Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail

Your journey begins in Punta Arenas in Chile. Arrive independently and transfer to the hotel for your included overnight stay. Enjoy time seeing the sights of the city, before enjoying a good night’s sleep in preparation for the adventures ahead.

In the morning you will transfer to the airport for your charter flight to King George Island in Antarctica. Flying over the Drake Passage is a momentous feeling as you watch civilisation disappear below you and anticipate landing in the white continent. Upon arrival at King George Island there may be time to explore the penguin and seal-rich waters of Fildes Bay and visit the surprising Trinity Church at Bellingshausen Station, before boarding your ship and settling in to your comfortable surroundings. As we make our way towards the Peninsula we may have time to explore around the South Shetland Islands with possible landing sites including the Aitcho, Robert or Deception Islands.

As you awake on day 3 your ship will have sailed through the Gerlache Strait and the sight that awaits this morning is the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. A land of superlatives, Antarctica’s vast proportions are a sight to behold. Enjoy twice daily Zodiac excursions to explore penguin rookeries, visit historic sites and scientific stations, and get up close to the masses of elaborate icebergs. Watch seals basking on the ice floes, join an excursion in search of orca sightings, and enjoy the exhilaration of stepping foot on the white continent. As with all polar expeditions, your exact itinerary in Antarctica will be dictated by weather and wildlife sighting opportunities so be prepared for the unexpected. Making the most of every moment, your captain will choose the best course each day for wildlife viewings and adventures, with a new experience guaranteed each day.

Some of the fantastic landing sites we expect to visit throughout your time in Antarctica include the beautiful protected bay of Paradise Harbour where you can enjoy an exciting Zodiac cruise in search of whales including humpbacks, minkes and orcas, seals and various bird species including terns, gulls and blue-eyed shags. If ice conditions allow, your ship will sail through the exceptionally scenic Lemaire Channel, where time in the observation lounge or on deck will reward in incredible views of the surrounding towering cliffs and majestic icebergs reflecting off the silky still water surfaces.

Other areas along the Peninsula we hope to visit include the Hydrurga Rocks where you can search for observations of Weddell seals, leopard seals and chinstrap penguins, Neko Harbour where dramatic scenery of towering peaks and calving glaciers plays host to a large colony of gentoo penguins and more Weddell seals, and the important scientific research spot of Port Lockroy where we can learn all about Antarctica’s history and where you can send a postcard from the world’s most southern Post Office! Other possible landing sites include the Petermann and Pleneau Islands, Cuverville Island, Danco Island and the Melchior Islands.

If time allows we may go to the South Shetland Islands to visit the wildlife-rich Half Moon Island where beautiful glaciers and mountains coloured by yellow and orange lichens are home to a large chinstrap penguin colony, fur and elephant seals and various birds including gulls and blue-eyed shags. We may also visit the small Argentinean research station here.

Throughout your time in Antarctica we will have approximately 18-20 hours of daylight in which to enjoy exploration on land and by sea, with your expert expedition team and resident photography coach accompanying you throughout. For the more adventurous there will be ample opportunities for kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling excursions. Please note, kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling incur an additional cost and should be booked in advance.

After your thrilling exploration of Antarctica it’s time to head back towards South America as your ship sails north through the famous Drake Passage. Keep an eye out in one of the many observation areas for the seabirds, including albatross, which follow the ship, and the last iceberg sightings. Enjoy informative lectures on the wildlife, history and geology of the areas you have discovered and enjoy sharing tales and photos with your fellow shipmates. Enjoy a fantastic farewell dinner on your last night onboard.

On the morning of day 11 you will awake to your ship gently cruising along the Beagle Channel into Ushuaia. After breakfast it will be time to say goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the airport or to a downtown location should you wish to extend your time in Ushuaia.