Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

From Punta Arenas, Chile to Punta Arenas, Chile

All Antarctic Cruises
Antarctic Peninsula
Small Ship Cruising
Wildlife and Nature

Tour Description

Skip the rough waters of the Drake Passage and fly to Antarctica. This popular Classic Antarctica Air Cruise takes you to one of the most spectacular places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, & remotest continent - Antarctica.

Flying from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island and return, the rest of your Antarctica trip is spent exploring from the comfort of our purpose built Antarctica cruise ships, The Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer or the Hebridean Sky. Flying to and from Antarctica will allow you more time to spend cruising the stunning landscape and wildlife-filled waters, and will let you avoid the notorious and tumultuous waters of the Drake Passage.

The days on board your Antarctica cruise will be spent exploring the bays and inlets of the beautiful waters surrounding the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, making shore excursions and zodiac explorations as often as possible. Among icebergs, glaciers and in the shadow of snowy mountains get up close to vast arrays of penguins, seals, seabirds and spot whales in the icy waters. Joined by our expert guides who will inform you about everything there is to know about the fascinating White Continent.

Viva's Best Bits...

Save time & avoid the rough Drake Passage, take a 2 hour flight to King George island and join your expedition cruise there, and start exploring Antarctica!

4 days to explore and discover the wildlife living on the 7th continent. Cruise ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, looking out for sea birds, penguins, seals and whales.

"The expedition ships used for fly cruise adventures have a maximum
of 75 guests. That means disembarking and embarking in Antarctica is faster and smoother, no waiting around for your turn!" Tara, Team Viva

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Day 1

Arrival Day - Punta Arenas

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Day 2

Flight to King George Island

Flight to Antarctica Begin your adventure with a scheduled two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica. Upon landing the clear Antarctic air will fill your lungs. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Day 3-6

Exploring Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.

Day 7

Flight back to Punta Arenas

Return Flight to Punta Arenas Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival from the 7th continent, transfer to your hotel for the night and enjoy an evening at your own leisure.

Day 8

Departure day

Today, your air-cruise offically ends. After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation

5 nights onboard Ocean Nova or Magellan Explorer
Cabin upgrades available
1 night hotel pre cruise & 1 night hotel post cruise in Punta Arenas

Food

All meals except on day 7, Coffee, tea, chocolate, water and snacks throughout expedition
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship

Fees & Services

All guided shore excursions
Lectures and entertainment on board
Return flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island
Exclusive access to Explorers House in Punta Arenas
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material
Loan of waterproof boots for landing
Preferred seating on your flight to Antarctica - additional charge
International flights, Gratuities, Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
Personal travel insurance

Transportation

The Ocean Nova

71 Passengers

Magellan Explorer

100 (75 on fly-cruise) Passengers

BAE 146-200, the AVRO RJ 85, and the AVRO RJ

Option to go Kayaking (additional charge)
See more of the landscape - join a hiking or snowshoeing programe (additional charge)
Fly the drake passage, both ways!
Explorers house in Punta Arenas, a private club where you can prepare for your expedition
Spend time with Antarctic wildlife - meet Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstap penguins
Landings in the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Zodiac cruising through stunning landscapes

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Duration

8 days

Price from

$13,795 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin

Desired Travel Date

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