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Penguins on a rocky beach in Antarctica.

Weddell Sea Explorer - Fly and Sail

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Polar Pioneer
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Sail across Bransfield Strait to an Antarctic Sound dawn, where tabular icebergs ride currents from the Weddell Sea. The Peninsula’s wild side welcomes you with a strange, ice-free landscape hiding renowned fossil beds and vast penguin colonies. Hope to explore Prince Gustav Channel, Seymour Island and Otto Nordenskjold’s historic hut on Snow Hill Island. In contrast to the Weddell Sea’s wild isolation, the Peninsula’s west coast offers glaciated peaks rising from a maze of islands and waterways alive with seals, penguins and whales.
A traveler stares into the arctic sunset.A seal sleeping on a mound of snow.A close up of an Elephant Seal.A woman posing on the snow in front of penguins.Penguins on a rocky beach in Antarctica.
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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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile

Today you make your own way to the group hotel where you will meet your fellow expeditioners and enjoy your first group dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, Antarctica, to be warmly welcomed aboard Polar Pioneer. Settle in for safety and environmental briefings to prepare for landings as your expedition cruise sets off across Bransfield Strait.

Day 3: Weddell Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Access to the Weddell Sea is totally ice-dependent. Calved from massive ice shelves, the tabular icebergs of Antarctic Sound create a memorable sight. The ice-strengthened Polar Pioneer, helmed by a highly-experienced Russian Captain, gives the best chance to thread through waters alive with penguins against a backdrop of breathtaking volcanic scenery.

Day 4-6: Antarctic Exploration

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Weather systems and shifting pack ice dictate the schedule. Perhaps visit the vast Adélie and gentoo penguin colonies of Brown Bluff or Paulet Island, fossil-rich Seymour Island, and historic Snow Hill Island. Or hike to spectacular vantage points on Beak and Devil Islands. The ship may even reach the islands of Prince Gustav Channel. Wherever you go, wildlife, Heroic Age relics, and haunting landscapes await.

Day 7-8: Western Peninsula

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Head for the Peninsula’s beautiful western flanks to make full use of the late summer daylight hours and relatively ice-free waters. Make wildlife offshore islands, a continental landing, visit historic huts, and Zodiac cruise amidst bergs. Whales are abundant as they prepare to migrate north. Listen carefully for the otherworldly courtship song of the leopard seal.

Day 9-10: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Petrels, prions and albatross accompany the ship across the Drake Passage. Final talks help polish your Antarctic education before making a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn, time and weather permitting. Gather for a celebratory dinner as you enter the Beagle Channel.

Day 11: Disembark in Puerto Williams / Fly Punta Arenas

  • 1 Breakfast
A pre-dawn sail along the Beagle Channel and an early breakfast prepare for docking in Puerto Williams at dawn. Enjoy a tour of the rustic port and surrounds before boarding your flight to Punta Arenas, Chile.

Ship/Hotel

Polar Pioneer

Enjoy a drink at the bar.
Polar Pioneer's dining room.
Polar Pioneer's bar and lounge.

Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Cabo de Hornos Hotel
The reception desk at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel
The bar area at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,750
Polar Pioneer's Public Twin Cabin.
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Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.

Notes

Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.

- Rates represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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