Antarctic Express - Peninsula in Depth

Welcome to Punta Arenas, Chile, where your Antarctic adventure begins. Punta Arenas, which is on the Strait of Magellan, is the most populated city in Patagonia. In the early afternoon, meet your leader and fellow explorers at the official starting point hotel. Enjoy a first meal together and be briefed on the necessary preparations for embarkation day. If you arrive into Punta Arenas early, there are plenty of things to see and do. For a poignant look into the city’s history, perhaps visit the Cementerio Municipal to see the lavish tombs of wool barons and the modest graves of immigrants and explorers.

Today, cross the famous Drake Passage on a three-hour charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica. Instead of two days by sea, cross the infamous Drake Passage by air in only a few hours. Get your first glimpse of the dramatic Antarctic landscape, as your plane descends for landing on King George Island. As the largest island in the South Shetlands, King George is home to research stations belonging to Argentina, China, Russia, South Korea, Holland and the US, among others. On landing, spend some time exploring before being transferred by Zodiac to the ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Note: There is a luggage limit of 15 kg of checked baggage and 5 kg of hand baggage on the flight and this is strictly adhered to.

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. Don’t be surprised if you are overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most exciting way to experience the wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and dependent on weather, but presents new sightings and photo opportunities. indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.
On this voyage, you’ll get more time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula than any other Express Expedition—allowing you to make the most of your experience as much as possible.
As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert presenters will deepen your experience with explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region
Even more exciting are your daily land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach 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 Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap
penguin.
You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs around Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier at Neko Harbour to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore that which is unrivaled by any other travel experience.
Your Expedition Team accompany you along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

Today, say goodbye to the expedition team and disembark the ship at King George Island for the three-hour flight back across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas. You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel where you can enjoy a final dinner, reminiscing about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

There are no activities planned for today. After breakfast, make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight home or continue on your travels.