Early Antarctic explorers recounted tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life. This expedition offers the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica, minimizing time on the high seas with a flight across the Drake Passage in one direction. Immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, featuring vast glaciers cascading into the sea, penguins dwarfed by soaring peaks, and humpback and minke whales feasting on abundant krill.

13 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Punta Arenas

Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you'll be greeted and taken to the hotel. Please arrive by 4.00 pm for an essential evening briefing. Visit the hospitality desk from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm for luggage tags and embarkation details. Punta Arenas, with its diverse cultural influences, offers a glimpse into Chile's history. Enjoy local and international dining options (meals at your expense). At 7.00 pm, attend a voyage briefing to confirm transfer details, discuss the flight to King George Island, and go over important IAATO regulations.

Accommodation: Hotel Cabo de Hornos or Hotel Dreams

Day 2: King George Island

In the morning, we'll transfer to Punta Arenas airport for the charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting), a journey of approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. Upon arrival, the expedition team will welcome you and facilitate your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. After settling into your cabin, essential safety briefings will be conducted.

Note: King George Island, situated in the South Shetland Islands, is a remote location with unpredictable weather. A clear sky is crucial for a safe flight. If weather conditions prevent take-off, a contingency plan will be implemented, prioritizing your safety and causing potential delays. Please refer to the terms and conditions for detailed explanations.

Day 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10: Antarctic Peninsula

Arriving in Antarctica is an indescribable experience, marked by the sight of the first iceberg and a breath of incredibly fresh air. Exploring the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, with 18-24 hours of daylight, offers a range of choices. Your seasoned expedition team, well-versed in Antarctic journeys, will craft the daily itinerary based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife opportunities.

Expect two daily landings or Zodiac excursions, cruising along ice cliffs and grounded icebergs, keeping a lookout for whales, seals, and porpoising penguins. Explore penguin rookeries, historic huts, and scenic spots ashore, and optional activities can be pursued as conditions allow. Polar plunges may be available, and ship cruises through narrow straits or scenic bays provide captivating views of Antarctica's splendor, with the chance to witness glacier movements. The observation lounge or the bridge offers uninterrupted views, allowing moments of quiet reflection in this breathtaking white continent.

Day 11 & 12: Drake Passage

Conclude your Antarctic journey with a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before heading back through the Drake Passage to South America. Enjoy lectures and film presentations, savoring the Southern Ocean's magic and its vibrant marine life. Take time for reflection and discussions, aiming to become advocates for Antarctica's conservation. As you approach South America, weather permitting, the Captain may sail near Cape Horn, adding a legendary touch to your expedition.

Day 13: Ushuaia

Disembark in Ushuaia around 8:00 am, bidding farewell to the expedition team and fellow travelers. Passengers with flights before 2:00 pm are transferred directly to Ushuaia Airport, while others continuing their journeys in the region are taken to post-voyage accommodations. Those with later flights can explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airport transfer. For flight planning, it's advised not to book departures before 12:00 pm to account for potential delays.

13 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

Observe extraordinary wildlife, including fledging penguin chicks.

Enjoy Zodiac cruises in secluded bays and quiet coves filled with brash ice, capturing photographs of enormous glaciers and uniquely shaped icebergs in various shades of blue.

Keep a vigilant eye for the tail fluke of diving whales, witness porpoising penguins, and spot ice seals like Weddell and crabeater seals resting on ice floes.

Witness skuas patrolling penguin colonies, preying on vulnerable juveniles.

13 Day Antarctica cruise activities

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.