Fly & Cruise Polar Circle

Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

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, all passengers will be met at the official starting point hotel, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2: Embarkation Day

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have 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 will be from a unique perspective as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Days 3-4: Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.

Your first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, you'll be alerted to any new sightings. The team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are your daily excursions to land. Your first zodiac landing is something you'll 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 won't be 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 shot of a calving glacier to the thrill of spotting apex predators like leopard seals and killer whales in action, you'll welcome each day with a sense of adventure and excitement. 

Your Expedition Team will accompany you along the way, ensuring safety and providing insights into the places you visit.

Days 5-6: The Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66 degrees 33' S. You and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!

With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you've 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 are seen anywhere in Antarctica.

Days 7-8: Northbound Along the Peninsula

If you haven't had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you'll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to journey to land by zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on the journey south.

Day 9: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, you'll 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 we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 10: Depart for Home

After breakfast aboard the ship, say goodbye to your fellow explorers and depart for home.

Additional Notes:

The 18-Dec-2019 departure is 11 days long and does not reach the Polar Circle.

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flight(s) to/ from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.