Expedition

Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise

4.8/5 From 34 Reviews

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Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise

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Travel with the pioneers of fly & cruise Antarctic voyages, flying in both directions and bypassing a 2-day sail on the Drake Passage. Regular departure dates (Dec - Feb) to choose from. Explore Antarctica aboard a trusty 67 passenger expedition ship renowned for its manoeuvrability and ice capabilities.

Trip Summary

  • 4 full days in Antarctica = 8 planned ‘off ship’ excursions
  • We like this ship's small size, simple Scandinavian lines & the Panoramic Lounge's 200 degree views
  • Antarctic operational experience since 2003
  • Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6, which is low and market leading
  • Kayaking and snowshoeing (additional cost)
  • One of very few air-cruise trips to offer reserved plane seating
  • Includes pre-flight hotel night in Punta Arenas and house wines with meals
  • Exclusive access to Explorers House – your home-from-home private club & expedition centre while in P. Arenas

Trip Overview

Route
Trip length
8 Days
Ship Comfort
Expedition
Ship
Ocean Nova
Total guests
67

From

$11,495 - $21,995

Operator's Itinerary

Start from Punta Arenas and end at Punta Arenas

Landmarks potentially visited on Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise

NOTE: While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch. This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.

Why our customers love Swoop

The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises

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Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

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We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

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We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

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What our customers think of Original Fly & Cruise Expedition Cruise

10/10 - Appreciate skipping the Drake Passage for a better experience. Most memorable moment? Cruising on the zodiacs through icebergs and glaciers, seeing wildlife right in front of us.

Travelled: February 2024

Shari Rosenberg - USA

10/10 - Everything was so well organised that we always knew what was happening. The crew were first class and the food was always excellent with something different every day. The zodiac drivers were fantastic and made sure we got to see everything. All the presenters were very knowledgeable and entertaining.

Travelled: February 2024

Lorraine FitzGerald - Australia

10/10 - The crew and expedition staff were amazing. Everything was very, very well organized. The Explorers House and lodging and logistics were all great. The expeditions were amazing, we were well prepared and briefed. The presentations and meals and cabins were all wonderful. It was an incredible trip.

Travelled: January 2024

Rebecca Archer-Knepper - USA

10/10 - The crew and expedition staff were amazing. Everything was very, very well organized. The Explorers House and lodging and logistics were all great.

Travelled: January 2024

Rebecca Archer-Knepper - USA

10/10 - It was amazing! I didn't want to cruise through the Drake so this was perfect for me! The staff on the boat was wonderful; they were so helpful and knowledgeable. They really made sure we had a great time and every time we had to change plans it felt like we got to see something even better.

Travelled: January 2024

Sabrina McCarthy - USA

I would 100% recommend the fly-cruise option. Getting to Antarctica by plane was fantastic. The small boat (less than 100 people) is the perfect option compared to larger vessels where daily disembarkation would be more limited.

Travelled: January 2024

Nigel Seymour - UK

10/10 - Overall great experience. The staff was knowledgeable, helpful, and we got to know them and the other passengers. The twice-daily excursions were great and I couldn't imagine doing it any other way.

Travelled: January 2024

Patrick Moore - USA

Be prepared to be flexible with the flights and expect an active trip.

Travelled: January 2024

Patrick Moore - USA

The first time I saw an iceberg from the plane window we we first arrived. Even though it looked like a piece of Swiss cheese, I was excited like a kid on Christmas morning.

Travelled: January 2024

Nikki Spears - USA

10/10 - I had high expectations going into the trip. The actual adventure far exceeded those expectations. I was especially happy with the small ship experience, allowing us to get to know our fellow explorers and the knowledgeable staff that guided us on our adventure.

Travelled: December 2023

Stephen Rathbun - USA

10/10 - Well thought out and planned adventure. Great staff and passengers.

Travelled: December 2023

Wes Westbrooks - USA

10/10 - Amazing! Flight arrangements were smooth. Landing operation and transfer to vessel was flawless. Return flight went well. All ground transportation was smooth.

Travelled: December 2023

Tamra Anne Westbrooks - USA

10/10- Very educational and a once in a lifetime experience.

Travelled: February 2023

Arnold Ming - USA

10/10 - One of the best vacation experiences we have ever had. The flights to/from King George Island were very comfortable - much more seating room than we expected, and the Ocean Nova crew and staff were fantastic.

Travelled: February 2023

Jeff Zumhofe - USA

It would be difficult to choose just one or two staff members as standouts. We enjoyed having the opportunity to personally interact with each of the guides during our trip, and each and every one of them were approachable, friendly and able to share their knowledge of their particular areas of expertise.

Travelled: February 2023

Jeff Zumhofe - USA

Could not have imagined it being any better.

Travelled: January 2023

Jesse Kehoe - USA

I was really impressed with the teamwork and logistics of the cruise; getting all the zodiacs (and kayaks, which I didn't do) into and out of the water. Like clockwork. Everything was ready at scheduled departure times. Guides were super friendly and knowledgeable. Every one of the 2/day outings was unique in terms of the wildlife, ice, geology. It wasn't just "let's go see penguins again."

Travelled: January 2023

Inge Fryklund - USA

Overall, just fantastic. A well oiled operation: from checking in at the Cabo de Hornos hotel, to boot issuance, to getting everyone to/from flights. Due to weather and the flight from King George Island cancelled for the morning of 23rd, we had to leave for Punta Arenas after dinner on 22nd. (Not a surprise as we had been warned about early/late departures.)

Travelled: January 2023

Inge Fryklund - USA

The experience has left an indelible mark with me. It is a more complete feeling of a majestic understanding shared by those explorers who have touched Antarctica. David, expedition leader, coaxed us constantly with that adventurous look at all we saw.

Travelled: January 2023

Daniel Alsaker - USA

10/10 Small ship size. Great crew. Comfortable ship without being too formal

Travelled: December 2022

Michael Hoffer - USA

It was a surprisingly relaxing vacation. The structure of the tour was very appealing. It was two trips a day, three meals, a lecture, and a simple but clean and functional cabin. Overall, I found this simplicity both surprising and very appealing.

Travelled: December 2022

James McHugh - USA

10/10 - Just great from A-Z

Travelled: December 2022

Roger Westerlind - USA

A professionally run expedition. Made us feel like part of the family

Travelled: December 2022

JP Richau - USA

Having experts with us to explain the ecology and processes made such a difference.

Travelled: December 2021

Chris Dixon - UK

They are inspirational. Alison encouraged me on the science boat, Wendy explained the bird life and I enjoyed a survey with her. Nigel was so amazing on the zodiac when we had our day of many many humpback whales! Hadleigh was the best leader, completely and it was easy to put all our trust in him.

Travelled: December 2021

Chris Dixon - UK

I can't say enough good things about the the expedition team. That were genuinely excited to be on the cruise with us and it showed.

Travelled: December 2021

Jeannette Shull - USA

The expedition team is what made this trip even better. They were all so friendly and interesting in their own degrees.

Travelled: December 2019

Katie Salva - United States Of America

I took about a million photos and videos of penguins and about half that many of icebergs. The expedition staff generally managed to get people on and off the zodiacs in an amazingly short time.

Travelled: December 2018

Elizabeth Hess - United States Of America

Our first day out we had several whales right close to the zodiacs. We were able to hea the seals talking to each other. The icebergs were amazing and the blue colour was so beautiful. Of course, how could you not love those penguins?

Travelled: December 2018

Susan Herron - United States Of America

Fly & cruise worked very well and was a great option. All excursions were well organised and conducted safely. We enjoyed them all, especially the snowshoeing treks.

Travelled: December 2016

John - UK

Review:

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