ANTARCTIC EXPLORER (FLY SOUTH)
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Day | Place | Highlights |
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Day 1 | Punta Arenas – Chile | Day at leisure |
Day 2 | King George Island | Flight to South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula |
Days 3 - 9 | Antarctic Peninsula | Explore South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula by zodiac and ship. |
Days 10 & 11 | Drake Passage | Educational program, sea birds |
Day 12 | Ushuaia | Disembark |
The Greg Mortimer is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking 130 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.
Launched in 2022 the 2nd purpose built expedition vessel by Aurora Expeditions honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia’s long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife.
Besides the same revolutionary Ulstein X BOW hull design like the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features a distinctive Glass Atrium Lounge at the bow of the ship with a stunning panoramic view on both port and starboard side, Lecture theatre and lounge, a swimming pool and jacuzzi where you can admire impressive scenery while watching the world go by.
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.
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.
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.
As the ship navigates towards South America across the Drake Passage keep your eyes peeled for Sea Birds out on deck. Enjoy the educational program from the expedition team and take the time to relax and reminisce about the incredible voyage.
As the ship pulls into the port in Ushuaia this marks the end of your voyage. After breakfast you will disembark the ship and farewell the expedition team and crew.
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 the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
18 Days
4 Days
5 Days