ANTARCTIC EXPLORER (FLY NORTH)

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Douglas Mawson

Setting sail in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is a new state-of-the-art ship and the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, this new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard your floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes that unfold before you.

Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to your pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, make your way to your hotel. Collect your luggage tags, and confirm if you wish to join the Lake Escondido pre-embarkation tour on Day 2. The expedition team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information on where to dine or purchase last minute items. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals on Day 1 are at your own expense.

The next morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.

Those wishing to join the Lake Escondido tour today, please meet in the hotel lobby at 8.45 am. This tour offers us an unforgettable panoramic drive through big valleys of glacial origin, evergreen and deciduous forests, waterfalls and rivers, in the vastness of the Andes Mountain Range.

Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and be transferred to the pier for embarkation. Once onboard, settle into your cabin before the mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, gather on the deck to commence your adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team at a welcome dinner.

Commence the Drake Passage crossing and make the most of your time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Your expedition team will prepare you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures. They will also start the onboard lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.

Watch and photograph the many seabirds that follow your ship, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels. Enjoy the onboard facilities including the gym, wellness centre and observation lounges.

You will near the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of Day 4. Head out onto one of the observation decks to watch for the first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures.

The feeling of arriving in Antarctica will stay with you forever. Once you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore. Because you are so far south, you will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight thus 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 weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

You will generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. 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 favourite spots along the peninsula.

While ashore, stretch your legs by 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 participate in the activity 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, you 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. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour.

As you approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and your amazing adventure before boarding your flight (approximately one hour and forty-five minutes) to Punta Arenas, Chile.

From Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to a group hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as you continue your onward journey, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. Breakfast and a transfer to the airport is included in the voyage fare.

Extend your trip to Patagonia

To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at some of the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.