Antarctic Explorer

Antarctic Explorer 11 days

Prices From £8,083pp
10 MAR, 2019 | Up to 10 nights

Antarctic Explorer 11 days

Aboard: Polar Pioneer

This new Fly/Sail itinerary features the best of Antarctica across ten days and allows for more exploration, with only one crossing of the Drake Passage. Get up close with tabular icebergs, vast colonies of Adelie and gentoo penguins and dramatic volcanic landscapes in the ice-filled Weddell Sea; the Antarctic Peninsula’s many islands are alive with leopard seals busy with courtship, bustling penguins and maybe whales!

Highlights

  • Spectacular Antarctic scenery
  • Fly there, sail back – only one sea crossing
  • Giant tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea
  • Amazing wildlife including penguins, birds and whales
  • Adventure options such as kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling
  • Free photography workshops
  • Zodiac amongst sculpted icebergs
  • Visit historical and scientific sites

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board ship
  • 1 night accommodation in Punta Arenas pre-voyage
  • Transfer from hotel to Punta Arenas airport
  • Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, Antarctica
  • Zodiac landings and excursions
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Polar parka

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Punta Arenas
1Day

Punta Arenas

Spend your first night at our hotel in Punta Arenas and enjoy dinner with your fellow expeditioners. Attend briefing for your forthcoming adventure.

Punta Arenas - King George Island
2Day

Punta Arenas - King George Island

We arrive at mountainous King George Island by chartered flight. If time and weather permit we explore the penguin and seal-rich waters of Fildes Bay and visit the surprising Trinity Church at Bellingshausen Station, before embarking ship and setting sail.

Weddell Sea
3 - 5Days

Weddell Sea

We spend the next few days exploring the ice-filled Weddell Sea where weather systems and shifting pack ice dictate our schedule. We hope to visit the large Adelie and gentoo penguin colonies of Brown Bluff or Paulet Island, and fossil-rich Seymour Island. We may hike to spectacular vantage points on Beak or Devil Islands; large tabular icebergs and volcanic scenery create long lasting memories. Wherever we go, wildlife, Heroic Age relics and haunting landscapes await.

Antarctic Peninsula
6 - 8Days

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula's western flanks offer long days and relatively ice-free waters. We visit historic huts and Zodiac cruise through narrow straits and majestic icebergs, and if we're lucky, whale watch from the bow of the ship. A few landing points we hope to visit include Half Moon Bay, Lemaire Channel, Hydrurga Rocks and more.

Drake Passage
9-10Days

Drake Passage

We cross the Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross, petrels, fulmars and prions.  

Ushuaia
11Day

Ushuaia

Arrive in the morning and disembark.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Polar Pioneer
Adventure vessel

Polar Pioneer

Polar Pioneer was built in Finland as an ice-strengthened research ship with ice class 1A Super, making it perfect for navigation in Polar areas with heavy sea ice. With a legendary reputation as a strong and capable veteran expedition ship, it was refurbished in 2022 with a modernised lounge and upgraded cabins allowing for up to 48 guests to travel in comfort and in an intimate setting that offers an authentic expedition adventure. There is a mixture of cabins and suites, including suites and cabins with ensuite bathrooms and twin and triple cabins with shared facilities. All cabins have portholes or windows. Public areas include a refurbished lounge with bar, newly refurbished dining saloons, a sauna, and multiple viewing decks and raised decks for photography. There is an Open Bridge policy and, owing to its small guest numbers, all passengers are able to fit into the 5 Zodiacs at one time so there is no waiting to go on shore. This ship features the highest ice-class capable of exploring in ice and offers the smallest group size available for trips to Antarctica and South Georgia.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

Overall I think that it was an excellent trip that was well worth the price paid and I would have no hesitation recommending your company to others.

Steve Sutton

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica adventure for you.

Amy Lucas Travel Specialist

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Amy’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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