Approach to King George Island
Douglas Mawson
Max. 130 passengers
8 or 10 days
from/to Punta Arenas
8- or 10-day expedition cruise from/to Punta Arenas | Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands | max. 130 passengers | Round-trip flight via the Drake Passage
On this expedition cruise, you won't board the ship until you reach Antarctica: From Punta Arenas A charter flight will take you there in one hour and 45 minutes King George Island, where the Douglas Mawson is already waiting, and at the end of the trip you'll fly back the same way. The one notorious for its rough seas Drake Passage You'll only see it from above. In return, you'll get six full days of exploration on the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.
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Her home on this voyage is the Douglas Mawson, built in 2025, which carries a maximum of 130 passengers on expeditions. The expedition team decides on a day-to-day basis where the Zodiacs will head—usually twice a day—based on weather, ice conditions, and the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. Between outings, guests can enjoy the lecture hall, the citizen science center, the sauna, a heated outdoor pool, and two hot tubs on board.
On land, you’ll visit penguin colonies—where chicks that have just learned to fly are gathered in January—and historic huts; on the ice floes, seals rest out of reach of their predators, and in the bays, you’ll keep an eye out for migrating and feeding whales.
The itinerary is fully organized: two nights' hotel accommodations with breakfast in Punta Arenas, charter flights both ways, all transfers mentioned in the itinerary, all shore excursions and Zodiac rides, a waterproof 3-in-1 polar jacket to keep, and rental rubber boots are all included in the tour price.
Before or after your Antarctic cruise with flights, it’s worth spending some time in Chile: at the Patagonia Eco Camp near Punta Arenas, in Santiago with the colorful hills of Valparaíso, or in the Atacama Desert in the north; you can also add Buenos Aires and the Iguazú Falls to your itinerary. Feel free to contact us—we’ll put together a customized pre- or post-cruise itinerary for you.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and Departure: Two nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Punta Arenas—on the first and ninth days of the trip—are included in the tour price, as are all airport transfers listed in the itinerary and the charter flights to and from Antarctica. International flights to and from Punta Arenas are not included; upon request, we can arrange your flights. We would be happy to put together pre- and post-tour itineraries for you in Chile and Argentina.
Entry Requirements: German citizens need a valid passport to enter Chile. You can find the latest travel and safety advisories from the Federal Foreign Office for Chile. Regulations may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.
Onboard Currency: The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. All expenses are charged to your onboard account and settled at the end of the voyage by credit card or in cash in U.S. dollars.
Note for solo travelers: If you do not request a single cabin, you may be accommodated in a shared cabin on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharge will apply.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Flying across the Drake Passage twice —there and back—takes about one hour and 45 minutes, replacing the multi-day sea crossing.
- The ship is already waiting in the ice —you land on King George Island, a Zodiac ferries you across, and the expedition begins without delay.
- Penguin chicks taking their first flights – The January dates coincide with the weeks when the chicks are growing up in the colonies.
- Seals on the ice floes – Out of reach of their predators, the animals rest on the sea ice, and the Zodiac takes you close enough to see them.
- Zodiac rides through drift ice —quiet coves filled with drift ice, massive glaciers, and icebergs whose blue glows differently in every cove.
- 18 to 24 hours of daylight —the sun barely dips below the horizon, and there’s more and more time to explore.
- Not a single day at sea —Those who are sensitive to rough seas can reach Antarctica on this voyage without spending a single day on the open sea.
- Polar Plunge – When conditions are right, take a dip in the polar waters; the onboard sauna is right nearby afterward.
route
itinerary
Flight from Punta Arenas to the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 1 | Arrival in Punta Arenas
In Punta Arenas, high above the Strait of Magellan, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. Please plan to arrive by 2:00 p.m. at the latest: this will allow you to attend the pre-flight briefings, and if weather conditions permit, your departure for Antarctica may even be moved up to that same day. Between 2:00 and 6:00 p.m., pick up your luggage tags at the reception desk in the hotel lobby.
In the evening, you’ll meet your fellow travelers at the pre-trip briefing, where you’ll receive information on the next day’s transfer times, the flight itinerary, and the IAATO rules for visitors to Antarctica. The hotel stay with breakfast is included in the tour price; meals for this day are not.
Day 2 | Flight to King George Island and Boarding
In the morning, a shuttle will take you to the airport, where you’ll board a charter flight to Antarctica—weather permitting—for a flight lasting about one hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival at King George Island, the expedition team will welcome you; a Zodiac will then take you to the Douglas Mawson, where you’ll settle into your cabin before the safety briefing begins.
King George Island is one of the most remote places on Earth; takeoff and landing require clear visibility. If the flight is delayed due to weather, the contingency plan outlined in the “Important” section takes effect.
Days 3 through 8 | Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Six full days are dedicated to the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Your expedition team determines the daily itinerary based on weather, ice conditions, and the best opportunities for wildlife viewing; no landing sites are predetermined, and that is precisely what makes these days so exciting.
We usually head out twice a day: by Zodiac along ice cliffs and among stranded icebergs, spotting whales, seals, and penguins swimming through the water; ashore to penguin colonies and historic huts, across pebble beaches and up snow-covered ridges to viewpoints overlooking the ice-dotted sea. Booked optional activities take place as soon as conditions permit, and the Polar Plunge invites the brave to take a dip in the polar waters.
Between outings, the ship navigates through the narrow straits between the islands and the mainland or anchors in bays where whales migrate or feed. With 18 to 24 hours of daylight, you can fill your days however you like, and if you listen closely, you can hear the crunching and deep rumbling of the glaciers as they slide from the summit down to the sea.
Please note that for the trip departing on January 10, 2028, you will only spend days 3 through 6 in Antarctica. On day 7, you will fly back to Punta Arenas.
Day 9 | Return flight to Punta Arenas
Before arriving at the Frei Station on King George Island, it’s time to say goodbye to Antarctica. The return flight to Punta Arenas takes about an hour and 45 minutes, giving you time to reflect on your experiences; here, too, takeoff and landing require clear visibility.
Back in Punta Arenas, the shuttle will take you to the group hotel, where you’ll spend the last night of your trip, including breakfast.
Day 10 | Departure
The expedition ends with breakfast, and then it's time to say goodbye. The transfer to the Punta Arenas airport is already included.
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
Your Cabin On Board
The Douglas Mawson has 86 cabins; depending on the voyage, up to eleven cabin categories are available for booking, each with a porthole, window, or private balcony; on select voyages, true single cabins are available at no extra charge. Floor plans, deck plans, and all specifications can be found on the Douglas Mawson website.
activities
Zodiac rides
As soon as the ship drops anchor, the Zodiacs are launched: into secluded coves and quiet nooks filled with drift ice, along ice cliffs, and among stranded icebergs, whose shades of blue shimmer differently in every cove.
You’ll be closest to the animals from the water: seals on the ice floes, whales in the bays, and penguins swimming alongside the boat. Every landing also begins in a Zodiac, which takes you to the beaches, the colonies, and the historic huts on the peninsula. Included.
Shore Excursions and Hikes
There are usually two excursions per day, either a landing or a Zodiac ride. On land, the route takes you along gravel beaches, past penguin colonies, to historic huts, and up snow-covered ridges to viewpoints, with the mountains above and the ice-dotted sea below.
There are no set routes; the expedition team decides where to go based on the weather and ice conditions. You can rent rubber boots for the duration of the trip. Included.
Polar Plunge
At some point during the expedition, the command is given: “Polar Plunge.” Those who dare jump fully into the polar waters, while the rest watch from the deck.
Afterward, you can warm up in the sauna. Included, weather permitting.
Lectures and Citizen Science
The lecture program is organized by naturalists and destination specialists who explain Antarctica's history, wildlife, and climate change right where everything can be seen from the bow.
The Citizen Science Center invites you to participate in the team's ongoing observations—and enjoy one of the best views on the ship while you're at it. Included.
Sea kayak (for an additional fee)
In groups of up to 20 participants—10 per guide—and accompanied by a dedicated safety Zodiac, you’ll paddle through the ice close to the ship. The goal is to take two outings per day; the kayaking program replaces the regular shore excursions, and if the weather takes a turn for the worse, the group will return to the ship and, if possible, join a shore excursion.
The minimum age is 14; each kayak spot is for one person. For an additional fee, starting at 916 € per person.
Snorkeling (for an additional fee)
Antarctica from below: While snorkeling in the polar waters, you’ll glide through sheltered bays in a dry suit, see the underside of the ice formations, and—with a little luck—spot penguins and seals beneath the surface, along with crustaceans, starfish, and nudibranchs.
Snorkeling takes place daily, weather permitting, in sessions ranging from 20 minutes to one hour, in groups of no more than 16 participants aged 14 and older. All equipment —from dry suits to fins, masks, and snorkels—is provided, as is instruction; you must be able to swim safely and have the strength to climb back into the Zodiac via the ladder. Available for an additional fee, starting at €458 per person.
Paddling (for an additional fee)
A gentle introductory option for ages 14 and up, specifically designed for travelers with no prior experience: You’ll paddle in stable sit-on-top kayaks close to the coast, usually with a stop ashore, and accompanied by a dedicated safety Zodiac. A dry bag for a change of clothes and binoculars is provided.
In addition to the paddling program, there are individual paddling sessions available for anyone who would like to try the activity first. For an additional fee, starting at 427 € per person.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
January 13, 2027 – January 22, 2027
Starting at €21,890 ; €18,775 per person
10 days/9 nights
MS Douglas Mawson (Maximum occupancy: 140)
Punta Arenas, Chile Punta Arenas, Chile
Optional activities: kayaking, snorkeling, paddling excursion
Up to €3,000 off per person for new bookings made by September 30, 2026
January 10, 2028 – January 17, 2028
Starting at €18,953 ; €16,110 per person
8 days/7 nights
MS Douglas Mawson (Maximum occupancy: 140)
Punta Arenas, Chile Punta Arenas, Chile
Optional activities: kayaking, snorkeling, paddling excursion
Up to 15% early-bird discount on new bookings +++ limited availability +++ does not apply to single cabins +++
Selected date
January 13, 2027 – January 22, 2027 (10 days/9 nights)
MS Douglas Mawson | On a charter flight over the rough waters of the Drake Passage
Aurora Cabin Triple
Aurora Cabin Twin
Aurora Cabin Superior
Balcony Cabin Cat. C
Balcony cabin Cat. B
Balcony Cabin Cat. A
Superior Balcony Cabin
Junior Suite
Captain's Suite
cabin
options
| Kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 916,00 € | |
| Snorkeling (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 458,00 € | |
| Paddling excursion (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 427,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optional activities
Selected date
January 10, 2028 – January 17, 2028 (8 days/7 nights)
MS Douglas Mawson | On a charter flight over the rough waters of the Drake Passage
Aurora Cabin Triple
Aurora Cabin Twin
Aurora cabin single
Aurora Cabin Superior
Aurora Cabin Superior Single
Balcony Cabin Cat. C
Balcony cabin Cat. B
Balcony Cabin Cat. A
Superior Balcony Cabin
Junior Suite
Captain's Suite
cabin
options
| Kayaking (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 934,00 € | |
| Snorkeling (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 600,00 € | |
| Paddling excursion (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 311,00 € | |
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
optional activities
Information
Included services:
- Two hotel nights with breakfast in Punta Arenas, on Day 1 and Day 9 (or Day 7)
- Charter flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island in both directions
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodations in the booked cabin with daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and juices on board
- Beer and house wine with dinner
- Farewell reception for the captain featuring a four-course meal, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
- All shore excursions and Zodiac trips
- Presentations and guidance from the expedition team
- Initial consultation with the ship's doctor and access to the onboard clinic
- A waterproof 3-in-1 fleece jacket worth keeping
- Rental rubber boots for the duration of the trip
- Wi-Fi on board; the connection may be unreliable in remote areas
- Port fees, permits, and landing fees
- Detailed travel documents before departure
Not included:
- International and domestic flights, unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
- Transfers, unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
- Airport Taxes and Fees
- Passports, Visas, Reciprocity Fees, and Vaccinations
- International Health Insurance and the Costs of Medical Evacuation
- Hotel accommodations and meals, unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
- Additional activities for an extra charge: sea kayaking, snorkeling, and paddling
- Alcoholic Beverages Outside of Dinner
- Personal expenses such as laundry service, the onboard shop, telephone charges, and medical treatment beyond the initial consultation
- Tips for the crew: $15 per person per day will be charged to your onboard account and can be adjusted. For suites, this amount is already included.
Important:
- We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
- Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
- The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening conditions or who require daily medical care cannot participate.
- Expedition language: English. A German-speaking guide is not provided.
- Landings are made via Zodiac and require sure-footedness on uneven terrain; the additional activities require a good level of physical fitness. If you have limited mobility, please contact us before booking.
- We will cancel the trip up to 30 days before departure and notify you by email if the minimum number of 50 participants has not been reached. Such cancellations are extremely rare.
- Plan to arrive in Punta Arenas by 2:00 p.m. on Day 1 at the latest. This will allow you to attend the pre-flight briefings, and if weather conditions require it, the departure for Antarctica can be moved up to Day 1.
- The insurance coverage must also include baggage, trip cancellation, and trip interruption, as well as repatriation and emergency evacuation, with a minimum coverage of $250,000; the insurance details must be submitted before the final payment is made.
- Both charter flights require clear visibility to King George Island. If the outbound flight is delayed, you will spend the night in Punta Arenas on a full-board basis, with guided excursions if possible; if flight clearance has not been granted by 6:00 a.m. on the fourth day, the trip will be canceled and the amount paid will be credited as a travel credit.
- If the return flight is delayed, you will remain on board until takeoff is possible; if the flight departs a day earlier, you will spend an additional night in Punta Arenas with full board and take a guided tour. If the flight cannot be operated within 72 hours, the ship will take you to Puerto Williams; meals on board are included during this time.
Your ship during the voyage
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get there and back?
The trip begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile. International flights to Punta Arenas are not included in the tour price; upon request, we’ll be happy to arrange your flights. Important: Please plan to arrive by 2:00 p.m. at the latest on the first day of the trip so that you can attend the briefings before the flight to Antarctica. Many arrangements have already been made on site: two nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, all transfers listed in the itinerary, and the charter flights to and from Antarctica are included.
Do I need a visa?
German citizens do not need a visa to enter Chile; a valid passport is sufficient. We have provided a link here to the German Foreign Office’s current travel and safety advisories for Chile. Travelers of other nationalities should contact us directly, as different regulations may apply.
Why fly to Antarctica instead of driving there?
The Drake Passage is considered one of the roughest waterways in the world. Flying over it in either direction saves you the several-day-long sea crossing and allows you to avoid the rough seas entirely; this route is therefore especially recommended for anyone prone to seasickness or who wants to make the most of their time on the White Continent. The flight takes only about an hour and 45 minutes, and even from the airplane window, you can see the remoteness of the Southern Ocean.
What happens if a charter flight can't take off?
Takeoff and landing on King George Island require clear visibility. If the outbound flight is delayed, you will spend the night in Punta Arenas on a full-board basis, with guided excursions if possible; if flight clearance has not been granted by 6:00 a.m. on the fourth day of the trip, the trip will be canceled and the amount paid will be credited as a travel credit. If the return flight is delayed, you will remain aboard the Douglas Mawson until takeoff is possible; if takeoff cannot be carried out within 72 hours, the ship will take you to Puerto Williams for disembarkation.
What animals might I see along the way?
On the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll visit penguin colonies where chicks that have just fledge stand in January. Seals rest on ice floes, out of reach of their predators; in the bays, you can observe migrating and feeding whales; and during Zodiac excursions, penguins swim alongside the boat. What you see depends on the weather and ice conditions; there are no guarantees of sightings in Antarctica.
What should I pack for Antarctica?
You’ll be provided with the essentials: You may keep the waterproof 3-in-1 polar expedition jacket after the trip, and you’ll be loaned rubber boots for the duration of the expedition. Underneath, the layering principle works best with warm, windproof, and waterproof layers. On board, 220-volt power is available via universal outlets. You’ll receive a detailed packing list with your travel documents before departure.
How fit do I need to be for this expedition?
For the shore excursions, you should be able to move safely on uneven terrain and walk reasonable distances. Those who walk more slowly should stay closer to the shore, where they can still enjoy the same views of the landscape and wildlife; hiking poles with snow baskets are a great help. Please let us know about any physical limitations well in advance of departure. Please also note: The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities; people with life-threatening medical conditions or who require daily medical treatment cannot participate.
Will I be well taken care of as a solo traveler?
Solo travelers are warmly welcome on our expeditions. Depending on the departure, private cabins are available at no single-occupancy surcharge. If a private cabin is not desired, accommodations on board are available in shared cabins. In this case, you’ll be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single-occupancy surcharges apply. Shared shore excursions, meals, and the lecture program will quickly help you strike up conversations with your fellow travelers. Feel free to contact us—we’ll find the right solution for you.
An expedition ship in an icy bay, viewed from above
Aerial view of the ship in the ice-filled bay | © Tyson Mayr
A bay as smooth as glass in the sunlight
Quiet Bay in Antarctica | © Adobe Stock
Ice wall on the Antarctic coast
Glacier Coast of Antarctica | © Adobe Stock
Iceberg in drifting pack ice
An iceberg in drifting pack ice | © Rolf Stange
A Goal Made of Ice
A Goal Made of Ice | © Matt Horspool
Zodiac Among Icebergs
Zodiac Among Icebergs | © Adobe Stock
Abandoned whaling station in Antarctica
Abandoned Whaling Station | © Matt Horspool
The Bellingshausen Research Station on King George Island
Bellingshausen Research Station | © Adobe Stock
Trinity Church on King George Island
Trinity Church on King George Island | © Adobe Stock
Whale's tail against a snow-covered mountain landscape
A whale's fin against a snow-covered mountain landscape | © Derek Oyen
Whales Close to the Coast
Whales off the Antarctic coast | © Adobe Stock
Weddell seal on the ice
Weddell seal on the ice | © Adobe Stock
Adélie and chinstrap penguins in the snow
Adélie and chinstrap penguins in the snow | © Jill Lancaster
Rope penguins on the ice
Ribbon Penguins | © Adobe Stock
A gentoo penguin jumping into the water
Gentoo penguin jumping into the water | © Adobe Stock
A view over the colorful rooftops of Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan | © Adobe Stock
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