Voyage Overview
Fly across the Drake Passage and cross the Antarctic Circle.
Maximize your time in destination by flying over the Drake Passage and spending more days in Antarctica. Explore the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula by sea, and continue further to reach 66⁰33´ south. Check other achievements off your bucket list as well, such as kayaking amongst icebergs and participating in the polar plunge!
Trip Details
Duration: 11 Days
Ship: Ocean Explorer, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile
End: Punta Arenas, Chile
Highlights:
- 7 planned days in Antarctica
- Save time by flying over the Drake Passage both ways
- Visit more off the beaten track locations with less ships around
- Experience the sea ice and icebergs galore
- Watch penguins on the beach, seals on ice floes and keep an eye out for whales
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2: Fly to King George Island & Embark
Days 3-5: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Days 6-7: Antarctic Circle
Days 8-9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
Day 10: Disembark & Fly to Punta Arenas
Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas
Tour Dates
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Jan 9 – Jan 19, 2026 (11 days) | Very Limited | view pricing chart |
Feb 28 – Mar 10, 2026 (11 days) | Limited | view pricing chart |
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Jan 22 – Feb 1, 2027 (11 days) | Limited | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed on preparations for your embarkation day.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embarkation
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica enables you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours, while far below your ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
Days 3 to 5: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. The Antarctic Continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. Even more exciting are your land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Setting foot on a beach inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and 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 and chinstrap penguin. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled wilderness experience. Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit. Our expert education team will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region.
Days 6 and 7: Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
Days 8 and 9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Day 10: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights. Please note that a departure transfer from the hotel to the Punta Arenas airport is not included.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed. Trips with flights to and/or from Antarctica have a higher risk of having a trip delay or interruption due to weather.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Jan 22 – Feb 1, 2027 (11 days)
| Start: | Punta Arenas, Chile |
| End: | Punta Arenas, Chile |
| Cabin Category | Deluxe Veranda Fwd | Veranda Stateroom | Veranda Suite | Junior Suite | Penthouse Suite | Owner’s Suite | Studio Single | Studio Veranda Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $29,495 | $30,995 | $32,895 | $38,795 | $44,995 | $48,095 | $38,795 | $41,895 |
| Discount | Save 10% Early Payment Discount 5% | Save 10% Early Payment Discount 5% | Save 10% Early Payment Discount 5% | Save 10% Early Payment Discount 5% | Save 10% Early Payment Discount 5% | Save 10% Early Payment Discount 5% | Save 10% Early Payment Discount 5% | Save 10% Early Payment Discount 5% |
| Discounted Per Person Price | $25,218 | $26,501 | $28,125 | $33,170 | $38,471 | $41,121 | $33,170 | $35,820 |
| Availability | Limited | Open | Open | Open | Limited | Full | Limited | Full |
Feb 28 – Mar 10, 2026 (11 days)
| Start: | Punta Arenas, Chile |
| End: | Punta Arenas, Chile |
| Cabin Category | Deluxe Veranda Fwd | Veranda Stateroom | Veranda Suite | Junior Suite | Penthouse Suite | Owner’s Suite | Studio Single | Studio Veranda Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $25,595 | $26,895 | $28,595 | $33,695 | $38,995 | $41,695 | $33,695 | $36,395 |
| Discount | Save 30% | Save 30% | Save 30% | Save 30% | Save 30% | Save 30% | Save 30% | Save 30% |
| Discounted Per Person Price | $17,917 | $18,827 | $20,017 | $23,587 | $27,297 | $29,187 | $23,587 | $25,477 |
| Availability | Full | Full | Open | Limited | Full | Full | Full | Full |
Jan 9 – Jan 19, 2026 (11 days)
| Start: | Punta Arenas, Chile |
| End: | Punta Arenas, Chile |
| Cabin Category | Deluxe Veranda Fwd | Veranda Stateroom | Veranda Suite | Junior Suite | Penthouse Suite | Owner’s Suite | Studio Single | Studio Veranda Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $28,295 | $29,795 | $31,595 | $37,195 | $43,095 | $46,095 | $37,195 | $40,195 |
| Discount | Save 25% | Save 25% | Save 25% | Save 25% | Save 25% | Save 25% | Save 25% | Save 25% |
| Discounted Per Person Price | $21,221 | $22,346 | $23,696 | $27,896 | $32,321 | $34,571 | $27,896 | $30,146 |
| Availability | Full | Full | Open | Limited | Limited | Limited | Full | Full |
Transfer Package is not included in the cabin cost. See neon green box in the pricing grid for Transfer Package cost (if applicable).
Single Travelers:
- Can book into a dedicated Single cabin (Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single) at the prices listed above
- Can book into a share cabin in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
- Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories
Adventure Options:
- Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,795/person – requires experience
- Paddling (one-time): $295/person
Single Travelers:
- Can book into a dedicated Single cabin (Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single) at the prices listed above
- Can book into a share cabin in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
- Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories
Adventure Options:
- Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,995/person – requires experience
- Paddling (one-time): $395/person
- Camping: $495/person
Voyage Ship
Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
Ocean Explorer Cabins & Deck Plan
Owner’s Suite
DECK 7
The largest suite onboard Ocean Explorer with a master bedroom, living room with sofa bed, and a dining area with 4-seat table. Take in the spectacular polar views from the triple sized balcony on the highest cabin deck. Additional features include two large master bathrooms (one with a bathtub), two TV’s and state-of-the-art ‘infotainment system’.
443 sq. ft. (41.2m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 singles + sofa bed
Penthouse Suite
DECK 7
Two room suite featuring a bedroom and a separate sitting area with sofa bed. The double sized balcony can be accessed from both rooms. The bedroom has a connecting bathroom with shower and there is an additional powder room off the siting area. There are two TV’s and a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment system’.
296 sq. ft. (25.0 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Junior Suite
DECK 6
These spacious 2-room suites are conveniently located near the library and lecture lounge. The inner bedroom has a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. The outer sitting room is furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. There are also 2 TV’s, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
298 sq. ft. (27.7 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Veranda Suite
DECK 4
DECK 6
Located throughout the ship Veranda Suites feature a sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed and a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
205 sq. ft. (19.2 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Veranda Stateroom
DECK 4
DECK 6
DECK 7
Veranda Staterooms have a sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table and a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
208 sq. ft. (19.3 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
DECK 4
The lowest priced double occupancy cabins on the Ocean Explorer with a forward location on deck 4. Staterooms feature a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony, desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. There are just 4 cabins in this category so you’ll need to book early to secure this entry level price.
182 sq. ft. (16.9 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Studio Veranda Single
DECK 7
Solo occupancy cabin located high on the ship with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. As there is only one Studio Veranda Single cabin, it is more often than not often sold out.
162 sq. ft. (15.1 m2)
1
1 twin
Studio Single
DECK 3
Dedicated solo occupancy cabins with a low location and porthole view. Cabins feature a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
177 sq. ft. (16.5 m2)
1
1 double
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Leadership throughout your voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- An official expedition parka to keep
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
- Complimentary select beer, wines, and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting your expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
- A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
- A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
- Flights to and from King George Island
- A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
- One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast
- Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Passport and applicable visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
- Meals unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- The complimentary alcohol and bar service does not include spirits
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights and domestic flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Phone charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- The basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.
- Book into a share cabin in the following categories: Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
- Book a dedicated Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single
- Book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories
