Chile : Tours : Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

Leaving from Ushuaia, sailing though the Beagle Channel, exploring Cape Horn and crossing the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, Antarctica XXI invites you to participate in a unique experience that will take you to one of the most remote places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable continent - Antarctica.

Day 1.
The journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. After meeting at the selected hotel, we will proceed to the local port to embark on our vessel, the Grigory Mikheev. We will sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, the southernmost town in the world, located on Navarino Island. Here, we will have the time to tour around before setting sail toward Cape Horn.
PLEASE NOTE: Passengers are required to be in Ushuaia, in a hotel to be defined, at 14:00 hours.

Day 2.
After crossing Nassau Bay, we will wake up in front of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, we will put our Zodiac boats into the water and visit its lighthouse and the Chilean station in charge of keeping it beaming. Back on board, we will get ready to set sail towards Antarctica and start the crossing of the famous waters named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great XVIth century British explorer.

Day 3.
Sailing through the Drake Passage, en route to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). We invite you to relax and enjoy life on board and to take the time to watch wildlife from the bridge or from the outside decks. We may spot magnificent birds such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as Humpback and Minke whales swimming on their way down to Antarctica.

Day 4.
Once we have crossed the Antarctic Convergence, we will be sailing through the Antarctic Ocean. The time has come to start spotting the first icebergs and the first Antarctic land. The South Shetland Islands finally come into view, and we will have the opportunity to put our zodiac boats into the water and make our first landing to visit a penguin colony. Exploration will continue all evening thanks to the endless daylight.

Day 5.
Upon reaching King George Island, we will disembark at Fildes Bay, where we will have the chance to enjoy the Antarctic scenery and visit some interesting places around the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. We will gather at the aerodrome where we will board the flight that will take us to Punta Arenas, Chile. The programme ends upon arrival at the Airport in Punta Arenas.
Transfer to the city will be available for passengers staying overnight in Punta Arenas.

Included Excursions

South Shetlands
An archipelago located in the South Antarctic Ocean, and north of the great Antarctic Peninsula, as part of the highest, driest and coldest continent on the planet. The beauty of this remote destination is created by its imposing glaciers, magnificent channels and the impressive fauna that inhabits the area. Voyaging to this far location can turn out to be an adventure that cannot be surpassed, given the scenic beauty, the spectacular white landscape and the nuances of the eternal ice. Hannah Point is a surprising spot where you will find a great variety of species, among which your attention will be captivated by Chinstrap, Gentoo and the magnificent Macaroni penguins, with their distinctive orange/yellow crests. Elephant seals, Antarctic Giant Petrels and Snowy Sheathbill are also to be seen.

The Program Includes

• Transfer to the port of Ushuaia.
• Cruising for 5 days and 4 nights from Ushuaia to Frei Station on King George Island.
• All meals and beverages on board.
• All guided shore excursions.
• Lectures and entertainment on board.
• Flight from Frei Station on King George Island to Punta Arenas.
• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
• Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.

The Program does NOT Include

• Accommodation and meals other than those included in the program.
• Visa and/or Passport expenses.
• Arrival and/or departures taxes.
• Communication expenses.
• Laundry expenses.
• Gratuities
• Personal insurance.

Important

• Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, it must be realized that with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage.
• For this reason, Antarctica XXI reserves the right to change the itinerary here described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond Antarctica XXI’s control without consulting the participants. Any change to the planned itinerary will be made exclusively and absolutely according to the judgment of the Captain of the aircraft or the vessel. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interests of all the passengers and with regard to the safety of the vessel and the aircraft.
• A tight time-schedule connection with an Antarctic expedition is unwise. For this reason, Antarctica XXI strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home, and in any case, not to book a flight on the same day of the return flight from Antarctica.

Notes

Baggage Allowance
The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg per passenger, including hand luggage. Excess baggage will be transferred to Punta Arenas, free of charge, and will be delivered to passengers upon return from Antarctica.

Rates

Rates per person in double occupation.

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Departures

2008 Season