Air-Cruise Expedition to Antarctica from Chile

Arrival & Transfer
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Located on the shores of the Strait of Magellan, this southern city serves as the gateway to Antarctica.

Preparing for the Expedition
Later in the day, you will attend a briefing at the Explorers House, where the expedition team will provide essential information and guidelines for your upcoming air-cruise to Antarctica.

Welcome Dinner
In the evening, you will join a welcome dinner, offering the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and prepare for the journey ahead.

Fly to Antarctica
Today, your air-cruise begins with a flight over the Drake Passage toward the South Shetland Islands. You will land on King George Island (25 de Mayo Island), one of the largest islands in the archipelago and a key gateway to the continent.

Arrival & Boarding
Upon arrival, you will walk to Chile’s Frei Station, the main research base in the area, and continue past Bellingshausen Station before reaching the coast. From there, a Zodiac boat will take you to your expedition vessel.

Start of the Expedition
Once on board, you will begin your Antarctic exploration. Over the next few days, you will navigate through remote landscapes and visit some of the region’s most notable sites, combining landings and Zodiac excursions to fully experience the environment.

Into the Antarctic Sound
Today’s exploration begins early, as you set out by Zodiac to discover new areas along the Antarctic Peninsula. One of the possible highlights is the Antarctic Sound, a channel known for its striking ice formations and wildlife activity.

Wildlife & Remote Sites
During the day, you may visit locations such as Hope Bay, home to one of the largest Adélie penguin colonies in Antarctica. This area also hosts research stations and offers insight into life in such a remote environment.

While navigating these waters, there is also the possibility of spotting whales, which are often seen in this region.

Flexible Exploration
As with all Antarctic expeditions, routes and landing sites depend on weather and ice conditions. Each outing is designed to make the most of the surroundings, combining wildlife observation with close-up views of the landscape.

Last Discoveries on the Peninsula
Today marks your final day exploring Antarctica. You will continue navigating by Zodiac to some of the region’s most scenic and remote areas, depending on conditions.

Possible highlights include the Penola Strait, a narrow passage surrounded by ice and mountain landscapes, as well as the Neumayer Channel, known for its glacier-lined waters and limited access for larger vessels.

Glaciers & Historic Sites
Along the route, you may observe glaciers such as Wiggins Glacier and pass by sites like Port Lockroy, a historic British base recognized for its remote location and unique character.

Closing the Experience
This final day offers one last opportunity to take in the Antarctic environment—its scale, silence, and wildlife—before preparing to leave the continent.

Flight Across the Drake Passage
After your days exploring Antarctica, the expedition vessel will return to King George Island (25 de Mayo Island) in the South Shetland archipelago. From there, you will board your flight back to Punta Arenas, crossing the Drake Passage once again from the air.

Arrival in Punta Arenas
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to rest or explore the city at your own pace.

If time allows, you may visit local attractions such as the Nao Victoria museum or simply enjoy a relaxed final evening in southern Chile.

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Your Antarctic expedition comes to an end after exploring one of the most remote and unique regions on Earth.

If you wish to continue discovering South America, there are many other destinations across Chile and beyond waiting to be explored.