Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake 12 Day Expedition

Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no later than 2:00pm so that you may attend our important briefing this evening.  

Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby between 2:00pm – 6:00pm to collect your luggage cabin tags. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information about where to dine or purchase last minute items.  

Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world's most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great blend of cultural backgrounds, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors. It remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history. Modern day Punta Arenas is home to many popular restaurants, and bars, offering a mix of local and international fare (meals at your own expense today). 

At 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times for tomorrow, explain the procedures for your flight to King George Island and outline important IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica.  

This morning we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important safety 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 for safe take-off and landing. A contingency plan will be applied to your itinerary should your flights not proceed today. Your safety is our upmost priority. We apologise in advance for any delays caused due to this unpredictable situation. Please refer to our terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation.

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 will 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 will 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. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

As we approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and our amazing adventure before boarding our flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here. 

In Punta Arenas, you will be transferred to our group hotel for an overnight stay.  

Note: King George Island is located at the northern tip 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 for safe take-off and landing. We apologise in advance for any possible delays. 

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as we continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature (breakfast included). A transfer to the airport is included in the voyage fare.   

Note: Should your flight not proceed due to local conditions; you will remain on the ship until it is deemed achievable to return to Punta Arenas. Refer to our terms and conditions for further details.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 104 metres

Passenger Capacity: 132

Built: 2019

Purpose-built for polar expeditions, the Greg Mortimer combines over 25 years of expedition experience with cutting-edge nautical design. With a capacity of just 132 passengers, the ship offers an intimate, comfortable base for exploring the world’s most remote regions while maintaining a focus on multiple landings, flexible itineraries, and a family-like atmosphere.

Designed with the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW™, the ship handles rough seas with ease, offering a smoother ride and lower environmental impact. Hydraulic viewing platforms on Deck 5 provide unobstructed views of wildlife, while dedicated Zodiac launching areas make landings fast and efficient. The ship carries 15 Zodiacs for up to three daily excursions.

For adventurers, a spacious activity platform supports kayaking, climbing, diving and more, with quick gear access via the mudroom and drying areas. The ship is also Polar Code 6 compliant and features advanced safety systems, including backup propulsion and a fully equipped medical centre.

Onboard comforts include large observation decks, a 180° lounge, open bridge policy, and a well-stocked library. Enjoy family-style meals with complimentary drinks, and relax at the Wellness Centre with a gym, spa, sauna, and massage services. Daily expert-led lectures enrich your journey with insights into nature, wildlife, and local cultures.

The Greg Mortimer offers a modern, safe, and environmentally conscious way to explore the polar regions – with all the comfort and spirit of true adventure.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 104 meters

Passenger Capacity: 126

Built / Refurbished: 2020/2021

Launching in October 2021, the Sylvia Earle honours renowned oceanographer and marine conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of NOAA and a Time Magazine Hero for the Planet, Sylvia’s legacy lives on through this state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed for sustainability and exploration.

Built for challenging waters like the Drake Passage, the Sylvia Earle features the cutting-edge Ulstein X-BOW® for smoother sailing, reduced fuel consumption, and better speed through rough seas. Inside the bow, the stunning Glass Atrium Lounge offers panoramic views.

Between landings, enjoy the heated saltwater open-air pool, jacuzzis, gym, sauna, and optional massages in the Wellness Centre. The ship is fitted with advanced safety features, including dual propulsion systems and a fully equipped medical clinic for remote travel.

A champion of responsible travel, the ship runs one of the world’s cleanest marine engines, reducing emissions by up to 80%. Virtual anchoring protects delicate seabeds by avoiding traditional anchors.

Expedition-ready, the Sylvia Earle includes four sea-level Zodiac platforms for fast and safe transfers to shore. Adventure gear is prepped in spacious, expert-designed activity areas with lockers and drying zones for wetsuits and dry suits—perfect for kayaking, diving, and other optional activities.