Antarctic Explorer
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Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life. Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica and immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are dwarfed by soaring peaks, and humpback and minke whales feast on abundant krill. Reduce your time on the high seas by flying at least one way across the Drake Passage.
- 38456
- Ocean
- 01 Jan 24
- Punta Arenas
- Ushuaia
- Antarctica, South America
- 13 Jan 21, 01 Mar 21
- 23Jan21, 11Mar21
- 10 nights
- Aurora Expeditions
- Multiple Cruiseships 5 - 5.5 stars
- Fly-Cruise
-
Punta Arenas, Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage, Ushuaia
Inclusions
- See and hear the busting activity of a penguin city
- Chance to spot leopard seals on ice floes from our Zodiacs
- Zodiac-cruise in search of feeding and breaching whales
- Skip one or two legs of the Drake Passage to maximise your holiday time in the white continent
Important Terms
- * This product is priced in USD (USD), AUD rates can fluctuate depending on exchange rates, final rates in AUD will be confirmed by your consultant at time of booking.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes any bonus nights, special offers or discounts listed in the inclusions.
- Surcharges may apply due to demand, Christmas & New Year's Eve, school or public holidays, trade shows, special events & other unforeseen circumstances.
- Prices may be based on Dynamic Rates and as such, may fluctuate at anytime without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, or at the property's discretion.
Departures & Rates
| Cabin Name/Category | From Price/person | |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora Stateroom Triple Share | Wait List |
| Cabin Name/Category | From Price/person | |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony Stateroom Category C | Wait List | |
| Captain's Suite | Wait List | |
| Aurora Stateroom Twin Share | US$10,795 or AUD$17,467 | Book Now |
| Balcony Stateroom Category B | US$11,730 or AUD$18,980 | Book Now |
| Balcony Stateroom Category A | US$11,985 or AUD$19,393 | Book Now |
| Balcony Stateroom Superior | US$14,535 or AUD$23,519 | Book Now |
| Junior Suite | US$17,255 or AUD$27,920 | Book Now |
Inclusions
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- Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1
- One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas on Day 1
- Transfer from hotel to airport in Punta Arenas on Day 2
- Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island on Day 2
- Transfer to downtown Ushuaia or airport on Day 11
- On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
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- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
- Free access to our onboard doctor for consultations relating to sea-sickness. A standard fee of US $60.00 (reclaimable through your travel insurance provider) applies for medical consultations not related to sea-sickness
- A 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
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Exclusions
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- International or domestic flights, unless specified
- Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination charges
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
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- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
- Optional activity surcharges
- All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
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Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or increase/decrease the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’."
*Rates are based on per person for two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates, or other cabin types not listed, please contact our Travel Specialists for a quote.
Cabins
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
There are six Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
*Please note the Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins are only available on certain departures
Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
The Greg Mortimer features eight Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that’s close to the action.
Balcony Stateroom Category C
Cabin & balcony combined size: 20.9m2 – 24.8m2
There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Their 14 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are the most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 4 and 6.
Balcony Stateroom Category B
Cabin & balcony combined size: 23.6m2 – 24.8 m2
There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Their 21 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are their standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Balcony Stateroom Category A
Cabin & balcony combined size: 24.1m2 – 31.3m2
There are three cabin categories of the Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Their 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are their premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28.9m2 – 36.2m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Junior Suite
The Greg Mortimer’s four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren’t enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites’ separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Captain’s Suite
The largest of all rooms, the Greg Mortimer’s singular Captain’s Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you’ll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival airport transfer and overnight in Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to your downtown hotel (preferred flights only). Upon arrival at your included hotel, kindly remind hotel check-in staff to provide you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.
Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world’s most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile’s rich history.
Tonight, gather to meet your fellow expeditioners and a briefing on the first leg of your expedition – your flight to Antarctica!
Day 2 Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island. Embarkation Day
This morning you will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for your early morning charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one-and-a-half hours.
On arrival into King George Island your expedition team is on hand to greet you for your Zodiac transfer to board the ship. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before your important 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 in order for the plane to take off and land safely. Aurora Expeditions apologises in advance for any delays.
Day 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 you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore, and you have a host of choices available to you. Because you are so far south, you 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.
Aurora Expeditions generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You’ll 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, the aim is to stretch your 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’ll 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, you 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, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Day 9-10 Drake Passage crossing
Today, your landings come to an end as we enter the Drake Passage for your return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete your Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life.
As you approach the tip of South America, your Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
Day 11 Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, you will cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue your onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to downtown Ushuaia before continuing to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage.
NOTE: At the conclusion of the voyage, it is not recommended to book flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Ship Info
Greg Mortimer
The Greg Mortimer is a luxury expedition ship operated by Aurora Expeditions. This modern and innovative ship was designed specifically for expedition cruising, with a focus on comfort, safety, and sustainability. With a maximum capacity of 132 passengers, the ship offers an intimate and personalized experience for exploring the Arctic. The Greg Mortimer features all-suite accommodations, each with a private balcony and ocean views. The ship also offers a range of onboard amenities, including multiple dining venues, a lounge, library, and outdoor observation deck. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and features, including a custom-designed hydraulic platform for easy and safe boarding of Zodiacs, and a unique X-BOW® design that enhances stability and reduces sea-sickness.
Expert naturalist guides lead excursions, including Zodiac cruises, hiking expeditions, and visits to local communities, allowing passengers to explore the Arctic’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. The Greg Mortimer is also environmentally-friendly, with a reduced carbon footprint, onboard waste management system, and sustainable food practices, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a responsible and eco-conscious Arctic expedition experience.
Cruise Line
Aurora Expeditions
Welcome To A Remarkable World Of Adventure
Aurora Expeditions is unlike traditional cruise lines; we specialise in journeys to destinations that venture deeper into remote areas in the spirit of true adventure. Small-group expeditions allow for more solitude and greater flexibility, enabling them to adapt swiftly to changing conditions and make the most of every opportunity. We invite you to join Aurora Expeditions for an extraordinary travel experience beyond the ordinary, exploring the world’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes with a small group of like-minded adventurers.
Ready to Start Exploring?
Why Choose Aurora Expeditions?
With an average of 126 passengers per voyage, Aurora Expeditions Antarctic cruises are among the smallest and most intimate available. Smaller group sizes allow for a more personalised experience, ensuring every traveller feels part of our close-knit community while fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure.
Tailor Your Perfect Expedition
Our size advantage enables us to create intimate expeditions lasting 10 to 26 days. Whether you want to focus on a single destination or combine back-to-back trips for the ultimate adventure, we have the perfect journey for you—it’s as simple as selecting the region you wish to explore, the cruise length, and the activities you want to enjoy.
Discover Our Expedition Ships
- Greg Mortimer: Launched in 2019, the Greg Mortimer was named after Aurora’s co-founder and renowned mountaineer. It is equipped with the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW® design, which enhances stability and provides a smoother journey by cutting through swells and improving fuel efficiency. The Greg Mortimer accommodates 132 passengers and offers state-of-the-art amenities, including spacious observation decks, inviting communal areas, and a robust activity platform for seamless excursion disembarkation.
- Sylvia Earle: Named after the esteemed oceanographer and marine biologist, Sylvia Earle sets new standards for expedition vessels. The ship was launched in 2022 and designed to honour Dr Earle’s commitment to marine conservation. It features advanced environmental technology, including a Tier 3 engine significantly reducing emissions. The Sylvia Earle also boasts the ULSTEIN X-BOW® for superior comfort and efficiency, accommodating 132 passengers and providing expansive viewing areas to connect passengers with the surrounding environment.
- Douglas Mawson: Scheduled for its inaugural season in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is named in honour of the legendary Australian geologist and explorer. This ship will return Aurora Expeditions to East Antarctica, featuring new itineraries celebrating Mawson’s legacy. The Douglas Mawson will accommodate 154 passengers and is designed to easily navigate the harshest conditions, incorporating the latest in marine technology for a safe and comfortable journey.
Aurora Expeditions’ Pioneering History
From its inception, Aurora Expeditions strived to be different. Founded by passionate adventurers Greg and Margaret Mortimer in 1991, the company was named in honour of Sir Douglas Mawson’s iconic ship. The Mortimers had a simple yet profound goal: to take small groups of travellers on voyages of discovery to the world’s most inspiring regions, fostering a deep appreciation for preserving and protecting these sacred places.
Over the past two decades, this pioneering spirit has remained at the heart of everything Aurora Expeditions does. If tides, currents, ice, or weather require a schedule change, Aurora Expeditions can adapt swiftly and make the most of every opportunity. With fewer people to ferry ashore, Aurora often makes more landings, giving travellers more time to explore.
Expert Guidance and Unmatched Knowledge
When you travel with Aurora Expeditions, you’re in the company of some of the world’s best expedition specialists. Remote area experts provide engaging onboard lectures that entertain and expand your knowledge—they are passionate about sharing their insights and experiences, ensuring that your journey is as informative as it is thrilling.
A Commitment to Unforgettable Experiences
Whether you’re sailing with Aurora for the first time or returning for another adventure, their original goals remain unchanged. Aurora strives to explore wild places that stir the soul, offer personal attention on unforgettable expeditions, and welcome new friends into the Aurora Expeditions family.
We invite you to discover the true essence of adventure travel. Explore, learn, and connect with the world’s most remote and beautiful places in the company of like-minded explorers—your adventure awaits.
