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Antarctic Explorer: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia | Greg Mortimer

12 Days
Save Up To 10%

WAS From AUD 23,575   Now From AUD 21,218

Trip Code: ACAEPAU

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile

Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina

SHIP: Greg Mortimer

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula

DestinationDeparture Date

03/02/2024

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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OVERVIEW

Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life. You’ll experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica yourself on this 12 day journey, reducing your time on the high seas by flying across the Drake in at least one direction. 

Flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island, Antarctica, you’ll be in Antarctica in just under two hours, maximising your time to discover, explore, and make Zodiac landings. 

Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are dwarfed by soaring peaks, and humpback and minke whales feast on abundant krill. 

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Arrive Punta Arenas

Having made your way to Punta Arenas, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. This evening, enjoy a light refreshment as you meet your fellow expeditioners at a Welcome Reception and Pre-Voyage Briefing. Afterwards, dine at your leisure (dinner not included).

Fly to King George Island & Embark

This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.

On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings.

Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required for safe take-off and landing. We apologise in advance for any delays.

Antarctic Peninsula Days 3 to 9

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.

Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.

While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!

In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

At Sea: Drake Passage Days 10 & 11

Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.

With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.

As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

Disembark in Ushuaia

During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we disembark from approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your attentive crew, expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to Ushuaia airport or to your hotel is included in the voyage fare.

Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.

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Greg Mortimer

Greg Mortimer

Built to world-class polar standards, the Greg Mortimer is a state of the art, custom-built expedition ship. Due to be launched in 2019, this modern, robust and powerful 104-metre ship is at the cutting edge of nautical technology. With its patented Norwegian-designed X-BOW, the Greg Mortimer is capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, and the most adverse weather conditions. 

Named after Aurora’s co-founder, the Greg Mortimer carries up to 120 passengers in a range of well-appointed suites and staterooms. All feature private bathrooms, with the majority of suites and staterooms having panoramic windows and private balconies. There are twin and double bed configurations available, ample storage, international power outlets and a daily cabin service. The ship itself features unique viewing platforms that fold out hydraulically to give unobstructed views. The ship carries 15 Zodiacs that are launched from specially designed launching platforms to ensure fast and easy boarding for shore landings and Zodiac cruises. Itineraries aboard the Greg Mortimer also offer a range of optional activities including kayaking, diving, climbing and ski touring, and the ship’s design includes a spacious prep and loading platform.

 

Ice Class: Length: 104.4m
Breadth: 18.4 metresMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 15.5 Knots
Electricity: 220V, 50HZ AC Passenger
Capacity:
160 (120 in polar regions)

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

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Snorkelling

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inside tour type 1 and 0

Pricing per person & date

Antarctic Explorer: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia | Greg Mortimer from AUD 21,217
Departing Ending Duration
03 Feb 2024 14 Feb 2024 12

Important Information

  • Inclusions

    • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary. 
    • One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1.  
    • Charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island.  
    • Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.  
    • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.  
    • Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner.  
    • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell receptions including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.  
    • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.  
    • Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.  
    • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).  
    • One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.  
    • Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.  
    • Comprehensive pre-departure information.  
    • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees. 
    • Gratuities for ship’s crew.  
       

    Exclusions

    • International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.  
    • Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.  
    • Airport arrival or departure taxes. 
    • Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.  
    • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.  
    • Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.  
    • Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.  
    • All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.  
  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request, contact us for more details.

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time. 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

  • Departure date,  fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.