Epic Scenery Fly from Chile to Antarctica on this small group adventure, cruising past icebergs and penguins while exploring the remote beauty of the White Continent by zodiac.Trip Overview :This 8-day Antarctica experience flies you from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in the South Shetlands. Enjoy a tour of the area around the Presidente Eduardo Frei research base before boarding the M/V Ocean Nova.
Sailing through the icy fjords, you’ll see the dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife of the Antarctic. Penguins, sea birds, seals and whales all thrive here, and zodiac vessels take you in for a closer look. You’ll also have the benefit of expert guides and informative lectures, to put your sightseeing in perspective. Enjoy every comfort aboard ship as you explore many of the islands, channels and points around the Peninsula. The precise itinerary will vary according to conditions, ensuring you a memorable journey in comfort and safety.
Return to King George Island for your return flight to Punta Arenas.
Highlights:
- Begin in Punta Arenas, Chile, meeting fellow travellers and learning about your Antarctic air-cruise adventure.
- Fly over the Drake Passage to King George Island, stepping onto Antarctic soil for the first time.
- Cruise through icy fjords and glittering icebergs, encountering penguins, seals and whales in their natural habitat.
- Join expert-led Zodiac excursions, with optional kayaking or snowshoeing amid Antarctica’s pristine landscapes.
- Return to Punta Arenas, reflecting on a once-in-a-lifetime journey across land, sea and sky.
Included Services:- Arrival and departure airport transfer
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Punta Arenas
- 5 nights premium cruise accommodation in selected cabin
- Ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the program (6 or 8 days)
- Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the ship
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition
- Guided shore excursions, lectures, and entertainment on board
- Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material
- Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily for the duration of the cruise
Excluded Services:- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
Day 1: Arrive in Punta ArenasArriving in Punta Arenas before 2pm, you will be welcomed by local staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will be welcomed at the Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Hotel: Cabo De Hornos (4 Star Rating)
Cabo de Hornos is located in the center of Punta Arenas, next to the Plaza Munoz Gamero. The accommodation features 110 modern rooms including free Wi-Fi, TV, a private bathroom and laundry service. From each room, passengers have an amazing view of the Strait of Magellan or the historical town of Punta Arenas. In addition, guests can enjoy exquisite cuisine at the gourmet restaurant and end the day with a premium Chilean wine in front of the fireplace. The combination of the hotel's central location in town and the closeness to nature will make the traveler's stay unforgettable.
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Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2: Punta Arenas to King George IslandYour Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-km (1.25-miles), passing Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.
Hotel: Magellan Explorer (5 Star Rating)
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and began service in 2019.
Magellan Explorer has capacity for 69 passengers accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 3: Cruise from the South Shetland Islands to the Antarctic PeninsulaCruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
Hotel: Magellan Explorer (5 Star Rating)
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and began service in 2019.
Magellan Explorer has capacity for 69 passengers accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 4: Exploring AntarcticaNo journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.
Hotel: Magellan Explorer (5 Star Rating)
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and began service in 2019.
Magellan Explorer has capacity for 69 passengers accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 5: Exploring AntarcticaOn your Antarctic expedition, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your experience. Speak to your Destination Specialist to arrange sea kayaking (limited to a maximum of 10 guests per cruise, these must be pre-booked and sell out fast), or consider signing up for a hiking and snowshoeing excursion, which can be arranged on board and during your cruise.
Hotel: Magellan Explorer (5 Star Rating)
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and began service in 2019.
Magellan Explorer has capacity for 69 passengers accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 6: Exploring AntarcticaOn every journey, the Expedition Team includes at least 12 expert polar guides and their number one priority is ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. With a team that knows Antarctica's unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology, and loves sharing their expertise with you, you're sure to treasure every moment of your Antarctic exploration.
Hotel: Magellan Explorer (5 Star Rating)
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and began service in 2019.
Magellan Explorer has capacity for 69 passengers accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 7: Antarctica to King George Island & Punta ArenasReturn to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Hotel: Cabo De Hornos (4 Star Rating)
Cabo de Hornos is located in the center of Punta Arenas, next to the Plaza Munoz Gamero. The accommodation features 110 modern rooms including free Wi-Fi, TV, a private bathroom and laundry service. From each room, passengers have an amazing view of the Strait of Magellan or the historical town of Punta Arenas. In addition, guests can enjoy exquisite cuisine at the gourmet restaurant and end the day with a premium Chilean wine in front of the fireplace. The combination of the hotel's central location in town and the closeness to nature will make the traveler's stay unforgettable.
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Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8: Depart from Punta ArenasAfter breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Meal(s): Breakfast