HIGHLIGHTS
If you have less time to explore Antarctica, bypass the Drake Passage at the beginning and end of your voyage to spend the most time with your boots on the ground, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. From young elephant seals to the enchanting Weddell seal, November brings these majestic creatures in droves to the South Shetland Islands. In December, keep your eyes on the water during a Zodiac safari, as during this time there’s an increase in sightings of baleen and humpback whales amid the Peninsula. On shore landings, look for the Gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins in their courtship rituals. FREE private charter jet service takes you between Punta Arenas and King George Island. A FREE 1-night pre-cruise and 1-night post-cruise hotel stay in Punta Arenas offers the utmost comfort to rest and relax before and after your journey.
King George Island, South Shetland Islands
Your charter flight lands in or departs from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station on King George Island, the Chilean air base for Antarctica expeditions with flight options over the Drake Passage. Lying within the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings that include a school, bank, hospital and post office, it resembles more a small village than a base. King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and elephant, leopard and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research.
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contain plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing and named for its very nature, is in fact a volcanic caldera where you can find heated springs amid the striking black sands. Other stops could include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild and Barrientos Island, where you can find plenty of Gentoo penguin rookeries.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Your charter flight lands in or departs from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station on King George Island, the Chilean air base for Antarctica expeditions with flight options over the Drake Passage. Lying within the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings that include a school, bank, hospital and post office, it resembles more a small village than a base. King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and elephant, leopard and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research.
INCLUSIONS
Government Taxes and Fees per guest are included in Cruise Fares.
Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost.
All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD. Use our advanced filters to tailor your search by month, year, trip length and/or budget. Find the perfect adventure for you and discover beautiful and exciting destinations!