Set out on a 10-day journey to Antarctica aboard the MV Polar Athena. You fly from Puerto Natales, Chile, to King George Island, then transfer to your ship by Zodiac to begin your expedition. Explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, where you may observe gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, along with seals and whales. Cruise through narrow channels and, depending on conditions, visit sites such as Deception Island, Cuverville Island, Paradise Bay, and the Gerlache Strait. Take part in expert-led excursions that help you appreciate Antarctica’s raw landscapes. Capture memorable photographs and experience the continent’s remote environments up close.
Highlights
Skip the Drake Passage with round-trip flights via Puerto Natales
Transfer by Zodiac to MV Polar Athena and begin your Antarctic voyage
Explore South Shetland Islands and witness thriving penguin colonies
Cruise narrow Antarctic Peninsula channels surrounded by dramatic peaks
Observe gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins with their chicks
Spot humpback, minke, sei whales, orcas, and seals along the way
Capture glaciers, icebergs, and icescapes in vivid polar colors
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Puerto Natales, Chile. After you land, the team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. If you want to spend a few days here before your expedition, join the Torres del Paine extension package and stay in a traditional Patagonia lodge.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island, Antarctica | Embark
After meeting the team in Puerto Natales, board a two-and-a-half-hour charter flight across the Drake Passage with the other guests. Upon landing, take a Zodiac transfer to your ship to begin your Antarctic voyage.
Dramatic coastlines and penguin colonies
The plan is to visit remote and rugged islands along the peninsula, where you can see dramatic volcanic cliffs, glacier-sculpted shorelines, and encounter large colonies of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins nesting side by side, with their hungry chicks. You glide through the narrow and stunning channels, often packed with glittering sea ice and steep mountains on both sides, by still waters.
Into Antarctica’s hidden places
Prepare to enjoy a Zodiac cruise through sapphire-blue iceberg-filled coves and serene reflective waters, as you are on the lookout for humpback whales, leopard seals, and calving glaciers. You also hope to land on islands, where gentoo penguins nest among whalebone relics, and young fur seals frolic in shallow waters, while elephant seals are hauled out on shore.
Exploring Antarctica's raw and untouched beauty
The team often sails into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula through the scenic Gerlache Strait, flanked by jagged peaks. If ice conditions allow, you venture into regions renowned for impressive tabular icebergs and dramatic landscapes.
Day 9: King George Island | Disembark | Fly to Puerto Natales
On the final day, you hope to disembark at King George Island and take a charter flight back to Puerto Natales. There, you stay at a very comfortable lodge, where you can relax and reflect on your extraordinary Antarctic experiences.
Day 10: Puerto Natales, Chile
1 Breakfast
For those continuing their adventure, there’s the opportunity to join the Torres del Paine extension package, where you may go horseback riding through the stunning Patagonian landscapes, take a scenic hike to Mirador Base Las Torres, visit Laguna Sofia, explore the Milodón Cave, or enjoy other carefully planned activities.
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.
$17,9952-3 travelers
Classic Twin
This cabin on Deck 3 measures 12.5m² and has a porthole window. It sleeps two guests in two lower berths and includes a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities feature Starlink Wi-Fi, a 220V European plug socket, and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Signature Twin
These cabins on Decks 4 and 5 measure 12m² and feature a window. Each sleeps two guests in lower berths and has a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket for added convenience.
Classic Suite
This cabin on Deck 5 measures 16.8m² and offers space for two guests. It features a double bed, a lounge area with a sofa, corner desk, and chair, plus a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Signature Suite
This cabin on Deck 5 measures 22.5m² and is designed for two guests. It includes a double bed, a spacious lounge area with a sofa, corner desk, and chair, plus a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities feature Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Signature Single
This cabin on Deck 4 measures 11m² and is designed for one guest. It features a lower berth, a window, and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Highly experienced Captain and Cook
Lectures and tutorials on board
Zodiac excursions (MK V heavy-duty inflatable boats) for shore landings and unforgettable photography opportunities
Rubber Muck boots for shore landings
All transfers included—from the airport to your hotel on arrival, between your hotel and the ship for embarkation and disembarkation, and from your hotel to the airport on departure day
Transfers to Weskar Patagonia Lodge in Torres del Paine if doing extension package
Private charter fights between Puerto Natales (PNT) and King George Island (TNM)
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
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.
