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Whale watching in Antarctica

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard World Explorer
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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.
Jumping penguinsWalking in AntarcticaMinke whale swimming in the oceanBlue ice of AntarcticaWhale watching in Antarctica
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
  • Marvel at all the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
Trip Type:
  • Small Ship
Activity Level: Relaxed
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Full Itinerary

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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 brings everyone together to your starting hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2: Fly to King George Island | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 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 3-6: Antarctic Peninsula | South Shetland Islands

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
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: Disembark at King George Island | 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.

Ship/Hotel

World Explorer

World Explorer
World Explorer
The World Explorer is a polar expedition cruise ship designed to accommodate 176 passengers. The ship offers an extraordinary level of service, including abundant space for guests and multiple public areas to relax based on passengers’ individual travel styles.
World Explorer
World Explorer
World Explorer

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Hostal Terra Sur
Hostal Terra Sur is located in Punta Arenas City the capital of the Region of Magallanes and the Chilean Antarctic. Enjoy the comfort of home in this hostel, as you venture on for your Patagonian adventures.
La Yegua Loca Hotel
La Yegua Loca
La Yegua Loca Boutique Hotel is located in the beautiful and southern city of Punta Arenas in Chile, just below the most important viewpoint called "Cerro de la Cruz", where you can appreciate a panoramic view of the entire city center and the historical Strait of Magellan.
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Hotel Jose Nogueira, Punta Arenas
Hotel Jose Nogueira
José Nogueira hotel has 22 rooms, including five suites, exquisitely decorated with all services and comfort of a grand hotel. For its operation the hotel restored an old mansion that has been declared a National Monument. The available spaces were adapted so that the structure of the building would not be charger and therefore all of the rooms are not exactly the same.
Distant view of the towers
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Dates & Prices

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Deals

Special Offer
Book your Antarctica trip from January 6, 2022, to March 31, 2022, and enjoy special savings of 20% for Standard cabins and 20% on Premium. Restrictions may apply. 

Can be combined with an additional 10% savings when paid in full within 30 days of booking on select voyages only.
 
25% PROMOP20
20% PROMOP15
10% PROMOP10
5%   PROMOP5
Per person starting at
$13,795
World Explorer
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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.
World Explorer
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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

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.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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