Polar Circle - Fly and Cruise - M/V Magellan Explorer

10 days
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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
The unique Fly and Cruise format of this Antarctica itinerary offers the benefit of speed and comfort. From Punta Arenas, you will board a four-engine jet plane and and in just two hours arrive in Antarctica, where your ship will be waiting. Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals ...
19%
$34,317
From$27,900
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Fly to Antarctica - maximising your time on the White Continent and with the wildlife
    • From South America to Antarctica - in just two hours
    • Explore the South Shetland Islands - enjoy its surrounding ice-choked waterways
    • Incredible wildlife - see penguins, seals and sea birds up-close on land and from your Zodiac
    • Visit an array of islands - on the Antarctic Peninsula

What's this trip about?

    The unique Fly and Cruise format of this Antarctica itinerary offers the benefit of speed and comfort. From Punta Arenas, you will board a four-engine jet plane and and in just two hours arrive in Antarctica, where your ship will be waiting. Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, Zodiac excursions will get you close to the wildlife. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south and reach the Polar Circle. Fly to Antarctica - maximising your time on the White Continent and with the wildlife Explore the South Shetland Islands - enjoy its surrounding ice-choked waterways Incredible wildlife - see penguins, seals and sea birds up-close on land and from your Zodiac Cross the Antarctic Circle - on this extended voyage along the Antarctic peninsula

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityPunta Arenas
End CityPunta Arenas

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Antarctica

Attractions

  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Punta Arenas
  • Shetland Islands
  • South Shetland Islands

Activities

  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Trekking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel. You should plan to be in Punta Arenas at 14:00 hours, at the latest. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Meals Provided : Dinner

Day 2 Fly to King George Island

Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile's Frei Station and ...

Day 3 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, 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 ...

Day 4 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, history and many wonders of the Antarctic environment.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

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...

Day 6 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, where you can send a postcard home ! Other stops may include:- Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel or Prospect Point. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

You will spend time on and off shore - boarding Zodiacs to enjoy the various rookeries or simply, cruising amidst the ice floes and dramatic shapes, carved by the sea. This truly is a magical wilderness.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

Enjoy more shore landing and get acquainted with the locals ! There are three main varieties of penguin on the peninsula:- gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap and you will soon become an expert on spotting your favourite kind.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 King George Island to Punta Arenas

Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.

Meals Provided : Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 Tour ends Punta Arenas

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $27,900
Price per day$2,790
Last Updated: 4/24/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


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Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

M/V Magellan Explorer, Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

M/V Magellan Explorer, Zodiac
Guides
Expedition Crew, Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA (If flights transit): you will need to apply for an ESTA if you are transiting the USA as you will have to disembark and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. When completing an application for transit you should enter the words 'In Transit' with your final destination location in the address line You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan in the past five years or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Programme. Instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 9
  • Dinner : 8
  • Lunch : 8
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-MEPC

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