On this 10-day Drake Fly & Sail Cruise from Ushuaia to King George Island aboard the World Voyager, begin the Antarctic adventure by navigating the Drake Passage, claiming the feat while maximizing exploration time on the Seventh Continent.
Glide between ice floes on a sea kayaking excursion guided by an expert team. Watch for whales from 30 feet above the sea line at Water's Edge, look for Gentoo penguins near the vessel during a Zodiac safari, and conclude the adventure with a flight over the Drake Passage back to mainland Chile.
Highlights
Navigate the Drake Passage, maximizing exploration on the Seventh Continent
Glide between ice floes on a sea kayaking excursion guided by an expert team
Encounter Gentoo penguins near the vessel during a Zodiac safari
Conclude the adventure with a flight over the Drake Passage back to Chile
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive at any time in Buenos Aires, and check into your hotel by 3 or 4 p.m. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your journey the next day.
Although its nickname is "End of the World," derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Scenes like Parque Yatana give you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich indigenous culture.
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. Witnessing its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway, where the cold southern ocean meets the warm northern sea, creates powerful currents that test your mettle.
But the rewards for the journeyer who braves these waters do not compare. The meeting of warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.
While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get to see another side of the Drake Passage. On some occasions, the channel is calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow, and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Day 8: Exploring the South Shetland Islands - Captain's Choice, Antarctica
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contain plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities, and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing site named for its very nature, is in fact a volcanic caldera where you can find heated springs amid the striking black sands. Other stops could include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild, and Barrientos Island, where you can find plenty of Gentoo penguin rookeries.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Day 9: King George Island, South Shetland Islands | Disembark | Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile
Your charter flight departs from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station on King George Island, the Chilean air base for Antarctica expeditions with flight options over the Drake Passage. Lying on the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings that include a school, bank, hospital, and post office, it resembles more of a small village than a base. King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica, with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, elephants, leopards, and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research.
Day 10: Punta Arenas, Chile
After breakfast, make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$18,6992-3 travelers
Adventure Oceanview Stateroom (AO)
Located: Deck 3
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 183 sq. ft.
• Sitting area with chair, desk and TV
Horizon Stateroom (A2)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Horizon Stateroom (A1)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Stateroom (B2)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Stateroom (B1)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Deluxe Stateroom (E2)
Located: Deck 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 300 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Living room with sofa and vanity
Horizon Deluxe Stateroom (E1)
Located: Deck 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 300 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette • Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Interior seating area with sofa and TV
Journey Suite (JS)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 382 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Discovery Suite (DS)
Located: Deck 5
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 445 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Navigator Suite (NS)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 465 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Double sinks and tub
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Initial deposit is $1000/pp for stateroom and/or $1500/pp for suite rooms, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Credit Card, Wire/bank Transfer
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Pre-Paid Gratuities
Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
Open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapes
In-room minibar with your preferences
Specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
Champagne and gourmet canapes during meet and greet
24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
L'OCCITANE bath amenities
Atlas Ocean Voyages provides an Emergency Medical and Trip Delay Travel Protection plan on your behalf. The plan includes reimbursement for expenses such as trip cancellation, trip delays, baggage loss, medical situations and more.
While not required, we strongly recommend that all our guests purchase additional travel insurance with increased maximum reimbursement. Please refer to the plan documentation at HERE for specific terms, conditions.
Polar Plunge
Private charter jet service - roundtrip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
Use of knee boots
1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay on Antarctica Expeditions
1-Night Post-Cruise Hotel Stay on select Antarctica Expeditions
Shore landings led by expert field guides
Cultural immersion
Enrichment lectures and destination briefings
Escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
Private group transfers between airport and yacht
Private Charter Jet Service between King George Island and Punta Arenas
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
5 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
6 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
8 months ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.