Chilean Fjords, Antarctica & The Falklands

Chilean Fjords, Antarctica & The Falklands 18 Days

Prices From £7,788pp
26 DEC, 2019 | Up to 17 nights

Chilean Fjords, Antarctica & The Falklands 18 Days

Aboard: MS Roald Amundsen

This unique and exciting expedition, which sails from Punta Arenas, will take you to discover the wild natural wonders of the Chilean fjords before sailing through the famous Drake Passage to enjoy a thrilling exploration of the simply breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Sound. And as if that wasn’t enough adventure for one trip, you will then sail northwards to discover the hidden wildlife secrets of the exceptionally scenic Falkland Islands before returning to Punta Arenas.

This action-packed itinerary allows you to discover a world of contrasts, from towering glaciers and icebergs of all sizes in Antarctica to the stunning white sandy beaches teeming with birdlife in the Falklands, and you are guaranteed of unforgettable experiences and sights at every turn.

Enjoying exciting landings and excursions accompanied by a vastly experienced expedition team filled with experts on everything from wildlife to geology and Polar history, this ideal itinerary will show you exactly why these remarkable lands have long intrigued and excited intrepid travellers and explorers alike.

Highlights

  • Discover the hidden gems of the Falkland Islands
  • Sail through the exceptionally scenic Chilean Fjords
  • Step foot on the Antarctic continent
  • Spectacular and contrasting scenery throughout including glaciers, icebergs, towering cliffs and white sandy beaches
  • Marine wildlife and myriad birds including thousands of penguins
  • Exciting Zodiac landings and excursions
  • High-tech science centre and informative lecture programme
  • Kayaking options

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board ship
  • One hotel night in Santiago before the voyage including breakfast
  • Return economy flights Santiago to Punta Arenas
  • Punta Arenas orientation tour
  • Transfers from hotel to airport, airport to ship and ship to airport
  • Wind and water-resistant jacket
  • Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
  • Professional English-speaking Expedition team that provides lectures as well as accompanying landings and activities
  • Free tea and coffee

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Santiago, Chile
1Day

Santiago, Chile

Your adventure begins in Santiago, the vibrant capital city of Chile. After arriving independently you can make your way to the hotel for your included overnight stay before enjoying some time exploring this diverse and charming city where modern skyscrapers and quiet parks are set amongst the dramatic backdrop of imposing snow-capped mountains. Be enchanted by the colonial architecture, take a visit to the bohemian quarters to soak up the culture, or simply relax in your hotel in preparation for the adventures that lie ahead.

Santiago to Punta Arenas - Embark
2Day

Santiago to Punta Arenas - Embark

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel you will join your transfer to the airport for your included flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival we can enjoy a short orientation tour of Punta Arenas before making our way to the port to board our Polar expedition vessel. After settling in to your comfortable cabin and exploring your new surroundings you may enjoy some time on deck watching as we leave Punta Arenas behind and sail deep into the fjords towards the Beagle Channel.



Chilean Fjords
3Day

Chilean Fjords

As we spend the day sailing through the exceptionally scenic Beagle Channel you will want to be out on deck soaking up the remarkable landscapes and scenic opportunities on offer. In this wild and remote area we will sail by countless fjords and mountains plunging straight into the water, and you may find that by the end of our passage through the fjords your cameras will already be bursting with fabulous landscape photos. The unique fjord landscape of Chile is one of the country’s most impressive features and a day sailing through this area is likely to rank high on your list of experiences.



Cape Horn & Drake Passage
4 - 5Days

Cape Horn & Drake Passage

The iconic Cape Horn is next on our list and we hope to board our small boats here at this southernmost point of South America to soak up the unique views and enjoy some photo opportunities at the famous albatross-shaped Cape Horn monument which pays homage to the thousands of seafarers who perished here in days gone by when it used to be the only route to cross from one side of the Americas to the other. Cape Horn is renowned for its high seas and challenging conditions so although we have often been successful in landing here, it cannot be guaranteed.

Following our visit to Cape Horn we will venture into the famous Drake Passage for a 1 ½ to 2 days crossing to Antarctica. This unpredictable massive churn of water can often give us a rocky crossing but your first class Polar expedition vessel has been designed to cope comfortably with crossings exactly like these. Whilst at sea you can enjoy the informative and entertaining lecture and presentation programme delivered by your team of onboard experts, spend time on deck watching for seabirds and whales following the ship, or simply relax in one of the comfortable lounges and prepare for your time on the white continent. The first sightings of icebergs on the horizon will signal our arrival in the magical lands of Antarctica.

Antarctica
6 - 12Days

Antarctica

Today we have reached one of the most remote areas on earth…Antarctica! We will spend our days here exploring by small boat and on foot to get up close to this land of superlatives that will without doubt take your breath away. As you set foot on the endless expanse of snow and ice it is not uncommon to feel a sense of euphoria as you discover a land where few have been and experience unforgettable scenery and wildlife encounters. Throughout your time here you are likely to see thousands of penguins along with numerous seals, whales and seabirds, all set amongst the most picture perfect landscapes you could imagine.

Any expedition to Antarctica requires an element of flexibility as ice and sea conditions can often dictate the routes taken, and your captain will choose each day the best route to take to ensure you experience everything that this amazing region has to offer, with each day offering a new and exciting experience. Areas we expect to visit on the Peninsula itself include Cuverville Island to see one of the largest known colonies of Gentoo penguins, the aptly named Paradise Bay and beautifully scenic Neko Harbour. For whale spotting we will visit Wilhelmina Bay, often called “Whale-mina Bay”, because of the large number of humpback whales that are often spotted here. We will also stop at the often mist-shrouded volcanic islands of the South Shetland Islands group, and make sure to have your cameras ready as we visit the staggeringly photogenic Half Moon Island, home to the most beautiful Antarctic scenery imaginable, and Yankee Harbour to visit another large colony of Gentoo penguins. We also plan to sail into the Antarctic Sound to visit Brown Bluff. Each day will bring a new adventure and focus, with planned activities designed to ensure every moment is memorable.

Antarctica has been outlined in the Antarctic Treaty as being a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism, and as such we will be adhering throughout to strict environmental guidelines. The rule is to leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but memories and pictures.

Whilst in Antarctica the fun isn’t restricted to land, as your expert expedition crew will deliver activities and talks to suit a wide range of interests. If you prefer to spend some time on board there will be excellent viewing opportunities from the deck or observation lounges.

From hiking across the snowscapes and optional kayaking excursions to small boat cruises in search of wildlife and expert lectures and discussions, your time in Antarctica is likely to be the pinnacle of this trip of a lifetime.

At Sea
13Day

At Sea

After an exhilarating exploration of the white continent we will begin our sail back northwards as we set course for the Falkland Islands. On the way you can learn all about the history, wildlife and geology of this fascinating group of islands through a series of onboard lectures and interactive presentations, and we recommend spending some time on deck looking out for seabirds and whales. There will also be bio-environmental briefings to prepare you for the next few days.



Falkland Islands
14 - 16Days

Falkland Islands

On the morning of day 14 we will have arrived off the coast of the Falkland Islands and the dramatic contrast to the lands we were positioned in just a day ago will suddenly come to light. This group of remote and fascinating islands could not be more different to Antarctica, with rolling fields, white sandy beaches…and people! Apart from a few scientists that we may have seen in Antarctica, this may be the first sight of another human other than your shipmates that you will have had in 12 days! We aim to make land at Stanley, the capital town of the Falklands, and explore on foot around this picturesque harbour town that looks like a miniature England. Here you can learn more about the Island’s history, enjoy a drink in one the quaint local pubs, visit the interesting museum and church, or take an optional wildlife excursion to the nearby surroundings.

Home to fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and stunning white beaches, the islands that make up the Falklands archipelago are simply teeming with wonders of wildlife and nature, and we will spend 3 days here exploring as many of the islands as possible. In the westernmost settled outposts we will see sheep grazing alongside immense colonies of albatross and rockhopper penguins, while predatory striated caracaras patrol overhead and upland geese forage at the water’s edge. One island in particular that we hope to visit will be Carcass Island, a birder’s paradise where we will hope to see several ducks, geese, penguins, albatrosses, caracaras and wrens.

While we are in the Falklands you can join several optional excursions like history tours, bird watching tours, nature walks and even a scenic plane tour where you can discover the Falklands by air in a classic island-hopping aircraft. There will also be chances for hikes in the hills or along the coastline, or kayaking in the clear waters surrounding the islands.

At Sea
17Day

At Sea

As our fantastic adventure comes to an end we will leave the Falklands behind to sail into the Magellan Strait and head back towards Punta Arenas. We can enjoy a recap on the many experiences we will have enjoyed throughout our trip and we recommend some further time on deck for final wildlife sightings. This time at sea is a great chance to collate all of the many pictures you will captured throughout your voyage. Alternatively you can simply relax and rest your legs after what will have been an adventure of epic proportions.



Punta Arenas to Santiago
18Day

Punta Arenas to Santiago

Arrival back in the port at Punta Arenas in the morning will sadly signal the end of our adventure. After disembarkation you can join your transfer to the airport for your included flight back to Santiago. Both Punta Arenas and Santiago offer many further opportunities for adventure and should you wish to add some further excursions or extra days here then we will be happy to help you organise this.

A view from Above

All Aboard

MS Roald Amundsen
Luxury vessel

MS Roald Amundsen

Launched in 2018, The Roald Amundsen is a state of the art vessel that features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid propulsion technology. Combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board, fuel consumption and CO2-emissions are reduced by 20 percent.

The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.

we work hard to earn passionate reviews from our clients.

4.9
44 Google reviews

Now that I am back from my odyssey voyage, I thought I would let you know that after all that planning it really did exceed my expectations – we managed landings everywhere even on Tristan da Cuhna and had great bird sightings. The guides all knew what they were talking about too and made sure I got some great photos – still sorting them all out! Thanks for everything and see you at Birdfair!

Dave Martin

Overall I think that it was an excellent trip that was well worth the price paid and I would have no hesitation recommending your company to others.

Steve Sutton

Just a quick note to express my sincere thanks to you and all your staff for making this an epic adventure of immense proportions. Everything went smoothly, pickups, hotels and most of all the expedition itself. Truly a mind blowing experience unlike any I have ever taken.

Mr J Borg, Malta

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Antarctica, Falklands adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

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