Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
The perfect amount of time to explore magical Antarctica aboard the Hebridean Sky
Price: Upon request
A 8-day expedition cruise
5 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
South Shetland Islands
Whale watching from the open deck
Immense icebergs and glaciers
Observe penguins in their natural habitat
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Fly the Drake Passage
Up to 5 hours of excursion per day
Your trip is 100% carbon offset
Dedicated transfer team in Punta Arenas
The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is one of the most popular Antarctica expedition trip. Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will board your new home for the next 8 days and sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the beautiful Antarctica home.
We compensate all 3.07 tons of CO2 that this trip will cause.
Your ship: Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky is a small, all-suite expedition vessel. The ship was built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005. In 2016 the ship underwent an extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation that transformed it into one of the finest small ships in the world. For our air-cruises, Hebridean Sky accommodates 75 passengers. The ship offers a classically elegant base for adventurous exploration in Antarctica. Suites in eight different categories of accommodation are spacious, with premium appointments throughout.
Each Suite features a sitting area, a private bathroom, a picture window, and two twin beds that … Read more about Hebridean Sky
Amenities
Bar
Observation Deck
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Private Flight to Antarctica
Elevator
Medical Services
Library
Sea Kayaking
Adventure Options during your cruise
Day 1 • Punta Arenas Arrival
Punta Arenas ("Sandy Point" in Spanish) is the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena.
Punta Arenas is the largest city below the 46th parallel and is one of the largest cities in the entire Patagonian Region.
It is only 870 miles from the coast of Antarctica, yet Punta Arenas is a vibrant and modern city that's the perfect starting point for Antarctic exploration.
Day 2 • Flight to Antarctica
Punta Arenas ("Sandy Point" in Spanish) is the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena.
Punta Arenas is the largest city below the 46th parallel and is one of the largest cities in the entire Patagonian Region.
It is only 870 miles from the coast of Antarctica, yet Punta Arenas is a vibrant and modern city that's the perfect starting point for Antarctic exploration.
Day 3-6 • Exploring Antarctica & the South Shetland Islands
Sometimes overlooked as a destination by people keen to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are a must-see destination in their own right.
Often the first and last landfall on an Antarctic cruise, many people are taken aback by the stunning beauty of these islands. What better way to make contact with the Antarctic than by making your first beach landing here surrounded by gentoo penguins?
Apart from some of the most southerly species of penguin, the South Shetlands are home to a huge range of Antarctic wildlife, and they make a superb introduction to the wildlife of the whole region, including key species like elephant seals, humpback whales, and more.
With active volcanoes, the relics and remains of its history as a centre for whaling, and some of the most beautiful Antarctic mountain scenery, the South Shetland Islands are a fitting first destination for any Antarctic cruise.
Day 7 • Return flight to Punta Arenas
The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island lies only 75 miles from the coast of the Antarctic continent. With historical claims made by Britain, Chile and Argentina, the island is also known as Isla Rey Jorge and Isla 25 de Mayo.
The importance of King George Island to many Antarctic bases is the 1,300m long airstrip maintained by the permanently occupied Chilean Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva. This provides a lifeline as an airbridge for personnel and supplies for many other Antarctic bases and research stations.
The presence of the airstrip allows King George Island to be used as a "fly-cruise" destination. Flying from Chile across the Drake Passage saves up to 3 days at sea, allowing Antarctic exploration for those with less time to take a full cruise.
Day 8 • Your unforgettable Antarctic air-cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas ("Sandy Point" in Spanish) is the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena.
Punta Arenas is the largest city below the 46th parallel and is one of the largest cities in the entire Patagonian Region.
It is only 870 miles from the coast of Antarctica, yet Punta Arenas is a vibrant and modern city that's the perfect starting point for Antarctic exploration.
Reviews
David
The Hebridean Sky was an excellent ship. Very clean and comfortable. The ship crew was great, very polite, professional and helpful. The dining staff was very attentive. The quality and diversity of menu was excellent. All of the public areas were clean and comfortable. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
C G
The expedition went from Puerto Madryn, Argentina, to the Falkland Islands, then South Georgia Island, then several Antarctic islands and the Peninsula, disembark at Ushuaia, Argentina. I chose this tour because there were fewer days at sea and more varied excursions than a trip via Drake's Passage. Overall, this expedition is a spectacular experience--scenery, wildlife, expedition team, food, ship's staff. However, seasickness needs to be controlled from day 1. Fortunately, the ship's doc walked around with a pocket full of Meclizine, which was effective. The land excursions are particularly exciting if you are a birder--birds there are not afraid of humans, so it is possible to observe natural behavior up close. Most excursions required zodiac transfer from sea to land, which was handled really well. A good parka was given to each passenger, and rubber boots were available for the wet landings. Walking sticks were also available. Lots to do on board, for instance citizen science projects, such as checking ocean temperature, a quiet library with an internet connected PC, a very social lounge area, programs about the science & history of the area, good deck access for outdoor viewing. Cabins tend to be compact, but used only to sleep or change clothes (Copied from Trip Advisor)
Melissa Wurthmann
I would say that the highlights were the landings and zodiac cruising. The landscape and wildlife were in a word amazing! Otherworldly! The expedition team MADE the experience... so informative and caring! I was surprised that the Drake crossing was SO SMOOTH! Wonderful Crew and perfect weather. The morning we spent on Useful Island... it was a pre-breakfast landing and it was just perfect... I will never forget it! (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
Patricia Schenkkan
The expedition crew was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. They were obviously enjoying the trip and landscapes and wildlife as much as we were. The other passengers were also friendly and personable. 100 (+/- 10) passengers made it possible to meet almost everyone. The aft deck on the Hebridean Sky was a bonus....a great place outdoors to have lunch and watch birds ans WHALES (100s of them). The sheer size of the penguin rookeries was breathtaking. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)
