This unique expedition takes you swiftly to Antarctica by air from southern Chile. Once there you will navigate the waters between the South Shetland Islands and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula accompanied by seabirds, penguins, seals and whales.
Highlights
- Participate in this unique exploration of Antarctica with minimal travel time as you fly swiftly out and back from Punta Arenas
- Learn from on board polar guides and experts about this fragile and fantastic landscape
- Witness the immensity of a landmass that holds 90% of the earth’s ice.
- Voyage through deep fjords to reach colossal glaciers and icebergs floating lazily on the ocean
- Feel the spray of seawater on your face as you approach shore in your Zodiac boat
- Soak up this priviliged landscape and its resident wildlife on a once in a lifetime experience
- Observe seabirds congregating in the Austral summer and find endless inspiration for photos
Day by day
- Day 1: Your journey begins in Punta Arenas in southern Chile. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon briefing and welcome dinner. Night hotel.
- Day 2: Transfer to Punta Arenas airport for a flight to King George Island in the south Shetland Islands. Short walk in the fresh Antarctic air to board a Zodiac that will take you to your vessel. Night on board.
- Day 3-6: You will be spending the days exploring the south Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day you can enjoy Zodiac explorations and landings while on board there will be educational presentations and lectures. Each experience will be unique and extraordinary as the team charts the best course according to the ever changing opportunities provided by nature. The voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait and the Penola Strait. Nights on board.
- Day 7: Return to King George Island and board a flight back to Punta Arenas. Transfer to hotel.
- Day 8: Trip ends after breakfast. Transfer to airport or continue with onward travel.
Extras
- Ask about extra activities such as kayaking or snowshoeing on the ice
- Continue from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales, the jumping off point for the iconic Torres del Paine National Park for a custom itinerary designed and operated by us.
Is this trip for me?
- Join this week long complete Antarctic voyage and make unforgettable memories with departures from November to March
- This trip combines exploring the Antarctic on board boutique vessels with private charter flights out and back from Punta Arenas in southern Chile with Dap Airlines.
- This is an exciting, relatively short trip for those of you wanting to experience the incredible icescapes and wildlife in this remote, inhospitable continent. During this week long trip you will have four full days to explore by boat and Zodiac.
- The boat has capacity for up to 76 passengers, all with outside cabins and private facilities. Cabins of various categories are available, depending on your budget and your group size. Single travellers can request a dedicated single cabin or a twin share cabin with a member of the same gender to avoid a single supplement.
- The trip is available for children aged 8 and older, please ask about any discounts
- In addition to a glass enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, there is an infirmary, a library, a bar and an exercise room
- The ship has Zodiac boats that are perfect for landings and wildlife spotting
- Strict baggage limits of 20 kg apply
- While every effort is made to adhere to the published itinerary, you should realize that with this kind of adventurous travel, itinerary changes will sometimes be necessary due to unpredictable or severe weather conditions
- We strongly recommend allowing a time buffer in respect of any onward travel.
- All passengers will be required to fill out a participation form prior to sailing. These voyages are intended for persons in reasonably good health. You should be comfortable travelling in remote areas and be comfortable on both large and small boats.
- Medical insurance with aero evacuation is mandatory.
- If you want to tick off a boat crossing of the Drake Passage, refer to the Antarctic Express trip outlined above that sails out and flies back or check out the longer trips outlined below.
- Prices start at US$11,495 per person (based on triple share, 24/25 season)
- Contact us for up to the minute availability, pricing, details and any special deals