Summary : In less than two hours, fly from Punta Arenas, Chile and arrive on King George Island (the largest Island of the South Shetland Archipelago) where you will embark the newly-built Magellan Explorer at the gates of the White Continent. From King George Island you will navigate for seven days and six nights along the Antarctic Peninsula, enjoying stunning landscapes and the best wildlife sites along the way. If weather conditions permit, attempt to cross the Polar Circle at latitude 66° 33' South and enjoy a glass of champagne to celebrate the extraordinary occasion. With daily excursions, your naturalist team will deliver informative lectures introducing you to this spectacular continent.
Includes round-trip flight from Punta Arenas, Chile with 7 days in Antarctica. Time spent in Antarctica is equivalent to an 12-day traditional ship cruise.
A two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island (the largest of the South Shetland Islands). Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. A 1.25-mile walk to shore takes you through Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen Station before you board a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
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. Your experienced and knowledgeable 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 plans 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 locations. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.