Fly over the 'infamous' Drake Passage directly to King George Island to embark the Ocean Nova. Expect good guides and a comfortable expedition ship with a fantastic glass-enclosed observation lounge.
Description
In less than two hours of flying from Punta Arenas, Chile, arrive at Frei Station on King George Island (the largest Island of the South Shetland Archipelago) where you will embark the Ocean Nova at the gates of the white continent. From King George Island you will navigate for six days and five nights along the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting the most wonderful places and enjoying the best wildlife sites of Antarctica. With daily excursions, your naturalist team will be giving lectures to introduce and inform you about this wonderful continent. This unique experience is sure to be the trip of your lifetime!
Itinerary
Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile
Upon arrival in the city of Punta Arenas you will be greeted by a staff member and transferred to Hotel Rey Don Felipe. During the afternoon, you will meet your expedition mates and receive instructions concerning the guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica and the procedures for Zodiac boat embarkation and disembarkation. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying regional cuisine.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island / Embark
Your Antarctic adventure will begin with the two hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (the largest of the South Shetland Islands). Upon arrival, you will be able to tour around the area where the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base are located. Gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation of your expedition vessel by Zodiac boats.
Days 3-6: Exploring Antarctica, South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
While cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, you will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Your journey southwards will include visits to some of the most magnificent spots on the white continent, such as: Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Your target will be the crossing of the Lemaire Channel and latitude 65° South. Your adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a very enjoyable time onboard.
Day 7: Disembark / Fly to Punta Arenas
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.)
Day 8: Punta Arenas depart
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Rates:
$11,495 - $21,995, Triple: from $11,495, Twins from: $13,495, Single from $17,495
Single supplement: 1.85 or 2 x the regular double occupancy twin rate. Shared cabins may be available in select cabin categories on certain departures. Please inquire.
Child Discount: 5% off the regular per person rate for children age 8 to 12 years old (min age 8 years old)
Kayaking Supplement: $895 per person
Hiking and Snowshoeing Supplement: $85 per person, limited to 10 guests per voyage.
Additional Costs:
Antarctica Flight Preferred Seating Supplement: $495 per person (round-trip)
Hotel and Transfer Package Single - $295; Double - $185 per person; Triple - $165 per person
Single Hotel Accommodation Supplement: $550 (Subject to change)
Expedition Jacket: $349
Fuel surcharge may apply (Subject to change)
Ship: Ocean Nova (Air-Cruise) - Expedition Ship
Passengers: 67