Enjoy Antarctica in style — by flying south of the Antarctic Circle and then cruising! A three-hour flight connects Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica. By excluding all additional days at sea, you can focus exclusively on the Antarctic's best landscapes and wildlife encounters. Prepare for sensory overload as you are overwhelmed by the white continent's stunning beauty and dramatic vistas. Soon after, on this amazing Antarctic voyage, your team of Polar Experts will have you exploring penguins and whales in Antarctica.
Highlights
Land on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands
Look out for whales and seabirds on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula
Enjoy daily land excursions and explore beaches dotted with penguins
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 meets everyone at the official starting point hotel, where you enjoy a welcome dinner and are briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
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 3-5: 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 one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore this unrivaled travel experience.
Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’ S. You and your shipmates celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, take pride in knowing you have made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and some of the most magical, odd ice formations seen anywhere in Antarctica.
If you have not had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, surely be satisfied by the time you return to the Drake Passage. Continue to journey onto land and out by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team is always on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals, and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.
After your week 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 adventure to an end. After transferring from the airport to the hotel, enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas
1 Breakfast
Enjoy an early breakfast and depart to the Punta Arenas airport for your return flight home.
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.
$14,995
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Triple
Averaging 128 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths and one upper berth. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
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Lower Deck Twin
Averaging 133 sq. ft. (12 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Lower Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
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Main Deck Twin with Porthole
Averaging 118 sq. ft. (11 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views.
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Main Deck Twin with Window
Averaging 139 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Main Deck, it has private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.
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Superior
Averaging 142 sq. ft. (13 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
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Deluxe
Averaging 160 sq. ft. (15 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Upper and Captain’s Decks, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
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Suite
Averaging 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Captain’s Deck, it has windows with exterior views and private facilities. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Suites have shower stalls.
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Owner's Suite
Averaging 290 sq. ft. (27 sq. m) and equipped with two lower berths. Located on the Bridge Deck, it has private facilities, and windows with exterior views.
Initial deposit is 20% of cruise fare (minimum $1000) plus the cost of kayaking (if applicable), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.