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Peninsula Fly-In

from £11663 excluding flights

  • 7-11 nights
  • Jan-Mar, Dec
Home Destinations Polar Antarctica Peninsula Fly-In
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Highlights

antarctica peninsula gentoo penguins istock

Spot adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins

antarctica peninsula zodiac cruise qe

Enjoy shore landings and Zodiac cruises past glistening icebergs

antarctic peninsula kayaking through icebergs pov istk

Choose from a range of optional activities

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Encounter a wealth of wildlife including seals, seabirds and whales

antarctica king george island fly in

Fly from Punta Arenas to the South Shetlands Islands

Why this trip...

antarctica peninsula ships bow ll choice of vessels white

Choice of vessels

We offer a wide choice of small ships from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels

Rail track alongside Turnagain Arm how you travel white

How you travel

This holiday features transport that is an integral part of the overall experience

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Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

Overview

This unique option allows passengers to fly direct between Punta Arenas in southern Chile and King George Island, the largest in the South Shetlands archipelago, before boarding a ship for an expedition cruise around the Peninsula. This is a great choice for those with limited time or who doubt their sea-legs.

Crossing the Drake Passage is one of the most talked-about subjects for anyone contemplating a journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. Its reputation inspires excitement in some but in others brings nervous anticipation. In many ways the crossing is part of the adventure and heightens the sense of remoteness surrounding your destination, however, it is not the only way to reach the peninsula.

The flight from Chile to the South Shetland Islands only takes a little over 90 minutes, aboard a ‘turbo fan jet BAE 146’, particularly suited for this kind of trip. You can choose to fly both ways, ideal if you are short on time or are particularly concerned about the Drake Passage – or ask us about alternative options to fly one way and cruise the other, taking the opportunity to experience both options for a really unique Antarctic experience.

Itinerary

Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow passengers.

Transfer to the airport and take your seat for the flight south. King George Island is part of the South Shetlands archipelago, which lie about 160km off the coast of Antarctica. Following an exploration of the area, head down to the beach on Fildes Bay where you will be transferred by Zodiac to your ship.

The next few days will be spent exploring this incredible region – your itinerary will be dependent on weather and ice conditions, but highlights may include the huge flooded caldera of Deception Island, the wildlife of Livingston Island, Port Lockroy or Cuverville Island. Look out for whales, penguins and seals and enjoy spectacular scenery and breathtaking icebergs from the ship or Zodiacs.

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Returning north disembark at King George Island and board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Enjoy an overnight stay in the city.

Enjoy breakfast with your fellow expeditioners in the hotel before saying your farewells.

  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
  • The above sample itinerary is based on the 8-day voyage on the Ocean Explorer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

world explorer exterior quark lauritz schonfeld

World Explorer

The World Explorer is a new state of the art, purpose-built expedition vessel, among the fastest and most luxurious in our fleet…

The World Explorer is a new state of the art, purpose-built expedition vessel, among the fastest and most luxurious in our fleet of small ships.

Maximum passengers: 176

  • Passengers: 176
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
greg mortimer mountains backdrop

Greg Mortimer

This custom-built expedition ship features cutting-edge design, superior comfort for 130 passengers and environmentally friendly technology.

Launched in 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology with an X-BOW® and virtual anchoring.

Maximum passengers: 130

  • Passengers: 130
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
sylvia-earle-expedition-ship-exterior

Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology for…

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Maximum passengers: 130

  • Passengers: 130
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
quark-ocean-explorer-exterior-panorama

Ocean Explorer

A purpose-built expedition ship offering ample deck space and generously sized cabins, the Ocean Explorer’s innovative design has been meticulously crafted specifically…

A purpose-built expedition ship offering ample deck space and generously sized cabins, the Ocean Explorer’s innovative design has been meticulously crafted specifically for polar exploration.

Maximum passengers: 138

  • Passengers: 138
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Optional Activities

  • arctic kayaking adventure option ae
    Multi Destination

    Kayaking

    Price on request

    Duration variable | Jan-Mar, Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec

    Paddle alongside seals, icebergs and more on a polar kayaking excursion.

    Discover more
  • antarctic peninsula kayaking through icebergs pov istk
    Multi Destination

    Kayaking Taster Session

    Price on request

    Variable hours | Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec

    Explore the polar region on a sit-on-top kayak.

    Discover more
  • antarctica scuba diving ae
    Multi Destination

    Scuba Diving

    Price on request

    Variable hours | Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec

    Explore an icy underwater world.

    Discover more
  • antarctica snorkelling ae
    Multi Destination

    Snorkelling

    Price on request

    Variable hours | Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec

    Immerse yourself in polar waters in search of marine adventures.

    Discover more
  • antarctica paddleboarding qe
    Antarctica

    Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

    Price on request

    Variable hours | Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec

    Paddle amongst icebergs for a new perspective.

    Discover more

Prices and Departures

Price from £11663 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

Voyage prices shown are standard but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

  • Return flights from Punta Arena to King George Island (see notes)
  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2024/25 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
05 Dec 2024 8 days World Explorer £16,800
15 Dec 2024 8 days World Explorer £17,700
20 Dec 2024 8 days World Explorer £17,700
09 Jan 2025 8 days Ocean Explorer £17,100
14 Jan 2025 8 days Ocean Explorer £17,100
19 Jan 2025 8 days Ocean Explorer £17,100
19 Jan 2025 13 days Sylvia Earle £17,356
24 Jan 2025 AC 11 days Ocean Explorer £21,900
26 Jan 2025 13 days Greg Mortimer £16,396
12 Feb 2025 13 days Greg Mortimer £15,836
20 Feb 2025 12 days Sylvia Earle £14,956
01 Mar 2025 14 days Sylvia Earle £16,316

AC: This departure attempts to cross the Antarctic Circle

2025/26 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp) Special Interest
03 Dec 2025 10 days World Explorer £15,795
10 Dec 2025 8 days World Explorer £17,895
15 Dec 2025 8 days World Explorer £17,895
20 Dec 2025 10 days World Explorer £16,995
28 Dec 2025 10 days Ocean Explorer £14,395
09 Jan 2026 AC 11 days Ocean Explorer £24,095
04 Jan 2026 8 days Ocean Explorer £16,295
17 Jan 2026 10 days Ocean Explorer £13,595
17 Jan 2026 9 days Greg Mortimer £11,836
23 Jan 2026 12 days Greg Mortimer £19,596
01 Feb 2026 12 days Greg Mortimer £15,436
08 Feb 2026 12 days Sylvia Earle £20,716
21 Feb 2026 10 days Ocean Explorer £13,595
28 Feb 2026 AC 11 days Ocean Explorer £21,895
08 Mar 2026 8 days Ocean Explorer £14,695
13 Mar 2026 10 days Ocean Explorer £12,995
17 Mar 2026 12 days Sylvia Earle £15,596

Activity Icon Key

  • Diving
  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Snorkelling

Notes

  • A pre-voyage night in a hotel in either Punta Arenas or Ushuaia is included on voyages aboard the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle
  • One night pre- & one night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas is included in voyages aboard the Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Explorer and World Explorer.
  • Return flights over the Drake Passage are included with all ships, except on dates marked with */~ where you either embark or disembark in Ushuaia

Current Offers

  • antarctica-greg-mortimer-cruising-through-lemaire-channel-ae
    Special Offer

    BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Antarctica 2024/25: Up to 25% off select voyages PLUS £1,600 air credit per person!

    Expires: 3rd December 2024

    Book your Antarctica voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle today to receive amazing savings!

    Discover more
  • antarctica humpback whale tail istk
    Special Offer

    Antarctica 2024/25: Up to 30% off Antarctic voyages

    Expires: 31st October 2024

    Journey to Antarctica aboard the Ocean Explorer, World Explorer or Ultramarine.

    Discover more
  • antarctica weddell seal on ice istk
    Special Offer

    Antarctica 2025/26: Save up to 25% off selected voyages!

    Expires: 31st October 2024

    Book now for great savings aboard the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson

    Discover more
  • antarctica-zodiac-cruise-through-icebergs-qe
    Special Offer

    Antarctica 2025/26: Up to 25% off PLUS No Single Supplement on select Antarctic voyages

    Expires: 31st October 2024

    Journey to Antarctica aboard the Ocean Explorer, World Explorer and Ultramarine.

    Discover more

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