Highlights

The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of our most adventurous itineraries. Our main goal on this expedition is to attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team crafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore. An extended 10-day journey venturing toward the Antarctic Circle, offering intrepid travelers a deeper exploration of the White Continent’s most remote and spectacular regions.

Journey farther south through pristine waters in an attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle.
Explore deeper into Antarctica’s untouched wilderness.
Enjoy Zodiac excursions to remote bays and landing sites rarely visited.
Step foot on remote Antarctic shores.
Experience extended daylight hours perfect for photography and exploration.
Cruise through channels filled with spectacular icebergs.

Map/Itinerary

Day 1Start of the Air-Cruise

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by staff and transferred to your hotel. Before 2 PM, you are expected at Explorers House for your check-in, for a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Day 2Scheduled Flight to Antarctica

A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Day 3 - 8Exploring Antarctica

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound.

Day 9Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica

Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

Day 10End of the air-cruise

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Please note: This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the Expedition Leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.

Inclusions/Exclusions

This expedition includes:

Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on Day 1 for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
Welcome dinner on Day 1 at Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on Day 1 and the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions in Antarctica, as well as lectures and entertainment on board your boutique vessel.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch, and à la carte dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Contingency plan, loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, and IAATO passenger fee.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.

This expedition excludes:

Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
Personal travel and medical insurance.
Extra expenses (communication, laundry,
souvenirs, etc.).
Gratuities.
Visas for Chile, Argentina and/or United Kingdom (for South Georgia), passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable