Get the most out of Antarctica by skipping the Drake Passage

Now you can explore Antarctica on an 8-day trip! For those short on time, we'll skip the the lengthy Drake Passage crossing and fly to and from the Antarctic Peninsula via Punta Arenas, Chile. Once in Antarctica we'll board our ice-class expedition vessel and cruise south along the western coast of the Peninsula.

We don’t have to travel deep into the continent to see and feel the sheer scale and majesty of Antarctica. Discover remarkable places: Deception Island, a volcanic caldera that we can sail into and a great place for visiting rookeries and hiking on volcanic slopes; and Paradise Bay, a favorite spot for Zodiac cruising along the face of an ever-calving glacier  and past rocky cliffs full of nesting seabirds

Whatever your expectations of Antarctica before your visit, this mystical, unearthly land is guaranteed to exceed and overwhelm them!

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Activities

Adventure cruising, wildlife

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Skip the lengthy Drake Passage crossing and fly to and from the Antarctic Peninsula
• A perfect introduction to the wonders of Antarctica for those with limited time
• Witness the miracles of this unseen, unknown land and change your life forever

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Punta Arenas, Chile End Location: Punta Arenas, Chile

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Punta Arenas, Chile

  Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile by 3:00pm and transfer to the Hotel Rey Don Felipe.  During the afternoon, you will meet your fellow voyagers and your Expedition Leader will go over the safety and environmental guidelines to be followed in Antarctica.  Tonight, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at the Jose Nogueira Hotel, a French-style mansion and one of the oldest buildings in Patagonia.

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  Day 2 : Embarkation Day

  Our Antarctic adventure will begin with the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). The flight takes about 2 hours.  Upon arrival, we will be able to tour around the area where the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation by Zodiac boats on board our expedition vessel.

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  Days 3 - 6 : Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands

  While cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey southwards will include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent, such as: Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our target will be the crossing of the Lemaire Channel and latitude 65° South.

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  Day 7 : Fly to Punta Arenas

  Return to King George Island where we will disembark, in Zodiac boats, at the Frei Chilean Base, and head to the aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas.  Transfer to the Hotel Rey Don Felipe for your last night in Punta Arenas.

• Day 8 : Depart for home

  After breakfast at the hotel, grab a taxi to the airport and fly home anytime today.  Or choose to extend your journey by selecting one of our wonderful Patagonia/Chilean Extensions! (call us for details)

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©Keren Su/Chinaspan