Polar Circle Air Cruise

Welcome to Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer to your hotel and attend a briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.

Please Note: Passengers must be at their hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 2 PM.   Weather at King George Island will drive the overall schedule of this trip, so there's a slight chance you might fly to Antarctica this evening!  

Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Please note: Flexibility is key to any successful Antarctic adventure, particularly a fly cruise.  If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, which can be read here. On average, about 85% of flights occur on this day, as scheduled. But travelers should be aware of the contingencies that Antarctica21 has developed over its two decades of providing fly cruises.

 

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history, and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink.

The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility is the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point, or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. This evening's meals are at your leisure and are not included in the program.

Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, again.   

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Please note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.