Optimize your Antarctica experience by flying over the Drake Passage, the fastest and most direct way to the 7th Continent. Board the World Explorer in King George Island and begin your expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, a land of snow-capped mountain peaks, beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins, massive icebergs and magnificent landscapes. Find yourself thankful for the near-constant sunlight by which you can continue to take it all in.
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Punta Arenas, Chile Day 2 : Punta Arenas | Fly to King George Island | Embark Days 3-6 : Antarctic Peninsula | South Shetland Islands Day 7 : King George Island | Disembark | Fly to Punta Arenas Day 8 : Depart Punta Arenas
Highlights
Cross the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours
Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds and astounding icebergs
Enjoy on-board lectures and presentations from polar specialists
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 brings everyone together to your starting hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Day 2 Punta Arenas | Fly to King George Island | Embark
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 3-6 Antarctic Peninsula | South Shetland Islands
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 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 is not 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 7 King George Island | Disembark | Fly to Punta Arenas
After your seven days 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 journey to an end. After transferring from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy one final dinner to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 8 Depart Punta Arenas
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, make your own way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$10,795
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Triple Cabin
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 242 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, separate combo sitting area with a sofa bed and additional closet, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
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Infinity Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
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Veranda Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
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Superior Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 278 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
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Deluxe Suite
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 334 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
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Owner's Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 355 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, and bathtub.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin 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.
- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.
Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that everything can be accomplished. A measure of flexibility is something all must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
Rates Include:
Group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast
A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
Pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
Flights to and from Antarctica
Post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks on board throughout your voyage
All shore landings per the daily program
Leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
An official parka to keep
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader
All lugagge handling aboard the ship
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000
Beer and wine during dinner
Rates Exclude:
International airfare
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance
Excess baggage charges on international flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
Gratuities to staff and guides
Phone and internet charges
Additional overnight accommodation
Optional adventure activities
Transfer from the hotel to the airport at the end of the expedition.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare (minimum $1200) plus the cost of kayaking (if applicable), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. Alternatively, you can register online here.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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