Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style

Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile

Your adventure starts in Punta Arenas, a windy port city at the southern tip of Chile. Once a penal colony, this destination is now a cosmopolitan hub. 

Please note that you'll need to arrive at the airport no later than 1pm today. After you land, you’ll be welcomed and whisked off to your comfortable hotel in Punta Arenas with a group transfer. After checking in for your complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay, you’re free to explore the city’s historical sites. Cap off the day by joining your fellow explorers for an included welcome dinner. You will also be briefed on the current anticipated timings for departure on your flight to Antarctica.  

Day 2: Embarking on your ship

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, when there is a clear weather window a group transfer will take you to the airport in Punta Arenas, where you’ll board your charter flight to Antarctica. Skipping the rolling seas of the Drake Passage outbound cuts your journey down from two days at sea to two hours by plane. 

Please keep in mind that the expected flight timings can alter at the last minute due to changing weather conditions in Antarctica. You’ll need to be prepared to leave the hotel for the airport at any time – you will be kept up to date locally of the scheduling on the day.

If the skies are clear, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the South Shetland Islands and perhaps some icebergs as your plane descends towards King George Island. A short hop by minibus past the Chilean and Russian research bases takes you to the shore. Here, your zodiac shuttle to the ship awaits and the adventure begins in earnest. Keep your eyes peeled for the odd penguin popping up on the beach, a perfect welcoming committee! 

Days 3 to 6: Exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula 

As your adventure unfolds, you’ll feel as if you have stepped onto another planet. Snow-laden mountains and colossal glaciers dominate the continent, which you'll spend the next four days exploring. In between excursions, spend plenty of time out on deck admiring the pristine landscapes and sculptural icebergs, and look out for the blow from a surfacing whale or the splash of penguins porpoising through the water.  

While Antarctica’s ever-changing weather and ice conditions will dictate your exact itinerary, the experienced Expedition Team will work hard to maximise your opportunities for exploring. You might be out on scenic zodiac cruises taking in glorious icebergs from the water level while looking for seals hauled out for a snooze, or heading on foot to watch the hilarious antics of gentoo penguins in a chaotic rookery. 

Days 7 & 8: Crossing the Drake Passage to Ushuaia

Having skipped over the Drake Passage en route to the continent, you'll pick up the true badge of honour for any intrepid Antarctic explorer and conquer this notorious sea crossing on your way home. If the route is calm enough (a Drake Lake), spend time on deck watching out for wildlife – this is one of the best places to see huge seabirds such as albatross and petrels. Though harder to spot, there could be opportunities for cetaceans, such as the greyhounds of the sea-fin whales. 

Before the final chapter of your adventure closes, you can continue to deepen your Antarctic knowledge with the excellent educational program of immersive lectures offered by the Expedition Team on topics such as polar history, marine biology and glaciology. The time at sea also offers a welcome chance to process the awe-inspiring experience you've had in Antarctica before returning to the buzz of civilisation. 

Day 9: Disembark and stay overnight in Ushuaia, Argentina

Following a final breakfast on board, bid farewell to your dedicated crew as you disembark in Ushuaia, a lively port city at the very southern tip of Argentina. You'll take a complimentary group transfer to your hotel and check-in for a free night's stay. You have the rest of the day to explore the city, sampling Patagonian cuisine such as lamb or king crab and visiting some of the souvenir shops. Alternatively, drop into the quirky Maritime Museum at the city's old prison, or hike up towards Martial Glacier for spectacular views over the city.  

Day 10: Leave for home

Today, you'll either spend more time soaking up the sights of Ushuaia or make your own way to the airport for the first leg of your journey home.

PLEASE NOTE: While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch. 

This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.