South American Experience

Travel Experts to Latin America

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Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by air and sea

Antarctica Air Cruise

6 days - Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by air and sea

For those who don't have strong sea legs we are pleased to offer a unique air/cruise combination that flys you from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island (the South Shetlands), to pick up the "Antarctic Peninsula" cruise. Thus you experience the highlights of the region without having to navigate the occasionally choppy seas of Drake's Passage. This is a new cruise option which many people have been waiting for.

You will fly from Punta Arenas in Chile straight to King George Island in the South Shetlands, a little over an hour and a half flying time. Visit the Eduardo Frei Chilean base and embark on the Grigoriy Mikheev to Hannah Point on Livingstone Island, home of the Antarctic and Gentoo penguins. Travelling South via Aitcho Island (look out for Weddell Seals) we visit Deception Island where we can see the ruins of the British Antarctic Survey shelter which was evacuated in 1967 after a volcanic eruption. Weather permitting we may be able to take a dip in the hot volcanic waters.

The whaling museum at Port Lockroy on Wiencke Island gives us a glimpse into the past before we continue to Paradise Bay. Still travelling South we cruise through the stunning Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island, home of Adelie Penguins and King Cormorants before turning to Cuverville Island. We finally visit Half Moon Island and the Henry Arctowski Polish Academy of Science Antarctic Base before returning to the Chilean Air Base to fly back to Punta Arenas.

Please note that a measure of flexibility is needed in the Antarctic region, the destinations listed above are a guideline only as adverse weather conditions can mean unavoidable last minute changes.

Grigoriy Mikheev

Departure Dates and Cruise Rates

Departure dates Cruise prices
2008  
25 Nov from £4677
30 Nov from £4677
05 Dec from £4677
10 Dec from £4677
15 Dec from £4677
20 Dec from £4677

The cruise length is 6 days.
All tours start and finish in Punta Arenas, Chile.
N.B. cruise price includes one night hotel in Punta Arenas, incl. dinner and breakfast, prior to the flight and embarkation.

Aboard Grigoriy Mikheev

The ship Grigory Mikheev is a modern research vessel adapted to take passangers in comfort, with a capacity of 46 passengers in cabins over the main deck, all of them with an outside view. It was built in Finland in 1990 and the hull is reinforced for sailing in ice. Facilities include lounge bar, infirmary and sauna. Meals are prepared by international chefs and the dining room is also used for lectures. The Russian officers and crew are all experienced in polar navigation and lecturers and expedition leaders are all dedicated, knowledgeable professionals.

Cabin: Twin cabin with private facilities.
Note: There are cheaper twin cabins with shared facilities as well as Superior cabins. Please call for details.

 

Notes:
Prices are per person based on double occupancy in a twin cabin with private facilities.
The price shown is a guideline only and may change due to variations in the dollar / pound exchange rate or season. Please contact us for an up to date quote based on your requirements.
The return flight between Punta Arenas and the South Shetland Islands is included. Transfers as mentioned, excursions and accommodation and meals are included.
Transatlantic and internal flights are not included. South American Experience can book transatlantic flights and internal flights within Latin America at discount prices.

 

Charter a boat - the ultimate in luxury
If you're thinking of travelling in a group here is the chance to charter a magnificent 12 passenger vessel, M.Y. Sarsen, which offers perhaps the most luxurious boat cruising Antarctica today. It comes with the flight combination as described above, which avoids crossing the choppy waters of Drakes Passage and flys you straight onto the Peninsula. Facilities include:

  • a small swimming pool, spa room and massage room
  • a large outdoor dinning area with BBQ
  • a large dining room with surround music
  • a luxurious TV room with large screen plasma and surround sound
  • a large sun room/lounge all with leather lounges
  • a number of cabins have ensuites and very comfortable double beds
  • an enclosed deck area with bar, large TV with surround sound and touch screen music

  • Please contact us for dates and costs.

     

     

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    Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008