Polar Circle Air Cruise
This is the quickest way to get as far south as possible and cross the Antarctic Circle. Flying from Punta Arenas, in southern Chile, over Cape Horn and the notorious waters of the Drake Passage, you reach King George Island, the largest island in the South Shetlands, in under two hours. Boarding your expedition cruise vessel there, you then sail southward along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula - with plenty of stops and landings along the way - to cross the Antarctic Circle. Flying back from King George Island on the return journey avoids two days of sailing each way, allowing you maximum time to experience only the best of the White Continent. This active adventure involves daily landings by Zodiac inflatable, and a full programme of lectures on board ship, assisted all the while by experienced crew and knowledgeable expedition staff.
- Itinerary:
- Day 1.
- Transfer from Punta Arenas airport to hotel, orientation briefing and welcome dinner. Overnight hotel.
- 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 by Zodiac inflatable.
- Days 3-8.
- Sail from the South Shetland Islands down the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, passing through ice-filled fjords past spectacular icebergs in the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent, such as: Cierva Cove, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Prospect and Fish Islands amongst others. The highlight of your trip is attempting to cross the Polar Circle at latitude 66? 33' South, with a champagne toast to celebrate the occasion. This is an active adventure with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a fun time on board.
- Day 9.
- Disembark at King George Island and fly to Punta Arenas. Tour ends on arrival at Punta Arenas airport. NB: on request, accommodation (room only) 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. If you are staying overnight, a transfer to the hotel is provided.
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Note: Itineraries may vary according to local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife.
- Dates and Prices : Aboard Ocean Nova - Click here
- Embark : Punta Arenas, Chile
- Disembark : Punta Arenas, Chile
- Voyage Duration : 9 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.