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Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake | Greg Mortimer

12 Days
Save Up To 15%

WAS From AUD 36,606   Now From AUD 31,115

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACAEFTD

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Greg Mortimer

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula

DestinationDeparture Date

23/01/2026

MealsMeals

Breakfast at hotel & All meals, snacks, tea and coffee onboard & Beer, house wine & soft drinks with dinner

TransportTransport

Group Transfers throughout & return charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island

TransportAccommodation

Hotel & Cabin On board a Ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Antarctica Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions 

OVERVIEW

SAVE UP TO 15% on Selected Cabins & Departures* 

Spanning the southern tip of the South American continent and the Antarctic Peninsula region lies the Drake Passage, where the mighty Pacific and Atlantic oceans merge. This narrow and remarkably deep waterway presents unpredictable conditions for sailors, who demonstrate their expertise when navigating through its most tumultuous stretches.

For adventurers keen on immersing themselves in Antarctic experiences, flying over the Drake Passage in both directions offers the optimal route to reach the pristine white continent. Entrusted to seasoned pilots, your excitement mounts as you catch sight of the initial icebergs in the Southern Ocean, where your vessel awaits, poised to embark on an exhilarating expedition.

 

**Save up to 15% on selected departures and cabins. Discounts are on sale until 31 Dec 2024 and subject to availability. Discounts are not combinable with any other promotions except back-to-back voyage or loyalty discounts. Discounts and pricing are subject to change and may be withdrawn or varied at any time. Price based on triple share cabin.

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Arrive 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 2:00pm so that you may attend our important briefing this evening.

Please visit the hospitality desk in the lobby between 2:00pm – 6:00pm 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 blend of cultural backgrounds, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors. It remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history. Modern day Punta Arenas is home to many popular restaurants, and bars, offering a mix of local and international fare (meals at your own expense today).

At 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times for tomorrow, explain the procedures for your flight to King George Island and outline important IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica.

Fly to King George Island & Embarkation

This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings.

Note: 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 for safe take-off and landing. A contingency plan will be applied to your itinerary should your flights not proceed today. Your safety is our upmost priority. We apologise in advance for any delays caused due to this unpredictable situation. Please refer to our terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation.

Antarctic Peninsula - Day 3 to 10

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.

Once we arrive, 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 and the days can be as busy as you wish.

Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.

While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering 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 will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!

In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

Fly from 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 flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.

In Punta Arenas, you will be transferred to our group hotel for an overnight stay.

Note: King George Island is located at the northern tip 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 for safe take-off and landing. We apologise in advance for any possible delays.

Depart Punta Arenas

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as we continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature (breakfast included). A transfer to the airport is included in the voyage fare.

Note: Should your flight not proceed due to local conditions; you will remain on the ship until it is deemed achievable to return to Punta Arenas. Refer to our terms and conditions for further details.

*Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

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WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • Soar over the Drake Passage in both directions, soaking in the icy scenery below.

  • Enjoy lengthy hours of daylight when the sun barely dips below the horizon, giving you extended time for exploration.

  • Witness cute, fluffy juvenile penguins moulting and preparing for their first taste of independence.

  • Gaze at sea-ice seals hauled out on ice floes away from the hungry jaws of predators.

  • Whales start to arrive in volume to feed on krill. Watch for the tell-tale fluke of a tail as it plunges to the depths.

Greg Mortimer

Greg Mortimer

Launched in 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a modern, robust and powerful 104-metre ship at the cutting edge of nautical technology. With its patented Norwegian-designed X-BOW, it’s capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, and the most adverse weather conditions. Named after Aurora’s co-founder, the Greg Mortimer carries an average of 130 passengers in a range of 76 well-appointed suites and staterooms.

 

 WHY WE LOVE THE GREG MORTIMER

  • This modern ship was designed to minimise fuel use, with a focus on sustainability 

  • The ship itself features unique viewing platforms that fold out hydraulically to give unobstructed views

  • With X-Bow technology, you’ll enjoy more stability if seas are rough on the Drake

 

 FEATURES OF THE GREG MORTIMER

Designed for Antarctic exploration

The ship carries 15 zodiacs that launch from specially designed launching platforms to ensure fast and easy boarding for shore landings and cruises. Itineraries aboard the Greg Mortimer also offer a range of optional activities including kayaking, diving, climbing and ski touring, and the ship’s design includes a spacious prep and loading platform.

Reduced environmental impact 

The Greg Mortimer operates with low energy consumption, high fuel efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver a reduction in emissions. The ship can also utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position using a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises the damage caused by conventional anchors.

Luxury amenities 

This modern ship is designed for comfort, helping you relax and make the most of your adventure. Enjoy the gym, sauna, and Jacuzzis or grab a book in the peaceful library, adorned with huge viewing windows. Or, head to the state-of-the-art lecture facility to hear a talk from one of your guides. 

Stylish and modern staterooms

All cabins and suites are designed to feel calm and inviting, featuring Antarctic photography and plenty of gear storage space. All staterooms are spacious, with easy deck access. Solo travellers can book their own balcony cabin. Some of the Balcony Stateroom Superior rooms are equipped with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.

Ice Class: Length: 104.4m
Breadth: 18.4 metresMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 15.5 Knots
Electricity: 220V, 50HZ AC Passenger
Capacity:
160 (120 in polar regions)

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Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

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Day Paddling

If you are looking for another way to nurture your inner adventurer, our day paddle excursion might be the perfect fit! Absorb the majestic scenery from a more intimate vantage point as you paddle through the pristine waters of Antarctica on a sit-on-top kayak.Our expertly guided, one-time, Paddle Program gives you the rare chance to see Antarctica from the same perspective as most of the wildlife – at the surface of the sea.

Learn More

Snorkelling

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Photography

For photography enthusiasts of any skill level. You will receive expert advice on taking and producing amazing photos of Antarctica.

Learn More

Pricing per person & date

Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake | Greg Mortimer from AUD 31,115
Departing Ending Duration
23 Jan 202603 Feb 202612

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Important Information

  • Prices are based on per person, may be based on quad/triple/twin share.

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time. 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

  • Inclusions

    All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary
    Two night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1 and Day 11
    Return charter flight between Punta Arenas and King George Island
    Cabin accommodation on board Greg Mortimer 
    All meals whilst on board ship
    All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
    Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
    All scheduled landings & excursions
    Guiding and lectures by English-speaking expedition leader and team 
    All port fees
    All landing fees
    Expedition jacket provided (yours to keep) 
    A pair of expedition boots for use during voyage
    Group arrival and departure transfer in Ushuaia

     

    Exclusions

    Airfares to and from embarkation/disembarkation city
    Visa fees (if applicable) 
    Travel insurance
    Beverages (other than tea and coffee) 
    Personal expenses such as laundry, on board communication (telephone calls, email) 
    Gratuities for the crew
    Pre or post cruise travel expenses
    Optional activities

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Subject to available upon request. Contact us for more details. 

  • Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.