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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake | Ocean Explorer

8 Days
Save Up To 24%

WAS From USD 21,495   Now From USD 16,336

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACTSAEFD

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Ocean Explorer

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula

MealsMeals

Breakfast at hotel. All meals & snacks on board. Beer, standard wines & spirits, & cocktails during pre-dinner bar service, dinner & evenings

TransportTransport

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

TransportAccommodation

Hotel & Cabin on board ship



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map

Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

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

 

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

OVERVIEW

See your first glimpses of the dramatic landscapes of Antarctica from the air, as you fly by charter plane across the infamous Drake Passage from Punta Arenas, to land only hours later on the South Shetland Island of King George. From here you cruise in style aboard the refined and luxurious Ocean Explorer, to discover the wonders of the White Continent. Shore landings by Zodiac take you to beaches dotted with penguins and seals, to visit research stations and to hike to a penguin rookery. Zodiac cruises take you out in search of whales and seals and in amongst beautifully sculpted icebergs, set against spectacular landscapes of snow-capped peaks, icy plateaus and glaciers. This is the ideal cruise for those who are short on time but want to experience the wonders of Antarctica.

ITINERARY

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, a representative will bring everyone together to your starting hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Please note: You must arrive at the designated hotel by 3pm local time. We recommend staying connected to the internet/phone in case of any updates.

Embarkation Day

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the infamous Drake Passage in only a few hours. Way below, the ship is approaching King George Island ready for your arrival. The dramatic Antarctic landscapes soon become visible as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. After landing, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetlands - Day 3 to 6

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your Captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region, and presentations on photography to help you take memory catching images. Even more exciting are your daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget. Walking on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins 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 Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. 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 sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore during this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your 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 your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Depart Punta Arenas

After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

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

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • See wildlife like whales, leopard seals, iconic penguins and many more.

  • Experience the most direct route to Antarctica by flying over the Drake Passage which is also the quickest.

  • Presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology & geology by experts onboard enhance the experience.

Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer

Utilising the best ships and expedition crew is necessary to venture further in the Polar Regions. We have both of them. In terms of elegance, adventure, and cutting-edge technology, Ocean Explorer is the ideal complement to our fleet. For our sophisticated polar explorers, Ocean Explorer enhances the polar experience on all fronts. 

The Ulstein X-Bow, the industry-leading X-Bow design, ensures that your clients will glide through even the roughest waves with ease. In any polar sea state, the ship's distinctive forward-sloping X-Bow reduces vibration, noise, and impact for a comfortable ride. The ship is equipped with the newest sustainability technologies, including fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the revolutionary MAGS gasification system, which turns garbage into energy and reduces the environmental effect of waste transportation. Equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs and four distinct sea-level embarkation locations, Ocean Explorer provides a wide range of off-ship experiences, such as Zodiac cruising and kayaking, enabling your guests to experience a close-up encounter with the Antarctic and Arctic wilderness.

Every interior feature on board, including the striking two-story forward lounge, the floor to ceiling glass retreat in the library, and the elegant fittings and furniture throughout the ship, has been meticulously chosen by designers to ensure that visitors have a wonderful experience. The roomy and opulent cabins guarantee your guests a peaceful stay free from noise pollution from nearby rooms, and nearly every cabin has an outdoor balcony. Two outdoor Jacuzzis and a dry sauna are available for your clients to relax in after a full day of activities off-ship.

 

Ice Class: Length: 342 ft (104.4 m)
Breadth: 60.3 ft (18.4 m)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: 220V (European) & USB-A ports in night lights Passenger
Capacity:
138

View Ship Details

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 ADVENTURES ADD ONS

These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary and destination.

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

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Pricing per person

Junior Suite

Features:-

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.

19 % off

USD 31,295 USD 25,271

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room

Owners Suite

Features:-

This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities.

19 % off

USD 38,695 USD 31,246

Unavailable

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  • Single Room
  • Double Room

Penthouse Suite

Features:-

This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.

19 % off

USD 36,295 USD 29,308

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room

Veranda Stateroom

Features:-

Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.

19 % off

USD 24,995 USD 20,183

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room
  • Double Room Shared (Male)
  • Double Room Shared (Female)

Deluxe Veranda Forward

Features:-

Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

19 % off

USD 23,795 USD 19,214

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room
  • Double Room Shared (Male)
  • Double Room Shared (Female)

Studio Veranda Single

Features:-

Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

19 % off

USD 33,795 USD 27,290

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single Room

Studio Single

Features:-

Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

19 % off

USD 31,295 USD 25,271

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room

Veranda Suite

Features:-

Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed.  There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony.  There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

19 % off

USD 26,495 USD 21,395

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room
  • Double Room Shared (Male)
  • Double Room Shared (Female)

Junior Suite

Features:-

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.

24 % off

USD 28,295 USD 21,504

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room

Owners Suite

Features:-

This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level. The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities.

24 % off

USD 35,095 USD 26,672

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room

Penthouse Suite

Features:-

This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.

24 % off

USD 32,795 USD 24,924

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room

Veranda Stateroom

Features:-

Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.

24 % off

USD 22,595 USD 17,172

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room
  • Double Room Shared (Male)
  • Double Room Shared (Female)

Deluxe Veranda Forward

Features:-

Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

24 % off

USD 21,495 USD 16,336

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room
  • Double Room Shared (Male)
  • Double Room Shared (Female)

Studio Veranda Single

Features:-

Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

24 % off

USD 30,495 USD 23,176

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single Room

Studio Single

Features:-

Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

24 % off

USD 28,295 USD 21,504

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room

Veranda Suite

Features:-

Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed.  There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony.  There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

24 % off

USD 23,995 USD 18,236

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single Room
  • Double Room
  • Double Room Shared (Male)
  • Double Room Shared (Female)

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Important Information

  • * Current Discounts, promotions and pricing are available until 31 Mar 2025, however discounts may be withdrawn or changed at any time and are subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. Some current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment discount, which requires the full balance to be paid at the time of booking to apply. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.

    NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit. 

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for single, triple cabins)

    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.

    Please note that flights to/from King George Island are subject to weather and landing conditions. 

  • INCLUSIONS:

    Shipboard accommodation 
    All meals & snacks on board throughout your voyage
    Beer, standard wines & spirits, & cocktails during pre-dinner bar service, dinner & evenings
    Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
    All shore landings per the daily program, weather permitting
    Presentations by expedition team & special guests.
    Downloadable photographic journal documenting the expedition
    Expedition boots on loan for shore landings
    An expedition parka to keep
    Hairdryer and bathrobe available in every cabin
    All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
    Luggage handling aboard the ship
    Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
    Group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1 of the itinerary
    One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast
    Briefing dinner on arrival day 
    Group transfer from hotel to airport in Punta Arenas pre-expedition
    Flights to and from King George Island as specified in the itinerary
    Group transfer from airport in Punta Arenas to hotel post-expedition
    One night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast
    Free WiFi

     

    EXCLUSIONS:

    Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
    Passport and visa expenses
    Government arrival and departure taxes
    Any meals ashore unless otherwise specified
    Travel insurance
    Excess baggage charges
    Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
    Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
    Telecommunications charges
    Voluntary staff and crew gratuities
    Transfer from hotel to airport at the end of the expedition
    Note: Baggage allowance on charter flight is 33 lbs (15 kg)  checked and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on.

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request, a supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please Contact Us for more information.

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

FROM PRICE & PROMOTIONAL DETAILS

  • See 'Pricing & Dates' tab for detailed departures, pricing and availability
  • Discount Offer Valid until 31 Mar 2025 unless varied/withdrawn prior


Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica Experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!

See detailed promotional T&Cs below

NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.