Polar Circle Air-Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Nothing is as exhilarating as traveling to the southernmost continent and the world’s final frontier. All of this sensation immediately begins after your two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to the South Shetland Islands. You will begin exploring the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, where the islands support a variety of seals, penguins - including Adelie and chinstrap, and seabirds, including Antarctic terns and giant petrels. You will make two to three landings a day and reach ashore using zodiacs, as well as cruise along the impressive ice cliffs and come face to face with whales. Continue sailing into the deep south, as you venture beyond 66°33”, taking you to a region of massive blue icebergs and frozen mountain ranges. The abundance of krill in the Antarctic Circle attracts the continent’s largest variety and concentration of wildlife, including the humpback whale, hourglass dolphin, the orcas, leopard seals and macaroni penguins. After five days of exploring the Antarctica, you will bid farewell and board your flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile.

Our expert polar guides will help you embrace Antarctica’s vast beauty, as they will provide daily presentations on history, geology and wildlife. Small groups will be arranged for daily landings, to include guided hikes and shore walks. Optional activities (additional cost) include kayaking and show-shoeing. For the air-cruises (flying over the Drake Passage), this itinerary is operated by both the 67-passenger Ocean Nova and the newest vessel, the 73-passenger Magellan Explorer. As you witness such close encounters with wildlife, one will appreciate the unique advantage of traveling on a small vessel, which offers a boutique-style wilderness adventure rather than just a cruise.

 Refer to the downloadable brochure above for vessel and departure details.

Itinerary Details

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, right before 2PM, where you will be transferred to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu with drinks.

Overnight at Cabo de Hornos Hotel, Punta Arenas (Dinner)

Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.

Overnight aboard Ocean Nova or the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Overnight aboard Ocean Nova or the Magellan Explorer (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

With your scheduled return flight from Antarctica, return  to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

Overnight at Cabo de Hornos Hotel, Punta Arenas (Breakfast)

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

(Breakfast)

• 9 nights accommodation as per program (based on double/twin occupancy; single & triple occupancy is available)

• All transfers and transport as per the program (Day 1, 2, 9 & 10)

• R/T Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island

• All guided shore excursions

• Lectures and entertainment on board

• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material

• Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica

• Breakfast and welcome Dinner in Punta Arenas

• Hotel in Punta Arenas - Cabo de Hornos Hotel

• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board, offering a wide choice of dishes

• Daily served dinner on board offering a choice of three main courses

• Snacks and soft drinks on board

• IAATO passenger fee

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international flights not described above, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• There are a lot of questions to ask yourself when planning a trip to Antarctica. The one we hear most often is – when is the best time to travel to Antarctica? Summer in Antarctica is a narrow window of time between November and March, so your trip really depends on when you can travel and where your interests lie. Each summer month in Antarctica offers traveler’s a unique perspective and, of course, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• November – The early season of the Antarctic summer is when Penguins are numerous, just in time for mating season. It is a busy time for these birds as they build their nests, search for partners and start their families. Also, the continent is just coming out of winter, so ice and snow are still abundant. If you want to see some bigger icebergs, this is a great time to visit.

• December – This is the most popular season to visit Antarctica. There are plenty of Penguin chicks to spot and seals are active as it is their mating season. It’s important to remember to plan early for this month as it is booked quickly as many people look forward to seeing the seventh continent during this time of year.

• January – During this month you can expect “warmer” weather as it is the peak of the summer season in Antarctica. The average temperature in the Antarctica Peninsula area during the austral summer is about 0º C (32º F). You will see baby penguin chicks being fed by their parents who just returned from the sea with food. This time of year also has about 20 hours of sunlight giving you plenty of time to explore during your trip.

• February – As we get later into the season, you can expect whales to start appearing in the waters of Antarctica. It’s also a wonderful time of year for photographers as the light in February is optimal for landscape photography. 

• March – End of the summer season is here. Penguin chicks are older and ready to venture into the cold waters. All the wildlife is active at this time of year, so seals and whales are also expected to be nearby. It’s also a time where there are less people traveling to Antarctica, so you will not see many other ships during your time here.

• As you will be arriving into and out of Punta Arenas, we strongly encourage an extension trip to southern Patagonia, as Punta Arenas is the gateway to the heart of Patagonia and the iconic granite towers, Torres del Paine. We recommend a total of 4 nights to explore this region. If time permits, further exploration of Argentina Patagonia can be arranged by crossing the Chilean Border and lodging in El Calafate or El Chalten region.

• For the itinerary above, the expedition vessel Magellan Explorer is featured, which is the newest vessel custom built for the Antarctic air-cruises. This does equate to a higher price point in comparison to the other vessel used for this expedition, the Ocean Nova. The Ocean Nova is less modern, but just as sturdy and a great option for this air-cruise expedition. Please consult with your Travel Designer if you would like to receive a proposal using the Ocean Nova vessel.

• For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience in the Antarctica. These suggestions come with a supplemental cost: Sea Kayaking and Hiking & Snowshoeing Program.