11 Days Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams
A fascinating adventure through the ice of Antarctica aboard a luxurious expedition ship departing from southern Chile.
Duration
11 Day
Number
Starts from
Puerto Williams
Price
from 12.921 €
1. Highlights of the Route
- A journey to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands with their blue-colored glaciers, icebergs, and a diverse wildlife ranging from whales to penguins.
- Start and end of the journey in Puerto Williams in Chile.
- Elegant ship for polar voyages, ideal for those who want to enjoy the highest comfort in a suite with butler service.
Your Trip at a Glance
On your expedition to Antarctica, you discover the last great natural paradise on Earth. From Puerto Williams, the tranquil Chilean counterpart to Ushuaia on the Beagle Channel, your route leads through the famous Drake Passage. Here, the oceans meet and create a rich ecosystem where you can observe albatrosses, whales, and dolphins.
In the majestic Antarctic Sound, the “Iceberg Alley”, the first penguin colonies greet you amidst a spectacular landscape of shimmering icebergs. The Antarctic Peninsula itself enchants with turquoise glaciers, deeply cut bays, and an amazing diversity of wildlife.
On the offshore South Shetland Islands, you experience various penguin species – Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie penguins – in their natural habitat, while occasionally mighty elephant seals rest on the beach. The crowning finale is the return journey through the Drake Passage to your starting point, Puerto Williams.
Arrival Package:
Upon request, we would be happy to plan an individual pre-program for you or your arrival and departure, including international flights and transfers.
Post Itinerary Package:
Upon request, we would be happy to plan an individual follow-up program for you in a nearby destination.
2. The Itinerary
1. Day: Puerto Williams
Puerto Williams is located on the Chilean island of Navarino on the southern shore of the Beagle Channel. The small settlement bears the title “southernmost city in the world”, although the larger Ushuaia on the Argentine side of the channel also claims this title.
The landscape around Puerto Williams is spectacular: Wild, wind-shaped mountains, often covered with snow, rise above the tree line. Particularly impressive are the “Dientes de Navarino” (Navarino Teeth), a striking mountain range that can compete with the famous Torres del Paine in northern Chile.
This region was once home to the Yaghan people, hunters and gatherers whose culture unfortunately disappeared after contact with European settlers.
2. Day to 3. Day: Drake Passage
The crossing of the famous Drake Passage is an unforgettable adventure. While the southern tip of South America already offers a wildly romantic landscape, the sight of the majestic cliffs at the “end of the world” exceeds all expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
From Cape Horn, you sail into the fascinating ice world of Antarctica. Here, impressive icebergs and a diverse wildlife with penguins and whales await you. The first Antarctic land masses you will see are likely to be the South Shetland Islands. Highlights of this island group include the historic Elephant Island and the spectacular volcanic island Deception Island with its unique landscape.
4. Day: Antarctic Sound
Antarctica offers an incomparable nature experience that impresses with its wildness, remoteness, and overwhelming beauty. The Antarctic Sound, named after an expedition ship from 1902, is often the first point of contact with this icy continent.
In these waters, huge icebergs drift, broken off from the massive Larsen Ice Shelf. The seemingly lifeless ice landscape is surprisingly enlivened by gentoo penguins and cape petrels, which have perfectly adapted to this extreme environment.
Visiting Antarctica, you experience nature in its most pristine form. Be sure to bring your camera – the untouched beauty of this icy paradise offers unique photo opportunities that will stay with you for a lifetime.
5. Day to 7. Day: Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula, which points like a finger towards South America, is the destination of many Antarctic expeditions. It is only about 1000 kilometers from Tierra del Fuego and offers breathtaking panoramas with snow-covered mountains and fascinating ice formations.
Since its discovery in 1820, this region has captivated explorers. Today, the peninsula is home to various research stations whose scientists study the unique wildlife and sensitive ecosystem. As a visitor, you can marvel at impressive icebergs, experience turquoise-blue shimmering glaciers, and observe the charming Adelie penguins in their natural environment.
8. Day: South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are protected under the Antarctic Treaty and are home to several international research stations. On these islands, elephant seals and various penguin species live in their natural habitat.
King George Island is the largest island in this group and hosts most of the research facilities. Highlights of the island group include the impressive peaks of Mount Foster on Smith Island and the warm geothermal waters in Pendulum Cove on Deception Island.
Elephant Island has a special historical significance: This is where Ernest Shackleton and his crew found refuge after their ship was crushed in the pack ice – a dramatic chapter in Antarctic exploration.
9. Day: Drake Passage
The return journey through the Drake Passage marks the conclusion of your Antarctic expedition. This waterway between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula provides time to process the collected impressions.
With a sharpened eye, you now observe the rich marine fauna – elegant albatrosses sail alongside the ship, while whales may appear in the nutrient-rich waters. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence symbolically marks your return to the inhabited world, as you take home unforgettable memories of the icy wilderness.
10. Day to 11. Day: Puerto Williams
Puerto Williams is located on the Chilean island of Navarino on the southern shore of the Beagle Channel and calls itself the “southernmost city in the world” – a title also claimed by the larger Argentine Ushuaia. The landscape is characterized by wind-swept, often snow-covered mountains, especially the impressive “Dientes de Navarino”.
Originally inhabited by the Yaghan, the settlement was founded in 1953 as a naval base. Today it serves as a starting point for Antarctic expeditions. Unlike the touristy Ushuaia, Puerto Williams maintains a quiet, village-like atmosphere with rustic wooden houses – a peaceful place at the end of the world.
- Departure From: Puerto Williams
- End Point: Puerto Williams
3. Services Included
Included
- Antarctica cruise in the booked cabin category.
- One night hotel accommodation in Santiago prior to the cruise.
- Economy charter/group flight from Santiago to Puerto Williams including checked baggage.
- Private charter flight in Business Class from King George Island to Punta Arenas including checked baggage and hand luggage.
- Hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas after the cruise.
- Economy charter/group flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago including checked baggage.
- All expedition activities and shore excursions on expedition cruises, such as Zodiac rides, hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.
- Scientific lectures and entertainment on board.
- Experienced expedition leaders and lecturers.
- All meals on board during the voyage.
- Beverages in the suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, selected wines and spirits.
- Use of the spa and fitness center.
- 24-hour dining service.
- 24-hour room service.
- 24-hour butler service in all suites.
- Expedition parka as a gift.
- Expedition backpack as a gift.
- Water bottle as a gift.
- Gratuities on board.
- Unlimited, complimentary Wi-Fi.
Excluded
- International flights: We can book a suitable flight for you at an additional cost.
- Airport transfers.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Visa or passport fees.
- Personal expenses, for example in the on-board shop.
4. Travel Dates and Prices
Please contact us directly for the current daily prices of the trips and the prices for single occupancy or special cabins. Our polar experts will answer all your questions about the itinerary, the ship, and the cabins.
Appointments on request. Please contact us directly using the contact form.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy per cabin or suite and subject to availability.
For solo travelers, cabins or suites may be available without a single supplement, subject to availability. Please contact us for details for solo travelers.
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