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The journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, with time to explore the city before a scenic charter flight to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula. Over several days, we explore icy bays, towering glaciers, and penguin-filled shores, with Zodiac cruises and landings offering close encounters with whales, seals, and seabirds. Visits may include historic huts, dramatic ice cliffs, and narrow straits alive with wildlife. After immersing ourselves in the pristine beauty of Antarctica, we return via King George Island to Punta Arenas for an overnight stay, before concluding the adventure the following morning.
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 on this day. In addition to ensuring your arrival in time for our important pre-flight briefings, if weather conditions deem it necessary, we may depart for King George Island on Day 1 as opposed to Day 2.
Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby between 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm 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 utmost 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 (approximately one hour and forty-five minutes) 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.
From Punta Arenas airport, 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.
Accommodation: To be advised
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.
INCLUSIONS
• Wi-Fi*.
* Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
EXCLUSIONS
Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
A non-refundable deposit of US $2,500 per person is required within 7 working days of booking. Final payment is due at least 90 days prior to the departure date of the expedition
Rates per person
The Douglas Mawson offers two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins with windows and private en-suites. Located on Deck 3 near the mudroom and loading platforms, they provide a comfortable base for adventurers wanting to stay close to the action.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
Porthole window
The two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins on Deck 3 feature portholes and private en-suites, offering a convenient stay near the mudroom and loading platforms.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
9.85m² (106ft²)
Porthole window
The four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins, located on Decks 3 and 7, feature portholes and private en-suites for a comfortable and private stay.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
10.97m² - 15.18m² (118.1ft² - 163.4ft²)
Porthole window
Offering extra space to unwind, the Aurora Stateroom Superior cabins are ideal for polar adventurers traveling with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, these staterooms feature French balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms, and a comfortable desk area.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
13.97m² - 16.17m² (150.4ft² - 174.1ft²)
French balcony
Our 15 Balcony Stateroom Category C rooms offer an economical and comfortable stay for up to two guests. Equipped with all essential amenities, these staterooms are conveniently located across Decks 4 and 6.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
21.07m² - 24.87m² (226.8ft² - 267.7ft²)
Private balcony
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom B rooms are our standard accommodations, with many featuring interconnecting options—ideal for families or groups. These staterooms are positioned at the fore and aft of Decks 4 and 6.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
22.07m² - 24.97m² (237.6ft² - 268.8ft²)
Private balcony
Our 25 Balcony Stateroom A rooms are our premium accommodations and the most abundant on board. Strategically located in prime positions on Decks 4 and 6, they offer easy access to other levels via internal stairs or the elevator.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
23.07m² - 26.77m² (248.3ft² - 288.2ft²)
Private balcony
Offering extra space to unwind, the Balcony Stateroom Superiors are ideal for polar adventurers traveling with plenty of gear.
Located on Decks 4 and 6, these staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms, and a comfortable desk area. Some also include wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for added convenience.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
27.77m² - 36.27m² (298.9ft² - 390.4ft²)
Private balcony
Perched on Deck 7, the four Junior Suites offer stunning views of the surroundings. When not out exploring, guests can unwind in the separate lounge area or take in the scenery from their private balcony.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
41.47m² - 41.87m² (446.4ft² - 450.7ft²)
Private balcony
The Captain's Suite, our most spacious and luxurious accommodation, offers the ultimate polar experience. Featuring a large lounge area, private balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite, this exclusive suite fills up fast—reserve yours early!
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
45.22m² (486.7ft²)
Private balcony
The Douglas Mawson offers two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins with windows and private en-suites. Located on Deck 3 near the mudroom and loading platforms, they provide a comfortable base for adventurers wanting to stay close to the action.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
Porthole window
The two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins on Deck 3 feature portholes and private en-suites, offering a convenient stay near the mudroom and loading platforms.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
9.85m² (106ft²)
Porthole window
The four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins, located on Decks 3 and 7, feature portholes and private en-suites for a comfortable and private stay.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
1
10.97m² - 15.18m² (118.1ft² - 163.4ft²)
Porthole window
Offering extra space to unwind, the Aurora Stateroom Superior cabins are ideal for polar adventurers traveling with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, these staterooms feature French balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms, and a comfortable desk area.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
13.97m² - 16.17m² (150.4ft² - 174.1ft²)
French balcony
Our 15 Balcony Stateroom Category C rooms offer an economical and comfortable stay for up to two guests. Equipped with all essential amenities, these staterooms are conveniently located across Decks 4 and 6.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
21.07m² - 24.87m² (226.8ft² - 267.7ft²)
Private balcony
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom B rooms are our standard accommodations, with many featuring interconnecting options—ideal for families or groups. These staterooms are positioned at the fore and aft of Decks 4 and 6.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
22.07m² - 24.97m² (237.6ft² - 268.8ft²)
Private balcony
Our 25 Balcony Stateroom A rooms are our premium accommodations and the most abundant on board. Strategically located in prime positions on Decks 4 and 6, they offer easy access to other levels via internal stairs or the elevator.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
23.07m² - 26.77m² (248.3ft² - 288.2ft²)
Private balcony
Offering extra space to unwind, the Balcony Stateroom Superiors are ideal for polar adventurers traveling with plenty of gear.
Located on Decks 4 and 6, these staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms, and a comfortable desk area. Some also include wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for added convenience.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
27.77m² - 36.27m² (298.9ft² - 390.4ft²)
Private balcony
Perched on Deck 7, the four Junior Suites offer stunning views of the surroundings. When not out exploring, guests can unwind in the separate lounge area or take in the scenery from their private balcony.
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
41.47m² - 41.87m² (446.4ft² - 450.7ft²)
Private balcony
The Captain's Suite, our most spacious and luxurious accommodation, offers the ultimate polar experience. Featuring a large lounge area, private balcony, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite, this exclusive suite fills up fast—reserve yours early!
Please note: All stateroom images of the Douglas Mawson are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.
2
45.22m² (486.7ft²)
Private balcony
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$1,030 Per Person
Sea kayaking is one of the most thrilling ways to explore Antarctica, the Arctic, and other remote, biodiverse regions. Designed by kayakers for kayakers, this program lets you paddle among icebergs and along hidden coastlines, guided by polar experts in small groups. With minimal time spent on briefings and maximum time on the water, you’ll enjoy up-close wildlife encounters and access areas Zodiacs can’t reach. Outings typically span 5–15 km (2–4 hours) and often include both paddling and shore landings. All gear is provided, and our guides work with you to tailor each adventure to the conditions and your goals.
$515 Per Person
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you’ll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
With a longstanding tradition of pushing the boundaries, Aurora Expeditions launched our Antarctic snorkelling adventures in 2014. This unique experience will allow passengers to see both destinations in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.
Our team of experienced guides have over 20 years’ experience and will provide snorkellers with detailed briefings and best practice procedures to ensure a safe snorkelling experience. With snorkelling available in both Polar and Tropical voyages, expeditioners can immerse themselves in stunning underwater scenery wherever they find themselves.
$480 Per Person
Explore wild and remote regions like Antarctica, Costa Rica, and Scotland’s rugged isles with our immersive paddling program. In sturdy inflatable kayaks, glide among brash ice and rocky shores where penguins and fur seals may be lounging nearby. With expert guides and a dedicated Zodiac for your small group of up to eight paddlers, you’ll enjoy both regular landings and exclusive paddling excursions. It’s a unique way to connect with nature at water level—intimate, exhilarating, and unforgettable.
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Adventure has a new name. Launching in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is the latest in a line of purpose-built vessels redefining small-ship expedition cruising.
Named after legendary Australian geologist and explorer Douglas Mawson, this state-of-the-art vessel embodies his pioneering spirit. Designed for global discovery, it features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and enhanced sustainability features. Accommodating up to 130 adventurers on Expeditions and 154 on Small Ship Cruises, it offers smooth, quiet comfort with the most extensive range of staterooms yet including dedicated single staterooms.
While the Douglas Mawson offers premium onboard amenities, the focus remains on exploration. Whether joining unique activities in remote destinations or experiencing handcrafted ‘Your Choice’ excursions on Small Ship Cruises through the Mediterranean, British Isles, and beyond, every journey is designed for deeper immersion.
The Douglas Mawson will mark Aurora Expeditions’ return to East Antarctica for the first time in 13 years. New itineraries will honor its namesake with a Mawson’s Antarctica voyage from Hobart, a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica, and immersive explorations of the Subantarctic Islands.
Following its polar adventures, the Douglas Mawson will set sail for the Atlantic Coast, British Isles, and Mediterranean exploring Europe’s rich history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes.
The Douglas Mawson features the latest streamlined Ulstein X-BOW®, built for smooth, stable ocean crossings. This revolutionary design cuts through the swell, enhancing comfort while reducing fuel consumption just one of many sustainability features that make responsible travel possible.
Between landings, recharge in the onboard gym or relax in the sauna. Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, sip a drink at the pool bar, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis while watching the world drift by.
Equipped with industry-leading safety and navigation systems, the Douglas Mawson features world-class return-to-port equipment and a fully stocked medical clinic, designed for operations in remote regions.
With dedicated Zodiac boarding points and an activities platform, getting off the ship is fast, efficient, and safe—so you can spend more time exploring. The spacious mudroom includes lockers for gear and boots, plus rapid-drying areas for clothing.
With 11 types of staterooms and suites, including spacious single-berth options, the Douglas Mawson offers elegant Nordic-inspired interiors designed for comfort and style.
Enjoy panoramic views from multiple open decks and indoor lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow provides a perfect spot to watch for wildlife with a drink in hand. Wherever you are, you’re never far from breathtaking scenery!
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Yes!!! Once we arrive in Antarctica it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” for more details on each outing.
The price shown is the “all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, and additional activities.
Not necessarily, no! Our group trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.
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