Express Antarctic Explorer Sail/Fly

Express Antarctic Explorer Sail/Fly 9 Days
Big Discounts!
No Single Supplement!
Express Antarctic Explorer Sail/Fly 9 Days
Aboard: Greg Mortimer Douglas Mawson
This express sail/fly itinerary skips out a Drake Passage crossing, and offers a short but very sweet exploration of the pristine white continent of Antarctica. Sailing from Ushuaia aboard a new custom built polar vessel, you will enjoy a brief Antarctic Peninsula cruise before returning back to South America aboard a special flight from King George Island in Antarctica to Punta Arenas. Although short on time, this itinerary certainly still packs a punch and your crew will ensure to pack as much as excitement into every day as possible. You will discover the incredible wilderness of Antarctica where towering icebergs, bountiful wildlife and thrilling adventures combine to create an unforgettable journey. Spend time on deck looking for wildlife as you sail through the scenic channels, enjoy Zodiac excursions and optional activities, visit historic sites and step foot on the most spectacular continent on Earth.
Various departures available. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.
Highlights
- Enjoy an express exploration of the enchanting Antarctic Peninsula
- Fly across the Drake Passage
- Spectacular Antarctic scenery
- Amazing wildlife including penguins, birds and whales
- Adventure options including kayaking and snorkelling (select departures - additional costs apply)
- Exciting Zodiac cruises through ice-filled bays amongst towering sculpted icebergs
- Visit historical and scientific sites
- Resident photography guide
What's Included
- Full board accommodation on board ship with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, afternoon tea and snacks
- Wines, beers and soft drinks with dinner
- 1 night accommodation in Ushuaia pre-voyage, with breakfast and Beagle Channel Catamaran Cruise
- 1 night accommodation in Punta Arenas post-voyage
- Charter flight from King George Island, Antarctica to Punta Arenas, Chile
- Transfers from ship & luggage transfer to ship
- Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- Zodiac landings and excursions
- Programme of expert lectures
- Loan of rubber boots
- Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket
Big Discounts!
Book January 2026 departure now and receive a £ flight credit discount!
Or book January 2027 departure and receive up to 20% discount!
Offer applicable when booked before 1st May 2025
Applies to new bookings in select cabins on select departures only. Subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other offer, and may be withdrawn at any time. Full terms & conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.
No Single Supplement!
Book select departures by 30th June and solo travellers will pay no single supplement for their own cabin!
Offer applicable when booked before 1st July 2025
Full terms & conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.
So much to experience





































Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia - Embarkation
At Sea - Drake Passage
Antarctic Peninsula
King George Island to Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas
A view from Above
All Aboard

Greg Mortimer
The brand new (2018-19) “Greg Mortimer” is a purpose-built expedition vessel capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, and has been built to world-class polar standards. The Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future, utilising the ULSTEIN X-BOW, a cutting edge nautical technology which allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, reduced vibrations, improved comfort and safety on board, virtual anchoring, lower fuel consumption and lower air emissions.
Robust, powerful, and built with passengers’ comfort and safety at the forefront of design, the Greg Mortimer features a modern ice-strengthened hull at ice class 1A, four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to Zodiacs, a custom-built activity platform, the most up-to-date and concise safety features including the latest ‘return to port’ technology, and has been built to meet and exceed the strict environment standards of the Polar Code, for non-intrusive and low-impact voyages.
For exceptional at sea wildlife and scenery viewing opportunities the ship has custom-built hydraulic platforms offering unobstructed views, an indoor observation lounge, side viewing platforms and an outdoor top deck which allows for 360-degree views.
With space for 132 passengers the ship has 80 well designed staterooms with en-suite bathrooms, ranging from porthole to balcony categories, a large dining room/restaurant with family style dining, a spacious lecture room, a well stocked library, Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa, a multimedia room and a fully-stocked medical centre.

Douglas Mawson
The newest addition to Aurora’s fantastic fleet of state-of-the-art small expedition ships, the Douglas Mawson is named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer and features the same revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® seen on the Sylivia Earle and Greg Mortimer. With industry-leading nautical technology and enhanced sustainability features making it one of the greenest expedition ships in the market, the Douglas Mawson carries a maximum of 154 passengers in an extensive range of cabin types.
A fabulous upper deck with heated outdoor swimming pool, sunbeds, and two Jacuzzis sets the scene for a luxurious adventure. Onboard you will find a gym, a sauna, a Citizen Science Centre and various relaxing lounges and observation spaces, along with two first-class restaurants.
Please note: Images shown are artist-impressions of the ship’s design. We will update these as soon as up-to-date images are available.
we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.


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 MartinOverall 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, MaltaToo 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.

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.
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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 a
Consultation