Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North Itinerary

Welcome to Chile’s gateway to Antarctica, the lovely town of Punta Arenas. While getting ready for the adventure ahead, enjoy the city’s interesting museums and delicious eateries. If arriving early, the penguin colonies and Rey Jorge Island Natural Sea Park, located out of town, are worth a visit.

Fly across the rough waters of the Drake Passage in only a few hours, with wonderful views on a clear day of the icy terrain below. Explore King George Island, a permanently glaciated landmass that depicts the harshness and beauty of this unforgiving land. Hopefully spot a selection of seals and penguins before jumping on a zodiac and making our way to the ship.

Experience Antarctica, a land of beauty in its most extreme form. It is the continent with the longest nights and the longest days, yet this seemingly inhospitable terrain is home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. In Antarctica lies one of the last true wilderness areas left on earth, largely unchanged since early explorers and whalers first landed less than two centuries ago. Spend time hiking across its icy surface, enjoying Zodiac cruises to historic and wildlife sites and a host of unique Antarctica adventures. Watch out for chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins; and fur, crabeater and Weddell seals who call the South Pole home - as well as remarkable minke and humpback whales.

Discovered by accident by Sir Francis Drake in the late 1500s, The Drake Passage is an 800km wide passage between South America and Antarctica, teeming with bird and sea life like albatross, penguins, whales and dolphins. Spy wildlife from the decks of the ship or relax inside, joining in on fascinating presentations, reading tales of the high seas or simply taking in the beautiful ocean vistas portside.

Arrive back on dry land in the world’s southernmost city, the breathtaking Ushuaia. Take the time to wander the quaint streets and discover cute shops, charming eateries and fascinating museums that document the eclectic history of this beautiful town. There are also lots of great adventure activities to be had outside of town, so perhaps stay on for a few extra days to take advantage of all that this town has to offer.