Antarctica and South Georgia Air Cruise

Prepare for spectacular mountains and towering icebergs, following in the footsteps of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Travel to the extremes of the Southern Hemisphere for extraordinary snowy landscapes and remote penguin rookeries.

Day 1 - Arrival in Chile:

Transfer to your hotel in Punta Arenas before 2pm and attend a safety briefing with important information and guidelines for your voyage. Then enjoy a welcome dinner of delicious local cuisine and the chance to meet your fellow adventurers.

Day 2 - Fly to King George Island:

A direct and smooth two hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. After exploring the area surrounding Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen station, you will board a Zodiac to take you to your expedition vessel, filling your lungs with beautifully clean Antarctic air.

Days 3 to 5 - Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula:

Your cruise will journey between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. You will sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs with sea birds, penguins, seals and whales for company. Disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape with our expert polar guides. Share your daily adventures with fellow guests while enjoying spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge, and take the opportunity to attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations.

Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition in Antarctica; no journey is ever the same. The voyage route is planned by the Expedition Team to craft a unique and extraordinary experience each time, taking into account factors presented by ever changing weather and nature. Whatever your itinerary, with each expedition we will explore several spots in the Gerlache Strait that offer the very best of the astonishing Antarctic environment.

Day 6 - Elephant Island:

Heading north past the Antarctic Peninsula, we hope to make a stop at Elephant Island, where the crew of the Endurance sheltered whilst Shackleton and five of his men made the journey across 1300km of open sea to arrange their rescue. Weather conditions are likely to prevent us from landing, but it is possible to see the island from the ship.

Days 7 and 8 - Sailing to South Georgia:

Onboard, our experts will offer presentations and informal chats, as we sail northwards. Watch out for abundant wildlife, be inspired by tales of past exploration and simply enjoy socialising and relaxing in the ship’s lounge.

Days 9 to 11 - Exploring South Georgia:

We arrive in South Georgia, a land of massive glaciers, deep fjords and majestic mountains and pay our respects at the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleto,n at the former whaling outpost of Grytviken. We will visit St. Andrew’s Bay, home to 150,000 king penguins, and Cooper Island to see black-browed albatross and Macaroni penguins. If weather allows, we also hope to visit Salisbury Plains, Fortuna Bay, Elsehul Bay and Prion Island.

Days 12 to 14 - Returning to Ushuaia:

As we head back towards Ushuaia, the expedition team will continue with their programme of presentations and talks. You can attend film screenings and browse in the polar library to deepen your knowledge of the ecology and history of the area. If the weather allows, the ship’s observation decks are a great place to spend some time with your binoculars, looking out for the majestic wandering albatross.

Day 15 - Beagle Channel:

We return to Ushuaia by sailing along the Beagle Channel. A chance for you to take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego to the north and the Navarino Islands to the south.

Day 16 - Disembarking in Ushuaia

We arrive in Ushuaia where you will disembark from the vessel as our adventure comes to an end.

Includes:

• Airport/hotel transfers as indicated
• Hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas
• Charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
• Complimentary waterproof duffel bag
• Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
• Accommodation & meals on full board basis
• Complimentary drinks offered during meals
• All shore excursions and zodiac activities
• Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
• Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
• Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
• Comprehensive pre-departure information
• Port taxes and any entry fees to landing sites

Excludes:

• Parka jackets are not provided
• Any flights to/from voyage start and end points
• Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
• Transfers not specified in the itinerary
• Optional adventure activities (e.g. kayaking)
• Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
• Airport arrival or departure taxes
• Personal travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature - laundry, bar tab, etc
• Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
• Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)