Polar Circle Air-Cruise
10 Days/9 Nights
From $18,495 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Incl. Local Airfare)
Select Departures from January to February
Overview
Starting in Punta Arenas, Chile, you will fly directly to King George Island in the South Shetlands, which avoids the rough seas of the Drake Passage. Appreciate the wildlife, glaciers, and snow-covered landscapes of Antarctica. Highlights include visits to some of the most magnificent spots on the white continent including Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, and Prospect Point. The last part of the trip is a crossing of the Polar Circle.
Lodging, Meals, and Airfare: This tour includes accommodations for 9 nights (7 nights aboard the Ocean Nova and 1 night in Punta Arenas before and after the cruise), 24 meals (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners), and the flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island and back.
Best Time to Go: November-March.
Destinations: Chile, Patagonia, and Antarctica.
Interests: Adventure, Expedition Cruising, Hiking & Trekking, Sea Kayaking, and Wildlife Viewing.
Places Visited: Punta Arenas, the South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Note: Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, it must be realized with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage. For this reason, the operator of the ship reserves the right to change the itinerary here described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond their control without consulting the participants.
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise.
Antarctica21 staff welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world. Overnight in Punta Arenas. (D)
Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica.
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 3-8: Exploring Antarctica.
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Punta Arenas. (B)
Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.
Day 10: End of the Air-Cruise.
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Itinerary Map
Prices & Dates
Price per Person
| Category | Single | Double | Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cabin | $26,395 | $18,495 | $15,995 |
Notes:
- The above prices are valid until February 16, 2024.
- Single passengers can choose from booking a dedicated single cabin, booking a twin cabin for single use and paying a single supplement (of 85%), or sharing a twin or triple cabin with other passengers of the same gender without a supplement. Passengers who book a twin cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas, for which they must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure date.
- Optional Sea Kayaking costs $895 per person. Payment is due at time of reservation.
- Optional Hiking and Snowshoeing costs $85 per person
Departure Dates
January 1 and February 16, 2024.
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Group transfers airport/hotel upon arrival in Punta Arenas on Day 1 and on the day of scheduled return flight from Antarctica (Day 9), and group transfers hotel/airport on last day of the air-cruise (Day 10).
- Special access to Explorers House in Punta Arenas, Chile.
- One night hotel accommodations at Hotel Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas, Chile before and after the cruise.
- Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program.
- Accommodations on board the M/V Ocean Nova.
- Full board on the ship including all drinks (served with lunch and dinner), and other meals as indicated on the itinerary.
- Guided shore excursions, lectures, and entertainment on board.
- Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
- IAATO passenger fee.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Domestic airfare.
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
- Internet connection aboard the ship.
- Gratuities to ship crew and guides.
- Gifts and personal items.
- Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Additional Details
Group/Private: All services included in this tour are operated on a group basis.
Elevations: N/a.
Baggage Allowance: The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 lbs.) per passenger, including hand luggage. Excess baggage will be kept in custody by the operator of the ship/plane at Punta Arenas and returned to passengers upon their return from Antarctica.
Passport/Visa: U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens (except Greece) require a valid passport (for the duration of your visit) and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Greek citizens can stay for up to 60 days. Australian, and Canadian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity fee (considered a multiple entry visa) of $95 and $132 respectively upon arrival (subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations or other reasons). Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Chilean embassy in their country before traveling.
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our website at www.savacations.com/travel-insurance/. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan. The operator of the ship requires that you purchase Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance (minimum recommended amount is $100,000).
To Book This Trip: Call or email us to confirm the availability of this ship for your desired dates of travel. The required deposit is $3,500 per person plus the cost of the airfare (if we arrange it for you). The balance of the trip cost is due 120 days prior to departure.
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