Antarctica Fly-Cruise: Crossing the Antarctic Circle – 11 Days
Fly to Antarctica and sail south across the Antarctic Circle on a small expedition ship.
Tour overview
This 11-day expedition flies over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas in Chile and then sails further south than most voyages, across the Antarctic Circle. You spend eight nights on a small ice-rated expedition ship and two in a hotel in Punta Arenas, with all meals on board included.
After boarding at King George Island you explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula with daily Zodiac cruises and landings, weather and ice permitting, and lectures from the expedition team.
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The ship then heads south through iceberg-filled channels to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66°33' south, a milestone few visitors reach, before working back north along the Peninsula for more wildlife and landings. Sea kayaking and a night camping on the ice are available as paid options.
The physical rating is medium. This expedition suits travellers who want to go deeper into Antarctica without the long Drake crossing.
Trip highlights
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A charter flight over the Drake Passage (Day 2)
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The South Shetland Islands (Day 3)
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The Antarctic Peninsula (Days 3–5)
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle (Days 6–7)
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Zodiac cruises and landings
Your route
5 stops from Punta Arenas to Antarctic Peninsula
- Punta Arenas Days 1 & 10–11
- King George Island Days 2 & 10
- Petermann Island Days 2–5
- Antarctic Circle Days 6–7
- Antarctic Peninsula Days 8–9
Why choose this tour
Crosses the Antarctic Circle. Flies over the Drake Passage.
Best suited to
- Polar enthusiasts
- Wildlife lovers
- Photographers
- Bucket-list travellers
Day-by-day itinerary
11 days from Punta Arenas, Chile to Punta Arenas, Chile
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Day 1 · Punta Arenas Punta Arenas
Welcome to Patagonia.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2 · Punta Arenas, King George Island King George Island
Fly to Antarctica and board the ship.
- Hotel
- Expedition ship
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 · South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Peninsula
First landings.
- Hotel
- Expedition ship
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 · Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Peninsula
Penguins and ice.
- Hotel
- Expedition ship
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 · Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Peninsula
Heading south.
- Hotel
- Expedition ship
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 · Antarctic Circle Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Circle.
- Hotel
- Expedition ship
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 · Antarctic Circle Antarctic Circle
Deep in the ice.
- Hotel
- Expedition ship
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 · Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Peninsula
Northbound.
- Hotel
- Expedition ship
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9 · Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Peninsula
Last landings.
- Hotel
- Expedition ship
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 · King George Island, Punta Arenas Punta Arenas
Fly back to Chile.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 11 · Punta Arenas Punta Arenas
The expedition ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Punta Arenas (1 night) Hotel
- Antarctica (8 nights) Expedition ship
- Punta Arenas (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Charter flights Punta Arenas–King George Island–Punta Arenas
- Accommodation 2 hotel nights and 8 nights on board
- Meals 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
- Daily Zodiac cruises and shore landings
- Lectures by the expedition team
- Boots on loan and an expedition parka
Not included
- Flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Meals not included 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- Optional kayaking and camping on the ice
- Tips
- Travel insurance with evacuation cover
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want a fixed itinerary
- You are on a tight budget
- You want a short trip
- You want flights to Chile included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £22,495 per person, twin share, tour only. 1 upcoming departure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Do I need a visa for Antarctica?
No visa is needed for Antarctica; UK citizens can visit Chile visa-free for up to 90 days.
Is crossing the Antarctic Circle guaranteed?
It is the aim, but ice and weather decide the route each day.
Can I camp on the ice?
Yes, as a paid option with limited places, booked in advance.
Which meals are included?
All meals on board, a welcome dinner and hotel breakfasts.
Is insurance required?
Yes, with medical and emergency evacuation cover.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary