Summer in Antarctica is a world of long bright days and an explosion of wildlife – the best time to visit this continent is now, with abundant penguins fattening up their chicks, seals lounging on ice floes and whales feeding around the ship. These midsummer days are not just great for photographers (with sunlight almost until midnight), but also the perfect time for camping out on the ice, and trying out some unique activities like skiing, kayaking or snowshoeing. We’ll visit the historical sites you’ve heard about, and show you a completely unique and unforgettable wilderness.
With only one crossing of the Drake Passage, our fly/sail itineraries allow you more time for exploration and getting up close and personal with the amazing wildlife Antarctica has to offer!
Details
Dates: 13 – 23 January 2021 (ANP137G)
Duration: 11 days | Fly/Sail
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile (fly to King George Island)
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ship: Greg Mortimer (brand new in 2019)
Expedition Highlights:
- Gorgeous long summer days on the peninsula
- Zodiac cruise in search of feeding whales
- Experience polar diving and polar snorkeling with expert guides (Surcharges apply)
- Tour scientific research stations and historic huts
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to your downtown hotel (preferred flights only).
Day 2 – Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island
Morning flight to King George Island, and Zodiac transfer to board the Greg Mortimer.
Days 3-9 – Antarctic Peninsula
Our experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design our voyage from day to day. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Options include: zodiac and kayaking excursions to look for humpback whales, camping ashore (weather and time permitting), hiking and visits to penguin rookeries, seal haulouts and historic huts.
A sample of some of the places where we may land, hike, photograph or view spectacular wildlife incudes:
- Paradise Harbour
- Hydrurga Rocks
- Half Moon Island
- Lemaire Channel
- Port Lockroy
- Petermann Island
- Penola Strait
- Enterprise Island
- Melchior Islands
- Neko Harbour
- Robert Point
- Pleneau Island
- Vernadsky (Ukrainian scientific base)
- Antarctic Sound
- Cuverville Island
- Danco Island
Day 9 – Drake Passage crossing
Drake Passage crossing to Ushuaia.
Day 11 – Disembark Ushuaia
On arrival in Ushuaia we will disembark the Greg Mortimer. A transfer to either downtown Ushuaia or to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage.
Please note that all of our itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. Our itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.
Rates
| CABIN | PRICE PER PERSON |
| Aurora Stateroom, private bathroom | US $13,100 |
| Balcony Stateroom, private bathroom | From US $13,900 |
| Balcony Suite, private bathroom | US $17,600 |
| Junior Suite, private bathroom | US $20,900 |
| Captain’s Suite, private bathroom | US $24,300 |
Activities: Sea kayaking (From US $1200pp), Photography (included), Snorkeling, (From US $800pp), Alpine Trekking/Climbing (From US $1260pp), Snowshoeing (From US $320pp).
Voyage Inclusions
- Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1 (preferred flights only)
- One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas on Day 1
- Transfer from hotel to airport in Punta Arenas on Day 2
- Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island on Day 2
- Transfer to downtown Ushuaia or airport on Day 11
- On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
- Access to our onboard doctor and basic medical services
- A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- A printed photo book produced with photos from your voyage
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
Voyage Exclusions
- International or domestic flights to or within South America, unless specified
- Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination charges
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
- Optional activity surcharges
- All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
Bookings
To register your interest to join us in Antarctica for this once in a lifetime experience, click here.
Pre-departure information for this tour, click here
