Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari - 8 Days - $16,795
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 4 full days in Antarctica = 8 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
- Access Antarctica in just 2 hours by flying instead of sailing for 2 days
- Antarctic operational experience since 1992
- Impressively high expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6
- Expedition starts and finishes in Punta Arenas, Chile
- Choice of 2 sleek expedition ships with capacity for 138 & 140 guests
- Optional extra activities such as kayaking, one-off paddle and stand-up paddleboarding (select departures, additional cost)
- Complimentary pre and post-cruise hotel nights in Punta Arenas
- Complimentary 3-in-1 expedition parka jacket
- House alcoholic drinks included with dinner & during evening bar service
Start from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and end at Punta Arenas to Antarctica
Landmarks potentially visited on Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari
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, where you will be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day and the anticipated flight schedule, which is highly weather dependent. In the evening, you will enjoy an included welcome dinner and get the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Please note that you must arrive no later than 2pm this afternoon.
Day 2: Flight to Antarctica and embarkation
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the infamous Drake Passage in only a few hours. Way below, the ship is approaching King George Island for your arrival. The dramatic Antarctic landscapes soon become visible as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. After landing, you will be transferred by minivan to the beach, where you will board your zodiac to your ship.
Days 3 to 6: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As we approach the white continent, don't be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.
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 geology, 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. You may take a zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a Chinstrap 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 the excitement and energy of a young child. The Expedition Team will be with you throughout, providing insights into the places you visit and offering photography tips to get the most out of your expedition.
Day 7: Disembarkation and fly to Punta Arenas
After your four days 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 journey to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy one final dinner (not included) to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 8: Depart for home
After breakfast, you will make your own way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
Please 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 Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari
Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari trips scored 4.6/5 from 23 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 $16795
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 64 lbs or 29kg and 48" or 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
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 7, back in Punta Arenas
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional additional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking, paddling and paddleboarding)
- 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)