Antarctic Express - Fly South, Cruise North

Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions to explore including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join your group for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.

Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage takes less than four hours, whereas ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island - hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You have some free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining up with the ship. Once aboard, enjoy your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.

You get a sense that you’ve arrived on a new planet during the start of your Antarctic voyage, as the pristine nature and dramatic environments are like nothing else on earth. From the vessel you can watch whales swim and feed in the nutrient-rich waters and spot penguins frolicking in the water and jumping aboard ice floes. Just as amazing as the wildlife are the soaring snow-covered mountains and glaciers of the Peninsula, which are your playground for the next four days.

Every Zodiac excursion and landing presents new sights, sounds and smells. Some landings may be as relaxing as sitting on a beach, taking photographs of curious penguins. Other landings may provide exhilarating panoramic views of the Antarctic continent by hiking atop hill. Perhaps catch sight of a calving glacier crumbling into the sea at Petermann Island, or take a Zodiac cruise in search of fur and elephant seals around Pleneau Island.

Even common travel experiences like mailing a postcard take on an extra level of excitement in Antarctica. While weather and sea conditions determine which landings the ship can make, your Expedition Team ensures that each day of your Antarctic adventure leaves a lasting impression.

A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting has not. Your Expedition Team is available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback.

When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the Expedition Team concludes their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology.

After a final breakfast aboard the ship, say goodbye to your crew as you disembark in Ushuaia. A transfer to the hotel is provided and then you have a chance to explore the town on your own to shop, sightsee, and sample some Argentinian cuisine.

Today you are free to make your way to the airport for departure, or extend your stay in Ushuaia.