Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
Trip type
Fly & Cruise
Trip length
12 Days
From
$23,795 -$48,995
Ship Comfort
Comfort & Adventure
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula - 12 Days - $23,795
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- 8 full days in Antarctica = 16 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
- Flies both ways over the Drake passage - in just 2 hours
- Travelling on a small ship with a maximum of 130 guests means faster logistics and a more intimate experience of Antarctica
- Antarctic operational experience since 1992
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8, which is low & ensures a high level of personalisation
- Includes pre and post flight hotel nights in Punta Arenas
- Kayaking, diving and snorkelling activities on selected departures (additional cost)
- Complimentary parka jacket, drinks with dinner on board & post-voyage digital photo book
Start from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and end at Punta Arenas to Antarctica
Landmarks potentially visited on Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel. Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world’s most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile’s rich history.
Tonight, we will gather to meet our fellow expeditioners and a briefing on the first leg of our expedition – our flight to Antarctica!
Day 2: King George Island
This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our early morning charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica. The flight will take approximately one-and-a-half hours.
On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you for your Zodiac transfer to your vessel. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important briefings.
King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order for the plane to take off and land safely, so delays are very possible.
Days 3–10: Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica: spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever. On arrival, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight, plenty of time to fill your days with adventure.
Your experienced expedition team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day. Having made countless journeys to this area, they will choose the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day, along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will transport you from the ship to land, to visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
Whilst ashore there is a chance to stretch your legs and wander along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the option to do that whenever conditions allow. Keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!
We may also cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. No better time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible White Continent.
Day 11: King George Island to Punta Arenas
As we approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and our amazing adventure before boarding our return flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to our preferred downtown hotel.
Day 12: Punta Arenas
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
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
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.
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 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 the Antarctic Peninsula
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula trips scored 4.3/5 from 11 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
Patented X-Bow design
Your vessel at sea
Wildlife spotting from the bridge of the vessel
Dining room
Observation deck
Lecture lounge
Elephant Island bar
Onboard gym suite
Polar library
Viewing icebergs and wildlife
The view over the bow of the vessel
Kayaking from the vessel
A Zodiac adventure
Your expedition vessel
Your vessel in Antarctic waters
- With its sleek X-bow lines and groundbreaking design, few new polar ships have created such excitement.
- Zodiac platforms specially designed for quick boardings and more time exploring
- State-of-the-art stabiliser system and polar code 6 ice rating
- Large, comfortable cabins
With her slick lines, small number of guests, well-priced balcony suites and onboard hot tub, this is one of the hottest ships in Antarctica right now.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
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.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $23795
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, the single supplement is 1.5 times the cost of a single berth. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.
Children aged 8 years old or over are permitted on this trip. There isn't any concession on pricing. 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
|
$1,295 | 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 to at least intermediate level 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. Available on select departures. Cost varies from USD $1295-1330. |
Polar snorkelling
|
$640 | Available on select departures. No experience required. Dry suit provided. |
|
Paddling
|
$640 | Available on select departures. A gentler option staying closer to shore and using inflatable kayaks, in a group of maximum 6 participants. Includes multiple outings, subject to suitable weather and ice conditions. Suitable for novices and only offered in calm conditions. Booking in advance is essential. |
Includes
- Flights: Punta Arenas to Antarctica as indicated in itinerary
- Pre and post-flight hotel night
- Transfers as indicated in itinerary
- A digital photo book produced with photos and ship logs from your voyage
- 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
- Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks reception
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Complimentary WiFi
- 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 to and from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Optional non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Optional adventure activities
- Optional activity surcharges
- Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
- Gratuities for ship crew
