ANTARCTIC EXPLORER (FLY CRUISE)
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ANTARCTIC EXPLORER (FLY CRUISE)
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Punta Arenas – Chile | Day at leisure |
| Day 2 | King George Island | Flight to South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula |
| Day 3-9 | Antarctic Peninsula | Exploring by zodiac and ship. |
| Day 10 | King George Island | Flight back to Punta Arenas |
| Day 11 | Punta Arenas | Transfer to the airport for onward flight |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Greg Mortimer
The Greg Mortimer is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking 120 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Day 1 Punta Arenas – Chile
Overview:
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by staff and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to take a look around this picturesque little town on the edge of the Strait of Magellen, taking in the beautiful scenery and getting ready for your Antarctica voyage.
Day 2 King George Island
Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you step off the plane a rush of excitement will steam through you as clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Here you will explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to board your vessel, settle into your cabin and meet the expedition team.
Days 3-9 Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula’s western flanks offer long days and relatively ice-free waters. Visit historic huts and Zodiac cruise through narrow straits and majestic icebergs, and if you’re lucky, whale watch from the bow of the ship. A few landing points you may visit include Half Moon Bay, Lemaire Channel and Hydrurga Rocks. The ship may visit the large Adelie and gentoo penguin colonies and hike to spectacular vantage points. Wherever you go, wildlife, Heroic Age relics and haunting landscapes await.
Day 10 King George Island
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 11 Punta Arenas
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. You may wish to extend your time in Patagonia or head to the airport for your homeward flight.