onwards)
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- 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 and transfers to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation not listed as included
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Dinner on the evening of Day 10, back in Punta Arenas
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional additional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking and one-off paddling)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and high data communication
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop, spa services if offered)