Antarctica

Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake

12 Days aboard Greg Mortimer. From AUD $39,008$33,157pp.
Details

Overview

Adventurers, explore Antarctica at its most pristine! Experience whales, penguins and seal as they rush to find the best places to court, feed and breed. Combine continental landings and visits to historic sites with the chance to kayak amid pack ice; climb; ski; snowboard and snowshoe on untracked peaks; photograph polar pastel landscapes beneath a near-midnight sun.

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Subject to availability

No Single Supplement!

Book by 31 March

Air Credit USD 2,000 pp!

Book by 31 March

Itinerary Highlights:

  • Skip both Drake Passage crossings on your included return flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island
  • Observe extraordinary wildlife including fledging penguin chicks
  • Spot leopard seals on icefloes from our Zodiacs
  • Visit some of Antarctica’s historic huts and scientific research stations
  • Zodiac-cruise in search of feeding and breaching whales

Itinerary in Brief: 

  • Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas
  • Day 2: Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island. Embark the Greg Mortimer
  • Day 3-10: Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 11: Disembark in King George Island fly to Punta Arenas 
  • Day 12: Depart Punta Arenas

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrive 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).

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, we will gather to meet our fellow expeditioners and a briefing on the first leg of our expedition – our flight to Antarctica!

Day 2: Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island

This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our 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 our expedition team is on hand to greet you for your Zodiac transfer to board the Greg Mortimer. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our 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. We apologise in advance for any delays

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3-10: 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 we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we 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.
We 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 we aim to stretch our 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, we 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 11: Disembark in King George Island & Fly to Punta Arenas

As we approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and our amazing adventure before boarding our return flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to our preferred downtown hotel.

NOTE: King George Island is located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is one of the most remote place on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order to take off and land safely. We apologise in advance if you experience any delays.

Breakfast included.

Day 12: Depart Punta Arenas

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 23 Jan 2026
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
23 Jan 2026 - 03 Feb 2026 AUD$33157ppExpand to view offers
Aurora Triple StateroomAUD $39008ppAUD$33157ppAir Credit USD 2,000 pp!, Save 15%
Aurora Twin StateroomAUD $40156ppAUD$34133ppAir Credit USD 2,000 pp!, No Single Supplement!, Save 15%
Balcony Stateroom (C)AUD $43598ppAUD$37059ppAir Credit USD 2,000 pp!, No Single Supplement!, Save 15%
Balcony Stateroom (B)AUD $45893ppAUD$39010ppAir Credit USD 2,000 pp!, No Single Supplement!, Save 15%
Balcony Stateroom (A)AUD $49336ppAUD$41936ppAir Credit USD 2,000 pp!, No Single Supplement!, Save 15%
Balcony Stateroom SuperiorAUD $53926ppAUD$45838ppAir Credit USD 2,000 pp!, No Single Supplement!, Save 15%
Junior SuiteAUD $67697ppAUD$57543ppAir Credit USD 2,000 pp!, Save 15%
Captain's SuiteAUD $80156ppAUD$68133ppAir Credit USD 2,000 pp!, Save 15%

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Aurora Triple Stateroom

21.4 - 22.8sqm, located on deck 3, 3 single beds, private en-suite bathroom, porthole window, desk area, closet, room-controlled thermostat & 42" flat screen TV.
*Please note the Aurora Stateroom (Triple) cabins are only available on certain departures.

Aurora Triple Stateroom
Aurora Triple Stateroom
Aurora Twin Stateroom

15.8 - 22.8sqm, located on deck 3, 2 single beds, private en-suite bathroom, porthole window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat-screen TV.

Aurora Twin Stateroom
Aurora Twin Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom (C)

20.9 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk space, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.

Balcony Stateroom (C)
Balcony Stateroom (C)
Balcony Stateroom (B)

Standard Balcony Stateroom

23.6 - 24.8sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6 (fore and aft), twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
* Many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups.

Balcony Stateroom (B)
Balcony Stateroom (B)
Balcony Stateroom (A)

Premium and most abundant Balcony Stateroom

24.1 - 31.3sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4 & 6 (close to internal stairs/elevator), twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.

Balcony Stateroom (A)
Balcony Stateroom (A)
Balcony Stateroom Superior

30.5 - 40.2sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe & 42" flat screen TV.
Benefits:
- One free pair of binoculars per suite
- One free bottle of champagne per suite and free stocked mini bar (stocked once only)
- 1-hour massage or facial treatment per person
- Gratuities/tips for crew included - to the value of USD$15 per person per day

Balcony Stateroom Superior
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Junior Suite

38.9sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 7, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe, 42" flat screen TV & separate lounge area.
Benefits:
- One free pair of binoculars per suite
- One free bottle of champagne per suite and free stocked mini bar (stocked once only)
- 1-hour massage or facial treatment per person
- Gratuities/tips for crew included - to the value of USD$15 per person per day

Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Captain's Suite

44.5sqm (cabin + balcony), located on deck 4, twin or double bedding, private en-suite bathroom, full size window, desk area, closet space, private balcony, room-controlled thermostat, safe, 42" flat screen TV & separate lounge area.
Benefits:
- One free pair of binoculars per suite
- One free bottle of champagne per suite and free stocked mini bar (replenished as needed)
- 1-hour massage or facial treatment per person
- Gratuities/tips for crew included - to the value of USD$15 per person per day

Captain's Suite
Captain's Suite

Greg Mortimer Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Capacity (Antarctica): 120
  • European Arctic: 120 (excluding ‘Inuit Arctic & Beyond’ which accommodates up to 160 passengers)
  • Americas: Up to 160
  • Expedition team: 14-24
  • Hotel team: 47-56
  • Deck and Engine crew: 24
  • Cabins: 79
  • Decks: 8
  • Year built: 2019
  • Length: 104.4m
  • Breadth: 18.2 metres
  • Draught: 5.3 metres
  • Cruising speed: 12 knots
  • Full speed: 15.5 knots
  • Gross tonnage: 7400
  • Registry: Bahamas 
  • Voltage: 220V, 50Hz AC. European round, two pin plug.
  • Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 compliant, holds Bureau Veritas class and is fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements.

What’s included?

  • Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1 (preferred flights only)
  • Two night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas (Day 1 & 11)
  • Transfer from hotel to airport in Punta Arenas on Day 2
  • Return flight Punta Arenas to King George Island (Day 2 & 11)
  • Transfer to hotel in Punta Arenas 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
  • 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 seasickness
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • A printed photo book produced with photos from your voyage
  • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees

What’s not included?

  • International or domestic flights to or within South America, 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
  • 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

Notes

Optional Activities: 

  • Sea Kayaking: US$1260 per person
  • Snorkelling: US$640 per person

**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 adjust 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’.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

Downloadable travel guide

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Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake

12 Days aboard Greg Mortimer. From AUD $39,008$33,157pp.