Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle | Ocean Adventurer
11 Days
Save Up To 10%
WAS From AUD 20,900 Now From AUD 18,810
Trip Code: ACTSAEX
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
SHIP: Ocean Adventurer
Destination
Antarctica
Accommodation
Cabin
DEPARTURE DATES
Enquire Now
OVERVIEW
Save up to 25% on Antarctica 23/24 Departures and 15% on Antactica 24/25 departures
$1250p/p AUD Flight Credit & $250p/p USD onboard credit available on selected departures and cabins.
Enjoy Antarctica in style - by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle! A short three-hour flight is all it takes to travel between Punta Arenas, Chile and King George Island in Antarctica. Skipping all the extra days at sea, you’ll enjoy only the best scenery and wildlife experiences of the Antarctic. Prepare yourself for a sensory overload, as you will be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and dramatic landscapes of the White Continent. Soon after landing in Antarctica, our team of Polar Experts on the ship will have you searching for penguins and whales in Antarctica.
*Offers are correct at the time of publishing and are available for sale on selected cabins and departure dates until 04 July 2023 or sold out. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services. Please enquire for Single and Triple Cabin promotions. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
ITINERARY
Your adventure begins with an included flight from international gateway Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. You will be transferred to the included group hotel. In the afternoon, a representative will meet you at the group hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Please note: You must arrive at the designated hotel by 3pm local time. We recommend staying connected to the internet/phone in case of any updates.
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship is approaching King George Island ready for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes will be from a very unique perspective, as your plane descends towards the South Shetlands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. Your first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes open for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings.
Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are your daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo or chinstrap penguin.
You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping on the ice in Antarctica, you’ll welcome each day with the excitement and energy of a young child. Our Expedition Team will be with you all along, providing insights into the places you visit.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of wine!
With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing that you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most magical, unusual ice formations seen anywhere in Antarctica.
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. You will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After the group transfer to your hotel, enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel.
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
Ocean Adventurer
Built in 1976 in Yugoslavia, the Ocean Adventurer underwent extensive conversion and refurbishment in 1999 with a further extensive upgrade in 2017. This comfortable ship carries a maximum of 132 passengers, accommodated in 66 cabins all with private en-suite facilities, exterior views and each equipped with a TV and DVD player. The ship also features a large multi-purpose lounge and presentation room, bar, spacious window-lined dining room and exercise room. There are ship-to-shore satellite communications with email and wireless internet access on board. The Ocean Adventurer with its ice-strengthened hull was designed specifically to carry travellers to the remotest corners of the world. It is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs for shore transfers, landings and Zodiac cruises. There are also 4 partially enclosed lifeboats on board. Why we like it "This purpose built expedition ship carries just 132 guests. There are refined public spaces and generous cabins all with private facilities. The ship is sturdy at sea and strong in the ice. This is one of our favourite ships to charter due to the all-round nature of the vessel. Excellent international crew and exceptional food put this ship in the “must recommend” bracket!"
Ice Class:
Length: 101 metres
Breadth: 16.2 metresMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:132
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.
Learn More
Hiking
Hiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Learn More
Snowshoeing
Go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go!
Learn More
Camping
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers.
Learn MorePricing per person
 | TripleFeatures:- A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 10 % off AUD 22,700 AUD 20,430Available Enquire Now
|
 | Lower Deck TwinFeatures:- A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 24 % off AUD 27,700 AUD 21,190Unavailable Enquire Now
|
 | Main Deck Twin PortholeFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 24 % off AUD 29,200 AUD 22,338Unavailable Enquire Now
|
 | Main Deck Twin WindowFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. | 24 % off AUD 31,500 AUD 24,097Available Enquire Now
|
 | SuperiorFeatures:- A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. | 28 % off AUD 33,400 AUD 24,048Available Enquire Now
|
 | DeluxeFeatures:- A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. | 28 % off AUD 33,400 AUD 24,048Unavailable Enquire Now
|
 | SuiteFeatures:- A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. | 28 % off AUD 43,800 AUD 31,536Unavailable Enquire Now
|
 | Owner's SuiteFeatures:- An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Owner's Suites have showers. | 28 % off AUD 46,700 AUD 33,624Available Enquire Now
|
| TripleFeatures:- A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 10 % off AUD 20,900 AUD 18,810Available Enquire Now
|
| Lower Deck TwinFeatures:- A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 33 % off AUD 25,800 AUD 17,415Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Main Deck Twin PortholeFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 33 % off AUD 27,100 AUD 18,292Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Main Deck Twin WindowFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. | 33 % off AUD 29,200 AUD 19,710Available Enquire Now
|
| SuperiorFeatures:- A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. | 33 % off AUD 31,300 AUD 21,127Available Enquire Now
|
| DeluxeFeatures:- A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. | 33 % off AUD 31,300 AUD 21,127Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| SuiteFeatures:- A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. | 33 % off AUD 41,000 AUD 27,675Available Enquire Now
|
| Owner's SuiteFeatures:- An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Owner's Suites have showers. | 33 % off AUD 43,800 AUD 29,565Available Enquire Now
|
| TripleFeatures:- A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | AUD 22,100Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Lower Deck TwinFeatures:- A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | AUD 28,400Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Main Deck Twin PortholeFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | AUD 30,000Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Main Deck Twin WindowFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. | AUD 32,400Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| SuperiorFeatures:- A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. | AUD 33,900Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| DeluxeFeatures:- A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. | AUD 33,900Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| SuiteFeatures:- A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. | AUD 45,600Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Owner's SuiteFeatures:- An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Owner's Suites have showers. | AUD 49,000Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| TripleFeatures:- A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 16 % off AUD 23,600 AUD 19,935Available Enquire Now
|
| Lower Deck TwinFeatures:- A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 27 % off AUD 27,900 AUD 20,234Available Enquire Now
|
| Main Deck Twin PortholeFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution. | 27 % off AUD 29,400 AUD 21,381Available Enquire Now
|
| Main Deck Twin WindowFeatures:- A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views. | 27 % off AUD 32,200 AUD 23,523Available Enquire Now
|
| SuperiorFeatures:- A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration. | 27 % off AUD 34,400 AUD 25,206Available Enquire Now
|
| DeluxeFeatures:- A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. | 27 % off AUD 34,400 AUD 25,206Available Enquire Now
|
| SuiteFeatures:- A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities. | 26 % off AUD 45,100 AUD 33,392Available Enquire Now
|
| Owner's SuiteFeatures:- An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Owner's Suites have showers. | 26 % off AUD 48,700 AUD 36,146Available Enquire Now
|
Important Information
INCLUSIONS:
Shipboard accommodation
All meals on board throughout your voyage
Beer & Wine during dinner.Coffee,tea and cocoa available around the clock
All shore landings per the daily program, weather permitting
Presentations by expedition team & special guests.
Downloadable photographic journal documenting the expedition
Expedition boots on loan for shore landings
An expedition parka to keep
Hairdryer and bathrobe available in every cabin
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
Luggage handling aboard the ship
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
Group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1 of the itinerary
One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast
Briefing dinner on arrival day
Group transfer from hotel to airport in Punta Arenas pre-expedition
Flights to and from King George Island as specified in the itinerary
Group transfer from airport in Punta Arenas to hotel post-expedition
One night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfastEXCLUSIONS:
Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes
Any meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Travel insurance
Excess baggage charges
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Telecommunications charges
Voluntary staff and crew gratuities
Transfer from hotel to airport at the end of the expedition
Note: Baggage allowance on charter flight is 33 lbs (15 kg) checked and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on.
- 2 (light adventure)
Available upon request
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions. Contact us for more details
Departure dates, seasonality, availability & currency fluctuation