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Fly & Cruise Polar Circle

This impressive Polar Circle voyage combines all the comfort and expediency of flying in both directions with extended time in Antarctica (7 full days). Choice of two outstanding ships, both very well-appointed, offering optional adventure activities.

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Fly & Cruise Polar Circle

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Trip type

Fly & Cruise

Trip length

11 Days

From

$14,995 -$33,995

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

Fly & Cruise Polar Circle - 11 - $14,995

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 7 full days in Antarctica = 14 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
  • One of the highlights will be reaching the Polar Circle
  • Accesses Antarctica in only 2 hours from Punta Arenas, Chile
  • Choice of two ships with a range of cabins, including balconies
  • Kayaking, Camping & Paddle boarding on select date(s) (limited places, additional cost)
  • Complimentary pre/ post hotel nights + parka jacket

Landmarks potentially visited on Fly & Cruise Polar Circle

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, all passengers will be met at the official starting point hotel, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.


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 & 4: 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 5 & 6: 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 7 & 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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.

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What our customers think of Fly & Cruise Polar Circle

Fly & Cruise Polar Circle trips scored 4.8/5 from 4 reviews

Incredible! Every day was surprising, filled with adventure. Highlights: seeing gentoo and chinstrap penguins in a snowstorm, crossing the Antarctic circle, seeing humpback whales up close, and watching penguin parents tend to their hatchlings. I traveled solo and met plenty of like-minded fellow travelers. I would encourage anyone considering it but who might be nervous to go for it! It is the perfect trip for solo travel. The ship operator's team was just phenomenal - great energy, positive attitudes, fun, and generally just good humans. We weren't able to fly back on schedule because of weather conditions but for me this just added to the spirit of adventure. It is not for everyone though! You need to be able to let go of control and roll with unforeseen circumstances.

Travelled: February 2021

Deidre -

Kayaking among the icebergs

Travelled: February 2020

Moira -

The never-ending sunset over a calm sea. A-68 iceberg. Ice popping while kayaking. The people I met. Truly amazing and magical!!!

Travelled: January 2020

David -

A day on the zodiac with Alex where we spent time with a pod of 4 Humpback Whales surrounding our boat plus the Polar Plunge and everything else which came with this amazing adventure!

Travelled: March 2023

Robin -

Review:

What I liked most were this ship’s vast outer decks - brilliant for spotting wildlife - and her superior stability.

Alex Mudd Polar Specialist

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.

2024

2025

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $14995

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo who would like their own cabin, there is a good number of dedicated single cabins. The single supplement is 1.7 times the cost of a standard cabin and 2 times the cost of a superior category. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for solo passengers willing to share a cabin.

At 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
Add on icon Camping Camping $295 Selected departures. Equipment provided.
Add on icon Kayaking 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. .
Add on icon Paddleboarding Paddleboarding $295 Selected departures. Basic competency required.
Add on icon Paddling 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

  • Transfers as indicated
  • Briefing dinner on Day 1
  • 2 night's hotel stay with breakfast
  • Return flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
  • Online photo journal of the voyage
  • Complimentary parka jacket
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation and meals during the voyage on full board
  • Beer and wine during dinner, and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • 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 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 non-complimentary adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, beverages and communication
  • Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)

Questions about this Voyage?