Antarctic Express: Fly South (Sea Adventurer) 2016 - 2017

10 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
92%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Ship Cruise
There is only one true wilderness left on Earth, and it’s damn cold. Like being trapped in the belly of one big unflavoured icy-pole, you would think a trip down to the south-est of the south is for but the bravest of the brave. Surely that’s why Antarctica’s early explorers were so legendary? But what if you could discover this pristine frozen paradise from ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • With a direct four-hour flight from Punta Arenas, getting to Antarctica has never been so easy
    • Pass through the mighty Drake Passage, a rite of passage for generations of Antarctic explorers and adventurers
    • The Antarctica Peninsula is one of the most unspoiled places on Earth. See abundant species of whales, seabirds, seals and penguins in their natural habitat on regular Zodiac excursions
    • A diversity of possible landing sites and activities allows you to see the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula from multiple perspectives
    • On-board educational presentations by polar specialists provide great context to the trip
    • Get up close to an incredible range of wildlife, such as minke, humpback and orca whales or gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins

What's this trip about?

    There is only one true wilderness left on Earth, and it’s damn cold. Like being trapped in the belly of one big unflavoured icy-pole, you would think a trip down to the south-est of the south is for but the bravest of the brave. Surely that’s why Antarctica’s early explorers were so legendary? But what if you could discover this pristine frozen paradise from the warmth and comfort of an expedition vessel? Where you can be ferried to shore in a zippy Zodiac, and where a chef ensures the onset of scurvy is kept well at bay? In this nine-day adventure, experience everything that this unbelievable continent has to offer, from penguins, to ice, to seals, to ice, to albatross, to ice… The Antarctic magic awaits. Antarctica has long called to explorers and now you too can follow the call on this remote adventure to the icy shores of the seventh continent. Kick things off in Punta Arenas, Chile, before flying over the Drake Passage and heading straight for King George Island. Don’t worry, you’ll traverse the Drake by boat on your return. Explore remote outposts on King George Island and then travel south by boat, where you’ll take Zodiac rides to seek out all kinds of wildlife including seals, penguins, whales and birds. Experience this otherworldly environment surrounded by ice floes, glaciers and frigid waters.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeGroup - max of 48 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPunta Arenas
End CityUshuaia

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • Antarctica

Attractions

  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Punta Arenas
  • Ushuaia

Activities

  • Sailing
  • Wildlife viewing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1 Punta Arenas
Hola and welcome to Chile. Your journey begins on the southern tip of the country in Punta Arenas. On the north bank of the Strait of Magellan, this was once a penal colony but is now a friendly town port town with many historic sites and museums to see. After exploring during the day, join the rest of the group for dinner in the evening, where you’ll also meet the Antarctic expedition team.

Day 2 Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island
Today board the chartered flight to Antarctica. The four-hour journey over the Drake Passage provides spectacular views of the sea below. If skies are clear, Antarctica comes into view just before the descent to King George Island. On landing, use some free time to take your first photographs and stretch your legs before heading out to the ship via Zodiac boat.

Day 3-6 Antarctic Peninsula
As you approach the Antarctic Peninsula, watch wildlife swim in the cold waters below and witness penguins in their natural habitat. Over the next few days, make several excursions by Zodiac to the peninsula and surrounding islands. While weather and sea conditions deter...
Day 7-8 Drake Passage
It may signal your last days at sea, but crossing the Drake Passage is a spectacular experience. Up on deck, your expedition team may be able to point out albatross in the sky above or minke and humpback whales in the water below. The team will also conclude their series...
Day 9 Disembark in Ushuaia
After breakfast on the ship, say farewell to the crew and disembark in Ushuaia. Transfer to the hotel and explore the town on your last day. Perhaps head to the shops for some souvenirs, capture an obligatory picture beside the ‘end-of-the-world’ sign or sample Ushuaia’s classic dish of king crab. The Museo Maritimo and Museo del Presidio offer fascinating insights into the town’s penal and maritime history.

Day 10 Ushuaia
There are no activities planned for today and you’re free to make your way to the airport for departure at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ushuaia, please let your agent know at least 14 days prior to departure.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $10,995
Price per day$1,100
Last Updated: 2/16/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

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.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
103
Great
1
Average
1
Disappointing
1
Terrible
7
Write a Review

Other Peregrine Adventures Reviews

T

Tania

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

R

Ruth

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

J

Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Peregrine Adventures

preferred
View Profile

It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

Associations

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Cruise ship (7 nights),Hotel 2 (nights),

Transportation & Flights

Plane,Ship,Zodiac,

Transportation & flights

Plane,Ship,Zodiac
Guides
Your voyage will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader. In addition, a number of experts will be on board to add knowledge of their field to your experience. This will include a Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Glaciologist or Geologist, Polar Historian, Kayaking guide and Naturalist guides. Voyages offering other adventure activities will have additional specialist guides on board.
Travel Insurance
Your voyage fare includes Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person. However, it is essential that you have comprehensive personal travel insurance in addition to this to cover all other eventualities. For fly/cruise itineraries, it is essential that you have insurance that covers for delays caused by weather. Quark Expeditions will make every effort to ensure the Antarctic Express programs take place, but due to weather conditions, flying in this region can be difficult and is beyond the control of Quark Expeditions and Peregrine Adventures. We strongly recommend that all expedition guests purchase a travel insurance policy including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance. See Itinerary disclaimer for details of the contingency plan should weather delay flight operations.
Visa requirements
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas and also again at the end of your voyage. To facilitate matters, our ground operators in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas will usually collect your passport prior to departure in order that all passengers’ passports may be kept together for the duration of the voyage. After completion of port formalities on the return to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, they will be handed back to you prior to your disembarkation from the ship. For most departures, your ship departs for the Antarctic continent from the port of Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, at the southern tip of Argentina. At the time of printing, no visas for Argentina are required by holders of Australian, New Zealand, British, Canadian, U.S.A. or European passports. Passengers holding passports issued by other countries should carefully check the situation with their travel agent or Argentinean consular authorities. For Fly/Cruise itineraries departing from Punta Arenas (Chile) or if your flight to Ushuaia travels via Santiago, tourist visas are required for Chile for some nationalities. Please check with your travel agent. For the voyages scheduled to visit the Falkland Islands, visitors from Britain, the Commonwealth, North America, Chile and the European Community do not need visas as at the time of printing. Visitors should check their particular situation with us, their travel agent, the nearest British Consulate, or contact the Travel Co-ordinator at the Falkland Island Government Office in London (tel: 020 7222 2375). ARGENTINA: Australians, Americans, British, Canadians and New Zealanders, do not currently require a visa for Argentina. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Please note that when entering Argentine Territory, the following citizens must pay a "reciprocity fee": Australians - US$100, Canadians - US$92, and Americans - US$160. The fee will be valid for multiple re-entries within a set period from the date of first entry. Payment must be made entirely ONLINE and fees can no longer be paid on arrival at any airport. This fee also needs to be paid online if you are crossing the border into Argentina by land. This price is subject to change and the price on the below website will have the up-to-date costs. How to pay the reciprocity fee online: - Visit www.migraciones.gov.ar or www.provinciapagos.com.ar and register to start the process - Fill out the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information - Print the payment receipt - Present the printed receipt at Immigration Control on arrival in Argentina. The receipt will be scanned by the Immigration officials, the information will be checked, and entry to the country will be registered CHILE: Australians, Americans, Canadians, New Zealanders or British do not currently require a visa for Chile. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. If you are entering Chile at Santiago International Airport as a tourist, some nationalities are required to pay a reciprocity fee (Australians US$117). The fee does not apply to travellers arriving at other airports or entering the country via land borders.
Health & Safety
On your way to join your voyage, you may take advantage of the opportunity to visit a larger South American city such as Buenos Aires or Santiago. It is worth researching matters of personal safety and security in these places before your departure. Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Safety is paramount on an Intrepid voyage. Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to approach the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group, accompanied by an Intrepid representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. On board you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations. All ships operating in Polar waters must comply with a variety of regulations, codes and industry standards. All our ships adhere to regulations set by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) including ISM Code (Safety Management System), ISPS Code (for ship and port security), SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Maritime Pollution Prevention). In addition, Quark Expeditions is a full member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and a full member of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators). Quark Expeditions have also been externally audited for its' health and safety programme and have been awarded the British Standard BS8848
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Your Ushuaia Hotel . Ushuaia ARGENTINA
Trip ID
peregrine-GQMWC

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >