trip

11 Days$25000USD

Activities
  • 8 days expedition cruising
Accommodation
  • 9 Nights aboard MV Aureum
  • 2 nights Weskar Lodge
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 10 Breakfasts
 

Trip highlights


  • Explore dramatic glaciers, towering icebergs and pristine polar wilderness
  • Witness extraordinary wildlife, from vast penguin colonies to whales and seals
  • Venture towards the Antarctic Circle with an experienced expedition team, conditions permitting
  • Maximise your time in Antarctica by flying over the Drake Passage
  • Enjoy an intimate expedition group size of just 36 like minded explorers

Maximise your time exploring Antarctica on this immersive 11-day expedition aboard MV Aureum. By flying directly from Patagonia to King George Island, you'll avoid the Drake Passage crossing and enjoy seven full days discovering the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula aboard an intimate expedition vessel carrying just 36 guests. Each day presents new opportunities to venture ashore by Zodiac, encounter remarkable wildlife and explore some of the world's most breathtaking polar landscapes. From towering glaciers and sculptural icebergs to bustling penguin colonies, seals and whales, your experienced expedition team will tailor the journey to prevailing conditions, ensuring every voyage is unique. As the expedition progresses south, conditions permitting, the aim is to venture beyond the familiar Peninsula towards the legendary Antarctic Circle—an achievement that adds another memorable dimension to an already extraordinary Antarctic adventure.

Trip Code: ASC1

Arrive in the picturesque Patagonian town of Puerto Natales, where you'll meet your fellow travellers before your Antarctic adventure begins. After settling into your hotel, enjoy some free time to explore the waterfront, local cafés or artisan shops before gathering this evening for a welcome dinner and the opportunity to get to know your expedition team and fellow travellers.

Meals:  D

From today, your expedition is ready to depart as soon as conditions allow. When the weather window opens, board your charter flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours, before embarking MV Aureum, your home for the next seven days of Antarctic exploration. As with all polar expeditions, safety comes first, and departure is determined by the captain based on prevailing weather conditions. Should the flight be delayed, you'll continue your stay in Puerto Natales, with additional time to relax at your lodge or explore the surrounding region. The itinerary has been intentionally designed with this flexibility, providing a generous operational window while maximising your time in Antarctica.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spend the next seven days exploring the extraordinary landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands aboard MV Aureum. With no fixed itinerary, each day is shaped by prevailing weather, sea ice and wildlife opportunities, allowing your experienced expedition team to make the most of every opportunity. Cruise through some of Antarctica's most spectacular waterways, including the Gerlache Strait, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay and Wilhelmina Bay, with opportunities for daily zodiac excursions and guided shore landings. Depending on conditions, you may visit remarkable locations such as Deception Island, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island and the Melchior Islands, where towering glaciers, sculptural icebergs and abundant wildlife create unforgettable polar landscapes. As the expedition progresses south, the aim is to venture beyond the Antarctic Peninsula towards the Antarctic Circle, conditions permitting. Should sea ice allow, you'll enter some of Antarctica's most remote and seldom-visited regions, where vast icebergs, pristine channels and untouched wilderness define the landscape. These southern waters also provide the rare possibility of encountering species such as Emperor Penguins and Ross Seals, although sightings are uncommon and can never be guaranteed. With just 36 guests on board, everyone can enjoy shore landings and zodiac excursions together, giving your expedition team the flexibility to extend memorable wildlife encounters, spend longer at exceptional landing sites or adapt the itinerary as conditions evolve. This expedition-style approach ensures every voyage is unique, with each day offering new opportunities to experience Antarctica at its wildest.

Meals:  B,L,D

When weather conditions allow, disembark MV Aureum on King George Island and board your charter flight back to Puerto Natales. As with your outbound flight, departure is determined by the safest available weather window. Should conditions delay your return, the expedition continues, providing additional opportunities to explore Antarctica until it is safe to fly. Back in Puerto Natales, settle into your hotel before gathering one last time for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the remarkable experiences and memories shared during your Antarctic adventure.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trip concludes in Puerto Natales this morning after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
  • All non-alcoholic drinks and beer and house wine with dinner
  • Twin share accommodation (or single depending on cabin choice) in Puerto Natales
  • Return charter flights from Puerto Natales to King George Island
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
  • Lectures and workshop tutorials
  • Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board (charges may apply)
  • Use of the ships Starlink internet subject to availability and reasonable usage
  • Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
  • Digital Voyage Log

  • Air transport and airport transfers before and after the cruises
  • Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes
  • Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the cruise itinerary
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 250,000
  • Gratuities for the crew and expedition team are not included in the voyage fare and are at your discretion.

What to Know Before You Join Us

Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the ship may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. You might find yourself kayaking past icebergs, snowshoeing across pristine landscapes, or even catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?

Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.


Vessel


Cabins


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$25000USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Signature Twin SupplementUSD$3000
  • Classic Single SupplementUSD$5450
  • Signature Single SupplementUSD$7900
  • Signature Suite SupplementUSD$10350
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Antarctic Peninsula by Air Expedition trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Small ships, big experiences

Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.

More time ashore

Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.

Real exploration

Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.

Handpicked, sustainable adventures

Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.

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