Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas in Chile, the most important city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants, and natural landscapes that can keep you occupied for days. In the early afternoon, a representative of the tour operator will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome meal and receive an introduction to prepare for your embarkation day.

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica allows you to cross the legendary Drake Passage in just two hours, while your ship heads towards King George Island to prepare for your arrival. You will experience your first glimpse of the dramatic Antarctic landscapes from a unique perspective as your plane lands in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, you make your way to the shore before being taken by Zodiac to your ship to set sail towards the Antarctic Peninsula!

Few places in the world are as impressive as Antarctica. The white continent is indescribable and can only be fully grasped with your own eyes. As your captain and expedition team look out for whales and seabirds, you will be informed about every new sighting. A team of experts will enhance your experience through explanations about glaciology, history, and wildlife of the region, and offer presentations on photography to help you capture unforgettable images. Even more exciting are your daily activities. You will never forget your first Zodiac landing on the 7th continent! A walk on a shore inhabited by thousands of penguins is the most personal way to experience Antarctica’s unique wildlife. Each landing is different and weather-dependent, but each day offers new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t take long before you can recognize the difference between Adelie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins. You might take a Zodiac cruise one day in search of whales and icebergs, followed by a hike to a penguin colony the next day. Each day begins with a sense of adventure and the prospect of new experiences, from the thunderous sound of a calving glacier to leopard seals and orcas in action. Your expedition team will accompany you the whole time, offering insights into the places visited.

After your week, you bid farewell to your expedition team and disembark on King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas is your farewell to Antarctica. After the group transfer to the hotel, you have time to explore Punta Arenas on your own and spend the evening either in the city or at the hotel to reflect on your Antarctic impressions.

After breakfast, you can continue your journey on your own or make your way to Punta Arenas airport.