Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Active & Wild Antarctica Air Cruise

On this 9- to 14-day Active & Wild Antarctica Air Cruise, reduce time on the high seas by flying at least one way across the Drake Passage. Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica and immerse 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. Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life—explore it in an active way with options for added-cost activities such as sea kayaking, scuba diving and polar snorkeling.

Highlights of each departure include seeing and hearing the bustling activity of a penguin city, chances to spot leopard seals on ice floes, Zodiac cruises in search of feeding and breaching whales and skipping one or two legs of the Drake Passage to maximize time in the White Continent. Be amazed by sea ice, humbled by icebergs, intrigued by Antarctic explorer history and amused by penguins.

Adventure- and conservation-minded expedition ships Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle serve as floating basecamps in Antarctica. These 132-guest-average small ships feature modern technology, state-of-the-art efficiency and nimble design for active off-ship excursions. Enjoy access to an unparalleled capacity and variety of adventure gear aboard these ice-breaker polar ships.

In addition to the main Fly/Fly itinerary which operates round-trip from Punta Arenas, Chile, select departures cruise one way, either starting (Cruise/Fly) or ending (Fly/Cruise) in Ushuaia, Argentina. “Wild Antarctica” departures add time in the Weddell Sea. “Across the Antarctic Circle” departures add an attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. “Antarctic Explorer Express” departures spend less time exploring the Peninsula. Each of the four itineraries (“Antarctic Explorer” with no Weddell Sea, “Antarctic Explorer Express” with no Weddell Sea and less time along the Peninsula, “Wild Antarctica” with Weddell Sea and “Across the Antarctic Circle” with no Weddell Sea but an attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle) vary in length and opportunities to cruise the Drake Passage at least one-way; see Rates & Dates table for specific details of each departure.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica, including even more cruises with flights to Antarctica.