Heroic Antarctic Air Cruise
This is the easiest way to travel to Antarctica - the coldest, highest, windiest, driest and least inhabited continent on earth! Flying from Punta Arenas in southern Chile over Cape Horn and the notoriously rough waters of the Drake Passage, you reach King George Island, the largest island in the South Shetlands in under two hours. Retracing this route on the return journey avoids two days of sailing each way, allowing you experience only the best of the White Continent - in the company of a small international group of fellow enthusiasts. This active adventure involves daily landings by Zodiac inflatable, and a full programme of lectures on board ship, assisted by experienced crew and knowledgeable expedition staff.
- Itinerary:
- Day 1.
- Transfer from Punta Arenas airport to hotel, meet cruise personnel, briefing and welcome dinner. Overnight hotel. NB: you must arrive in Punta Arenas by 1500 at the latest.
- Day 2
- Fly to King George Island (approx 1.5 hrs) in the South Shetlands; visit the Chilean Antarctic mission's Frei Base. Board Ocean Nova in Fildes Bay by Zodiac inflatable.
- Days 3-6.
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Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords past spectacular icebergs in the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit some of the most renowned spots in the history of Antarctic explorations such as: Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Brown Bluff and Gourdin Island amongst others. Our target will be the crossing of the famous Antarctic Sound towards the Weddell Sea sailing though huge tabular icebergs & magnificent spots in the white continent. This is an active adventure with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a fun time on board. - Day 7.
- Disembark at King George Island. Fly to Punta Arenas and transfer to hotel. Tour ends on arrival at the airport. NB: on request, accommodation on a room only basis is provided in Punta Arenas tonight on a complimentary basis. We advise you to make use of this - in case of delay to the return flight from King George Island - rather than booking a late afternoon/evening flight out of Punta Arenas. A transfer is provided to the hotel if you are staying overnight.
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NB: the itinerary is dependent on weather, ice conditions and wildlife sightings, and may be subject to change.
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Dates and Prices :
Aboard Ocean Nova - Click here - Embark : Punta Arenas, Chile
- Disembark : Punta Arenas, Chile
- Voyage Duration : 7 days
- Departures : January and February
- Single Supplement : Please ask about our share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller.
- What's Included : Voyage based on twin-share cabin; all meals and drinks on board; guided shore excursions and lectures; transfers; accommodation in Punta Arenas as shown in itinerary; loan of boots for landings in Antarctica; flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island.
- Flight & Accommodation Package : Please check with us for the latest flight prices to Punta Arenas and any additional accommodation you may require in Santiago or Punta Arenas.