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Peninsula Fly-In

from £10079 excluding flights

  • 7-11 nights
  • Jan-Mar, Dec
Home Destinations Polar Antarctica Peninsula Fly-In
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Highlights

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Spot adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins

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Enjoy shore landings and Zodiac cruises past glistening icebergs

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Choose from a range of optional activities

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Encounter a wealth of wildlife including seals, seabirds and whales

antarctica king george island fly in

Fly from Punta Arenas to the South Shetlands Islands

Why this trip...

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Choice of vessels

We offer a wide choice of small ships from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels

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How you travel

This holiday features transport that is an integral part of the overall experience

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Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

Overview

This unique option allows passengers to fly direct between Punta Arenas in southern Chile and King George Island, the largest in the South Shetlands archipelago, before boarding a ship for an expedition cruise around the Peninsula. This is a great choice for those with limited time or who doubt their sea-legs.

Crossing the Drake Passage is one of the most talked-about subjects for anyone contemplating a journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. Its reputation inspires excitement in some but in others brings nervous anticipation. In many ways the crossing is part of the adventure and heightens the sense of remoteness surrounding your destination, however, it is not the only way to reach the peninsula.

The flight from Chile to the South Shetland Islands only takes a little over 90 minutes, aboard a ‘turbo fan jet BAE 146’, particularly suited for this kind of trip. You can choose to fly both ways, ideal if you are short on time or are particularly concerned about the Drake Passage – or ask us about alternative options to fly one way and cruise the other, taking the opportunity to experience both options for a really unique Antarctic experience.

Itinerary

Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow passengers.

Transfer to the airport and take your seat for the flight south. King George Island is part of the South Shetlands archipelago, which lie about 160km off the coast of Antarctica. Following an exploration of the area, head down to the beach on Fildes Bay where you will be transferred by Zodiac to your ship.

The next few days will be spent exploring this incredible region – your itinerary will be dependent on weather and ice conditions, but highlights may include the huge flooded caldera of Deception Island, the wildlife of Livingston Island, Port Lockroy or Cuverville Island. Look out for whales, penguins and seals and enjoy spectacular scenery and breathtaking icebergs from the ship or Zodiacs.

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Returning north disembark at King George Island and board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Enjoy an overnight stay in the city.

Enjoy breakfast with your fellow expeditioners in the hotel before saying your farewells.

  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
  • The above sample itinerary is based on the 8-day voyage on the Ocean Adventurer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

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Ocean Adventurer

An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.

An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.

Why choose the Ocean Adventurer?
Recently refurbished, the Ocean Adventurer offers modern elegance and has ample outside deck space for excellent wildlife viewing.

  • Passengers: 132
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
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World Explorer

The World Explorer is a new state of the art, purpose-built expedition vessel, among the fastest and most luxurious in our fleet…

The World Explorer is a new state of the art, purpose-built expedition vessel, among the fastest and most luxurious in our fleet of small ships.

Why choose the World Explorer?
Environmentally aware, fast and efficient, and with the added luxury of superior facilities and spacious cabins complete with your own private balcony, the World Explorer is one of a new generation of small expedition ships making polar cruising as comfortable as it is exciting.

  • Passengers: 176
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
greg mortimer at sea

Greg Mortimer

A custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Launched in 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Maximum passengers: 120

  • Passengers: 120
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
sylvia-earle-expedition-ship-exterior

Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 126
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more

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Prices and Departures

Price from £10079 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Return flights from Punta Arena to King George Island (see notes)
  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2023/24 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Due to fluctuating currencies our advertised voyage prices are indicative, and where applicable will be recalculated based on the exchange rate of the day at the time of enquiry.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
05 Dec 2023 8 days World Explorer £16,400
15 Dec 2023 8 days World Explorer £17,300
20 Dec 2023 8 days World Explorer £17,300
10 Jan 2024 8 days Ocean Adventurer £12,300
15 Jan 2024 8 days Ocean Adventurer £12,300
20 Jan 2024 8 days Ocean Adventurer £11,500
25 Jan 2024 AC 11 days Ocean Adventurer £16,400
03 Feb 2024 12 days Greg Mortimer £13,496
10 Feb 2024 9 days Sylvia Earle £10,079
13 Feb 2024 11 days Greg Mortimer £12,413
16 Feb 2024 12 days Sylvia Earle £13,663
21 Feb 2024 12 days Greg Mortimer £13,663
22 Feb 2024 8 days Ocean Adventurer £11,500
27 Feb 2024 8 days Ocean Adventurer £11,500
03 Mar 2024 AC 11 days Ocean Adventurer £15,200

AC: This departure attempts to cross the Antarctic Circle

2024/25 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Due to fluctuating currencies our advertised voyage prices are indicative, and where applicable will be recalculated based on the exchange rate of the day at the time of enquiry.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
05 Dec 2024 8 days World Explorer £15,400
15 Dec 2024 8 days World Explorer £16,200
20 Dec 2024 8 days World Explorer £16,200
09 Jan 2025 8 days Ocean Adventurer £12,200
14 Jan 2025 8 days Ocean Adventurer £12,200
19 Jan 2025 8 days Ocean Adventurer £12,200
19 Jan 2025 13 days Sylvia Earle £18,579
24 Jan 2025 AC 11 days Ocean Adventurer £15,800
26 Jan 2025 13 days Greg Mortimer £17,079
06 Feb 2025 9 days Greg Mortimer £11,663
12 Feb 2025 13 days Greg Mortimer £16,496
20 Feb 2025 12 days Sylvia Earle £15,579
01 Mar 2025 14 days Sylvia Earle £16,996

AC: This departure attempts to cross the Antarctic Circle

Activity Icon Key

  • Climbing
  • Diving
  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Snorkelling

Notes

  • A pre-voyage night in a hotel in either Punta Arenas or Ushuaia is included on voyages aboard the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle
  • One night pre- & one night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas is included in voyages aboard the Ocean Adventurer and World Explorer.
  • Return flights over the Drake Passage are included with all ships, except on dates marked with */~ where you either embark or disembark in Ushuaia
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Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.