Antarctic Explorer: Fly-Sail (12D)
Highlights
- Embark via a scenic charter flight to King George Island, one of the most remote gateways to Antarctica’s wild frontiers.
- Explore Antarctica’s icy cliffs, penguin rookeries & historic sites on guided Zodiac cruises and immersive shore landings.
- Enjoy near 24-hour daylight for extended wildlife viewing, glacier hikes, and optional polar plunges in stunning icy landscapes.
Skip the turbulent seas and step directly into the polar world with this extraordinary 12-day fly-sail adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula. Beginning in Punta Arenas, you’ll board a charter flight to King George Island—your launch point into one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth. From there, your expedition explores the rugged beauty and extraordinary wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, where towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and snow-cloaked peaks form the backdrop to daily wildlife encounters.
Timed during the heart of the Antarctic summer, this itinerary takes full advantage of extended daylight hours, offering near-endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Your days may include Zodiac cruising past ice cliffs, hiking to panoramic vantage points, or visiting historic scientific stations, while evenings bring rich presentations from polar experts and quiet moments of reflection in the ship’s lounge or bridge.
This voyage is about immersion—in the icy wilderness, in the raw spectacle of nature, and in the sense of wonder that only Antarctica can inspire. You’ll feel the thrill of tracing the paths of legendary explorers and the privilege of walking where few humans ever tread. Whether you’re spotting humpback whales surfacing near the bow or watching penguins waddle along a lonely shore, you’ll forge memories that stretch far beyond the bounds of the journey itself.
Ideal for first-time visitors to Antarctica, travelers short on time, or anyone keen to avoid the Drake Passage by sea, this expedition offers maximum time on the continent with all the signature moments of a classic Antarctic experience. You’ll return home changed—not just as a traveler, but as a witness to one of the last great wild places on Earth.
Ships
Standard Activities
About the Antarctic Explorer: Fly-Sail (12D)
Skip the turbulent seas and step directly into the polar world with this extraordinary 12-day fly-sail adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula. Beginning in Punta Arenas, you’ll board a charter flight to King George Island—your launch point into one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth. From there, your expedition explores the rugged beauty and extraordinary wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, where towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, and snow-cloaked peaks form the backdrop to daily wildlife encounters.
Timed during the heart of the Antarctic summer, this itinerary takes full advantage of extended daylight hours, offering near-endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Your days may include Zodiac cruising past ice cliffs, hiking to panoramic vantage points, or visiting historic scientific stations, while evenings bring rich presentations from polar experts and quiet moments of reflection in the ship’s lounge or bridge.
This voyage is about immersion—in the icy wilderness, in the raw spectacle of nature, and in the sense of wonder that only Antarctica can inspire. You’ll feel the thrill of tracing the paths of legendary explorers and the privilege of walking where few humans ever tread. Whether you’re spotting humpback whales surfacing near the bow or watching penguins waddle along a lonely shore, you’ll forge memories that stretch far beyond the bounds of the journey itself.
Ideal for first-time visitors to Antarctica, travelers short on time, or anyone keen to avoid the Drake Passage by sea, this expedition offers maximum time on the continent with all the signature moments of a classic Antarctic experience. You’ll return home changed—not just as a traveler, but as a witness to one of the last great wild places on Earth.
Itinerary Day to Day
Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no later than 4:00pm so that you may attend our important briefing this evening.
Please visit the hospitality desk in the lobby between 10:00am – 6:00pm today to collect your luggage cabin tags. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information about where to dine or purchase last minute items.
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.
At approximately 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times, the procedures for your flight to King George Island and IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica. Afterwards, there’s free time to enjoy the local cuisine at one of Punta Arenas’s many restaurants. (Dinner not included).
Accommodation: Hotel Cabo de Hornos (or similar)
Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island & Embarkation
Antarctic Peninsula
Drake Passage crossing
Disembark in Ushuaia
Route Map
Journey further, experience more, and explore the white continent like never before with up to 20% off select expeditions to Antarctica in 2025, 2026 & 2027.
Enjoy discounted rates off on select voyages
Journey further, experience more, and explore the white continent like never before with up to 20% off select expeditions to Antarctica in 2025, 2026 & 2027.
Terms & Conditions
- — Offer of up to 20% off is only valid on new bookings and on select voyages which must be booked and deposited by 31 December 2025.
- — Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and is capacity controlled.
- — The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back-to-back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer.
- — The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash.
- — From prices are inclusive of discount.
- — Offer is not applicable on group bookings.
- — To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s.
- — Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Enjoy discounted rates off on select voyages
Terms & Conditions
- — Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and is capacity controlled.
- — The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back-to-back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer.
- — The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash.
- — From prices are inclusive of discount.
- — Gratuities are on a discretionary basis – they will be added to your account at the end of each voyage at a rate of US $15 per person per day, however you will have the ability to ‘opt out’ should you choose to.
- — Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s.
- — Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.
In Antarctica, keep your camera on-hand for unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally leopard seals or orcas.
Led by experienced guides, you and your small group of like-minded adventurers will paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Paddling is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and therefore make the most of your time in the wild and remote destinations we visit.
What’s involved?
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out. Rather than traveling large distances, our aim is to ensure you see as much as possible. We paddle between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, often taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on our excursion.
Each small group of kayakers (up to 10 per guide) will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that are inaccessible to Zodiacs. Of course, we also make time for your own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.
The elements play an important role in our sea kayaking program. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that the weather can impact our kayaking time.
Required Experience
You must be active in the outdoors and have an adventurous spirit. For most temperate and polar you should be an intermediate paddler. In South Georgia however, conditions can be more varied and you require solid paddling experience in ocean swell and wind.
You do not need to be an expert or know how to roll. However, you must be able to swim and you should have experience in a wet exit and assisted re-entry. You should also be proficient at putting on a spray skirt by yourself and be comfortable paddling on seas with up to half a meter swell. It is also important that you gain some practice getting into a kayak from a pier, wharf, or deep shoreline where you can’t step into the kayak from standing position. You can easily practice all of this at home, plus paddling in a variety of weather conditions, before your trip.
What about beginners up to the challenge?
Our guides do not offer instructional classes for beginners. Therefore, the sea kayaking option is unsuitable for complete novices. However, there is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart. We may be able to recommend a reputable sea kayak operator in your area for some tuition prior to the trip.
Your guide will assess your ability on the initial paddle, and if you have insufficient experience, he or she reserves the right to restrict your participation in rougher conditions
Fitness Requirements
You should be fit enough to paddle for up to three hours and climb between moving Zodiacs on the water. Regular exercise is recommended, because the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. The more paddles you can do before the trip, the better. We recommend at least three outings prior to your voyage.
Climates & Weather Conditions
During summer the air temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula, is generally above freezing but can range from -4°C to +5°C / 24.8°F to 41°F. The water temperature in the polar regions is close to freezing and winds sweep off the glaciers, making paddling a chilling experience. In South Georgia, there are stronger winds and swells than in Antarctica.
Prices
The Sea Kayaking activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions and kayaking equipment
Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates.
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, you will dive while other expeditioners are doing their activities – kayaking, snorkelling, or exploring ashore. Our experienced dive guides are skilled at finding the best opportunities to dive, while taking into account the ever-changing weather and sea ice conditions. We aim to offer you the best quality dive experience while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Antarctic diving reveals a world of ice, where you will see glaciers, gigantic icebergs and a unique blend of marine life, making for a very special experience. With numerous diving opportunities along your voyage, no two days will be alike – a truly inspiring and unforgettable experience awaits.
We try to get you off the ship to dive up to two times per day (except for sea days). However, we are always at the mercy of the weather and changes to the voyage itinerary to take advantage of unique opportunities like wildlife sightings. Embracing the unexpected is part of the excitement of expedition-style travel!
What you will see
Scuba diving in Antarctica and the Arctic reveals worlds of hidden ice, where you will observe glaciers, gigantic icebergs and fascinating marine life underwater, making for a very special experience.
In polar regions, the dive sites vary from shallow ice diving, diving along a wall or around a grounded iceberg. The maximum depth is 20 metres / 65 feet. The combination of sunlight and the extraordinary formations of ice cause an overwhelming, ever-changing spectre of colours, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. Diving in polar areas offers opportunities to witness spectacular ice formations in addition to interesting marine life.
Required experience
Our diving activity is not for beginners. Requirements vary slightly depending on the region you are diving in. For polar destinations, you must be at least an Advanced Open Water Diver and Drysuit Specialty certified diver with at least 30 drysuit dives. You are also required to complete a minimum of 10 dives in the 12 months before your trip, with a minimum of 5 of those dives in a drysuit. For temperate and tropical regions, you must be at least an Advanced Open Water Diver with a minimum of 30 logged dives. You are also required to complete a minimum of 6 of those dives within 12 months of your trip.
Before departure you must show an internationally accepted diving certificate, diver’s logbook and a current diving medical (no more than 6 months old) from your doctor confirming that you are in suitable physical health to participate in our diving activity. A divemaster will review your form for suitability and experience before approving your diving spot.
The initial dive will be a ‘check-out’ dive so each diver can check and adjust their weights and equipment. If our divemaster feels that you do not meet the necessary experience, they have the right to exclude you from participating in the dive program. This decision will be made for your own safety and for the safety of the other divers.
Why is so much experience required?
A higher level of diving experience is required for the polar regions because of the remoteness of the location. Diving is no fun if you are cold and uncomfortable. When you are diving in cold water, you consume more air, expend more energy, and can become more fatigued. You may also find it more difficult to perform complex tasks that require manual dexterity in cold water.
Safety
We pride ourselves on taking adventurous souls to some of the most wild and remote destinations on earth, which offer endless opportunities for adventure activities like scuba diving. However, at all times safety is our highest priority.
Diving in remote polar areas is not more dangerous than normal scuba diving, but it is more equipment and labour intensive. We don’t have a decompression chamber and offer only basic medical services on board, so cannot accept risky ventures from any of the divers in this activity program.
All dives are conducted using a buddy system of two or three divers. If you are not travelling with a buddy who is diving, we will pair you up with other divers on your expedition. All divers are expected to have enough experience to read their compass, depth gauges and look out for each other in order to have a safe dive.
Before each dive, your Divemaster will brief you about the location, the weather, sea or ice conditions and the procedure of the dive. All divers are required to follow the instructions of the Divemaster and guides at all times. All participants are expected to fully understand and accept the risks involved in polar diving and participate at their own choice.
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you’ll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
This unique experience will allow passengers to see both destinations in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.
This latest innovative activity option is led by our expert polar diving guides, and utilizes state of the art equipment including drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel. Passengers will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need to experience Antarctica from this truly unique angle.
Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependent), taking delight in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing.
Our Guides
Our team of experienced guides have over 20 years’ experience and provide snorkelers with detailed briefings and best practice procedures to ensure a safe snorkeling experience.
Group Size
Polar snorkeling requires at least 6 snorkelers for the activity to proceed. Please ask our team for numbers at time of booking.
In our inflatable kayaks, you can paddle safely among brash ice and along rocky shorelines where penguins and fur seals might be sunning themselves.
It’s a unique opportunity to remain fully immersed in your surroundings, at water level in your sturdy kayaks. You might see Adélie penguins darting around you or, perhaps, an Antarctic fur seal slipping off its rock as you glide past. Your experienced guides will look for wonderful opportunities for you to enjoy a paddle, and hopefully push you beyond your comfort zone, safely.
What’s involved
When you sign up as a paddler, you have the bonus of enjoying normal landings along with other expeditioners, plus an added paddling excursion.
In a small group of up to six paddlers, you will have a Zodiac dedicated to your group and two guides to look after you and to scout out ideal locations to enjoy a fun paddle.
When we visit the polar regions, the elements play an important role. Our Paddling program is suitable for complete beginners, and we will only offer a paddling excursion in calm conditions. Bring along your adventurous and positive attitude and you will have an unforgettable experience.
Required Experience
Our Paddling Activity is suitable for novices and no prior experience is required to participate. However, you must be able to swim independently for up to 25 metres and be confident in the water.
Fitness Requirements
You must be able to walk on loose, uneven surfaces such as gravel or pebble beaches. You must also be able to get into your inflatable kayak at knee level. Although our Paddling activity requires no prior experience to participate, you are more likely to enjoy the experience more if you are mildly fit and undertake some regular gentle exercise at home, such as walking.
Climates & Weather Conditions
During summer the air temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula, is generally above freezing but can range from -4°C to +5°C / 24.8°F to 41°F. The water temperature in the polar regions is close to freezing and winds sweep off the glaciers, making paddling a chilling experience. In South Georgia, there are stronger winds and swells than in Antarctica.
Prices
The Paddling activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions and paddling equipment.
Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates.
What's Included
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All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
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One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
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Charter flight King George Island to Punta Arenas on Day 10.
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One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 10.
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Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
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All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
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Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
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Captain’s Welcome and Farewell receptions including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
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All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
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Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
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Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
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One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
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Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
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Comprehensive pre-departure information.
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Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
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International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
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Airport arrival or departure taxes.
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Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
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Hotel accomodation and meals - unless specified in the itinerary
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Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
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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, wi-fi, e-mail or phone charges
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Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
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Antarctic Circle Expedition (18D)
Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake
Spirit of Antarctica
Highlights of Antarctica
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