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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Example 10 Day Cruise
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Enjoy Antarctica in style – by flying and then cruising south of the Antarctic Circle! A short three-hour flight is all it takes to travel between Punta Arenas, Chile, and King George Island in Antarctica. Skipping all the extra days at sea, enjoy only the best scenery and wildlife experiences of the Antarctic. Prepare yourself for a sensory overload, as you are inundated by the sheer beauty and dramatic landscapes of the white continent. Soon after, your team of Polar Experts on the ship have you searching for penguins and whales in Antarctica on this unforgettable Antarctica cruise.
Penguins on the BeachA humpback whale dives beneath the Antarctic watersKayaking in Antarctica.Seal relaxing on the shoreExplore remote shores in your zodiacs
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a representative meets everyone at the official starting point hotel, where you enjoy a welcome dinner and are briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2: Crossing the Drake Passage

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica has you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship is approaching King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes is from a very unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Day 3-4: Antarctica

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. Much of the continent is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.

Your first sightings are from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, be alerted to any new sightings. Your team of expert lecturers also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities and it will not be long before you can tell the difference between an Adelie, gentoo or chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping on the ice in Antarctica, welcome each day with the excitement and energy of a young child.

Your Expedition Team is with you all along, providing insights into the places you visit and offering photography tips to get the most out of your expedition.

Day 5-6: The Antarctic Circle

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’ S. You and your shipmates celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!

With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, take pride in knowing you have made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most magical, odd ice formations seen anywhere in Antarctica.

Day 7-8: Northbound along the Peninsula

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
If you have not had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. Continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team is always on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Day 9: Disembarkation / Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile brings your adventure to an end. After transferring from the airport to the hotel, enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 10: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Depart this morning for your return flight home.

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  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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