At a Glance
Uncover the pristine beauty of Antarctica from glistening icebergs to a myriad of wildlife and fly the Drake on your return to maximise your time in the white continent during this incredible 12-day Antarctic Cruise. Explore the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands all whilst making yourself at home on the state-of-the-art Greg Mortimer. Get up close and personal with ice floes, pristine waters and astounding wildlife by zodiac on a truly spectacular journey to Antarctica.
Begin your journey at the ‘End of the World’ in Ushuaia, the southern most tip of South America. Enjoy an introductory tour of the unique city before embarkation on the Sylvia Earle. Cross the Drake and see the Shetland Island before arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula. Feel the crisp air in your ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1
- One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas on Day 1
- Luggage transfer from your hotel to ship on Day 2
- On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
- A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
- One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas on Day 10
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
- Comprehensive pre-departure informationComplimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas. NOTE: Please be advised that the permitted luggage allowance is 20 kilograms of check-in luggage plus one piece of carry-on luggage weighing no more than 7 kilos
Itinerary
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Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your downtown hotel. Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world's most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history. Enjoy free time to explore Punta Arenas at your own pace and discover the town’s excellent restaurants. Between 5.00-7.00 pm, meet your fellow expeditioners at a Welcome Reception and Pre-Embarkation Briefing. Afterwards, there’s free time to dine at your leisure. (Dinner not included). |
Hotel Dreams del Estrecho
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After breakfast, enjoy a half day excursion to the Straits of Magellan Park. The Straits of Magellan Park is a local protected area that contains important natural and cultural heritage resources including Fort Bulnes and ‘Puerto del Hambre’ national historical monuments. Located 50 km/31 mi. south of Punta Arenas on Santa Ana peninsula with spectacular views of the Straits of Magellan, the origins of the park dates back to the 1920s, when remnants of the original Spanish fort of King Don Felipe called ‘Puerto del Hambre’ (Port of Hunger) were discovered. In the park, you can visit the reconstructed fort, stroll along the Coastal Path, the Windy Forest and take in the superb views across the Magellan Strait. A highlight of the excursion is a visit to the interactive Strait Museum that features outstanding exhibits detailing pre-European settlement as well as tales of European exploration and colonisation of South America. Return to Punta Arenas where you have free time for lunch (own expense). You will be transferred to the pier to commence embarkation. Once aboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to farewell Punta Arenas and commence our adventure to Antarctica. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica. |
Greg Mortimer or Sylvia EarleBreakfast, Dinner |
Sail along the legendary Beagle Channel and enjoy splendid scenery of fjords and channels flanked by majestic mountains. Keep watch for the many seabirds and marine wildlife including dolphins, sea lions and whales preparing to migrate to Antarctica to fatten up on plentiful krill. In the evening, we exit Nassau Bay, sail past Cape Horn and prepare to enter Drake Passage. |
Greg Mortimer or Sylvia EarleBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today you will be commencing the Drake passage crossing. Take time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea and begin your wildlife experiences by watching and photographing the many seabirds including albatrosses and giant petrels following in your wake. The experienced expedition team will prepare you for your first landing including important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and will start the lecture program for your enjoyment featuring Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. |
Greg Mortimer or Sylvia EarleBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
As you near the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, excitement is in the air as people head to the observation decks to see the first of many icebergs. Be surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures before. By the late afternoon, you may commence on your first landing in Antarctica (weather permitting). |
Greg Mortimer or Sylvia EarleBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
It is time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Feel the crisp air in your lungs and the overwhelming power of Antarctica’s stunning landscape as you make landings or take a zodiac excursion twice a day. Rug up and cruise past spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping an eye out of whales, seals and penguins. Visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and stretch your legs on the pebbly beaches or snow-covered ridgelines offering spectacular vistas. Enjoy prechosen activities such as kayaking whenever the conditions permit and for the brave, take the polar plunge into the icy waters. |
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Onboard cruise some of the narrow and dramatic straits or linger scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. Enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its wonder. Truly immerse yourself in one of the most spectacular regions of the world, that still few get to see. |
Greg Mortimer or Sylvia EarleBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approaching Frei Base on King George Island, board your flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. Enjoy the scenic splendours as you farewell Antarctica. NOTE: King George Island is located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote place on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order to take off and land safely meaning there is a possibility of delays. |
Hotel Dreams del EstrechoBreakfast |
In the morning after breakfast, check-out of the hotel and bid farewell as you continue your onward journey. NOTE: Please advise us if you require an airport transfer, so it can be booked in advance. The departure airport transfer is not included in your voyage cost and will be at an additional charge. |
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Dates & Prices
Please enquire about vessel and cabin type. Please refer to the 'Vessel, Cabin & Fares' section below. The displayed price is based on Stateroom room.
More Info
The departure point is Punta Arenas CL
The finish point is Punta Arenas CL
The coldest continent on Earth, Antarctica has two seasons: summer and winter. The Antarctica travel season occurs in summer from October to February where you will find average temperatures ranging from -10 degrees Celsius to -60 degrees, depending on how far into the continent you travel. January is the warmest season, with temperatures climbing up to 0 degrees Celsius on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
