Classic Antarctica - Fly and Cruise - M/V Ocean Nova

8 days
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Small Group Tour
The unique Fly and Cruise format of this Antarctica itinerary offers the benefit of speed and comfort. You will board a four-engine jet and and in just two hours arrive in Antarctica, where your ship will be waiting. Travel along the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula and to the South Shetland Islands. Explore the incredible rookeries of chinstrap, Ade...
19%
$20,787
From$16,900
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Overview

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

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 the 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. You will board a four-engine jet and and in just two hours arrive in Antarctica, where your ship will be waiting. Travel along the western flanks of the Antarctic Peninsula and to the South Shetland Islands. Explore the incredible rookeries of chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins and soak up the marvellous photographic opportunities along the way. Fly to Antarctica - maximising your time on the White Continent and with the wildlife Explore the South Shetland Islands - enjoy the surrounding ice-choked waterways Incredible wildlife - see penguins, seals and sea birds up-close on land and from your Zodiac

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
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Antarctica

Attractions

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

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Wildlife viewing

Itinerary

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

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itin...

Day 6 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

We hope to cruise through the Lemaire Channel, with it's icy backdrops and generally soak up the scenery in this glacial wilderness

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 King George Island to Punta Arenas

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, where you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.

Meals Provided : Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 Tour ends Punta Arenas

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $16,900
Price per day$2,113
Last Updated: 4/26/2024

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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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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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

M/V Ocean Nova, Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

M/V Ocean Nova, 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 : 7
  • Dinner : 6
  • Lunch : 6
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-ONCA

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