HIGHLIGHTS
- Soar over the Drake Passage in both directions, soaking in
the icy scenery below.
- Enjoy lengthy hours of daylight when the sun barely dips
below the horizon, giving you extended time for exploration
- Witness cute, fluffy juvenile penguins moulting and
preparing for their first taste of independence.
- Gaze at sea-ice seals hauled out on ice floes away from the
hungry jaws of predators
- Whales start to arrive in volume to feed on krill. Watch
for the telltale fluke of a tail as it plunges to the depths of the
ocean numbers
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Stateroom Single | Stateroom Single Superior | Stateroom Triple | Stateroom Twin | Stateroom Superior | Balcony Stateroom C | Balcony Stateroom B | Balcony Stateroom A | Balcony Suite | Junior Suite | Captains Suite |
|---|
| Jan 13, 2027 | Jan 22, 2027 | 29,695 | 32,595 | 24,595 | 25,395 | 26,795 | 27,495 | 28,995 | 31,195 | 33,995 | 40,595 | 46,295 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Stateroom Single | (Mid-range)
Balcony Stateroom C | (High-end)
Captains Suite |
|---|
| Jan 13, 2027 | Jan 22, 2027 | 29,695 | 27,495 | 46,295 |
ITINERARY
Day
1 : Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive
in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora
Expeditions and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no
later than 2.00 pm so that you may attend our important briefing this
evening.
Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby
between 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm to collect your luggage cabin tags.
Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer
any questions and provide you with information about where to dine or
purchase last minute items.
Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the
world's most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a
great blend of cultural backgrounds, from English sheep ranchers to
Portuguese sailors. It remains an utterly fascinating testament to
Chile's rich history. Modern day Punta Arenas is home to many popular
restaurants, and bars, offering a mix of local and international fare
(meals at your own expense today).
At 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage
briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times for tomorrow,
explain the procedures for your flight to King George Island and
outline important IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica.
Day
2 : Fly to King George Island, Embarkation
This
morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter
flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The
flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On
arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet
you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will
have time to settle into your cabin before our important safety
briefings.
Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of
the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the
most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is
required for safe take-off and landing. A contingency plan will be
applied to your itinerary should your flights not proceed today. Your
safety is our utmost priority. We apologise in advance for any delays
caused due to this unpredictable situation. Please refer to our terms
and conditions for a more detailed explanation.
Days : 3-8 Antarctic
Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling
of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a
deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an
experience that will stay with you forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the
South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of
choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will
experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as
busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to
this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to
day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice
conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will
want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice
cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and
porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to
land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and
explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches
or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains
towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an
optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever
conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the
chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions
permitting!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise
some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from
the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or
feeding. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as
they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to
experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Day
5-7 : Antarctic Peninsula
It’s
almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica.
Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the
most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you
forever.
Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the
South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of
choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will
experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as
busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to
this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to
day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice
conditions and wildlife opportunities.
We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will
want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice
cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and
porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to
land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and
explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches
or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains
towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an
optional activity, you will have the option to do that whenever
conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the
chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions
permitting!
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise
some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from
the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or
feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make
your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its
splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as
they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to
experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Day 9 : Fly King George
Island to Punta Arenas
As we approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell
Antarctica and our amazing adventure before boarding our flight
(approximately one hour and forty-five minutes) to Punta Arenas, Chile.
There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and
experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your
family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical
place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they
might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky
to see and do here.
From Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to our group hotel
for an overnight stay.
Note: King George Island is located at the northern tip of
the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the
most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is
required for safe take-off and landing. We apologise in
advance for any possible delays.
Accommodation: To be advised
Day
10 : Depart Punta Arenas
After
breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as we continue
our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense
power of nature (breakfast included). A transfer to the airport is
included in the voyage fare.
Note: Should your
flight not proceed due to local conditions; you will remain on the ship
until it is deemed achievable to return to Punta Arenas. Refer to our
terms and conditions for further details.
Douglas Mawson (Luxury Expedition, 154-guests)
The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including
breakfast, in Ushuaia on Day 1.
- ?Lake Escondido tour in Ushuaia, on Day
2.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin
service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Soft drinks and juices throughout all meals.
- Beer and house wine with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including
four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic
beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by
Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and
medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Wi-Fi*.
* Please
note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be
unreliable.
Excluded
from this voyage :
- International or domestic flights – unless
specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and
charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified
in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited
to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry
services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
Add-on
Activities
- Sea Kayaking : USD $1,030
- Snorkelling : USD $515
- Paddling : USD $480
Included
Activities
- Bird watching
- Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and
destinations
- Near shore cruises
- Photography
- Polar plunge
- Trips ashore
- Walking
- Whale and mammal spotting
- Zodiac cruises
