The Polar Travel Company

Crossing the geographical milestone of the Antarctic Circle is a moment to celebrate, and we do so with enthusiasm. In this frozen area of extraordinary beauty, powerful orcas and leopard seals patrol the waters, while ethereal snow petrels grace the skies against a backdrop of bristling mountain ranges and surreal icebergs. Threading our way through an intricate system of icy waterways, we aim for the glorious Crystal Sound at the mouth of The Gullet.

Duration: 10/11/12 nights
Embarkation: Punta Arenas (flight to Puerto Williams)
Disembarkation: Punta Arenas (flight from King George Island)
Language: English speaking voyage

PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The on-board expedition leader will determine the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Day 1 – Depart Ushuaia (or Punta Arenas)

Embark in Ushuaia and settle into your comfortable cabin. There is time to greet fellow passengers and explore the ship before evening cruise down the Beagle Channel. NOTE: Some departures will start with a night in Punta Arenas followed by a flight to either King George Island or Puerto Williams. Please check the port for each departure date. The following itinerary is a guide and will change dependent on the voyage departure.

Day 2 -3 – Drake Passage

We cross the Drake Passage, accompanied by albatross, petrels, fulmars and prions. Our polar experts speak about Antarctica’s unique wildlife and history and prepare us for landings with environmental, activity and Zodiac briefings. All eyes are peeled for first iceberg, first penguin and first glimpse of land, the mercurial sea stacks outlying the South Shetland Islands. If conditions allow, we may have a chance to go ashore by late afternoon on Day 3.

Days 4 to 9 – Antarctic Peninsula

We explore the Peninsula’s west coast, with the frenzied activities of penguin parents and chicks as the summer days begin to shorten. Cormorant chicks bravely making their first flights from sea cliffs. Zodiac cruise amongst ice floes replete with basking Weddell and Leopard seals and revel in unparalleled beauty of Antarctica’s landscape. We make a continental landing, possibly hiking up for spectacular views. As we continue south, ice conditions govern our movements. Whether we cross the Circle via the 'inner route' or the Bellingshausen Sea, we celebrate in style. With luck, we reach magnificent Crystal Sound, pass through the Gullet and steam on to Marguerite Bay. Orcas, humpbacks and minkes feed in the channels. If ice conditions allow, we may visit historical Stonington, Pourquoi Pas and Detaille Islands before returning north to warmer climes.

Day 10 – King George Island

We arrive at mountainous King George Island. If time and weather permit we explore penguin and seal-rich waters of Fildes Bay and visit the surprising Trinity Church at Bellingshausen Station, before catching our charter flight back to Punta Arenas in Chile, where we transfer to our overnight accommodation.

Day 11 – Punta Arenas (or Ushuaia)

After breakfast bid farewell to fellow expeditioners before continuing on with your own arrangements. Additional Information: On arrival in Punta Arenas a transfer is included to Aurora Expeditions preferred hotel. It is advised that you overnight in Punta Arenas, but not mandatory. Onward flights from Punta Arenas should not be booked until after 1700 hours. PLEASE NOTE: Expedition itinerary will change dependent on departure and arrival points.

Voyage Inclusions

-Transfer from Aurora Expeditions preferred hotel to Punta Arenas airport on Day 1
-Flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to Puerto Williams, Chile on Day 1
-Town tour, transfers and lunch in Puerto Williams on Day 1
-Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas on Day 10
-Transfer from Punta Arenas airport to hotel on Day 10
-1 night accommodation in Punta Arenas post-voyage on Day 10
-9 nights’ ship accommodation in your chosen cabin category with daily cabin service
-All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
-All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises
-Educational lectures and guiding services from our expert team
-Access to our on-board doctor and basic medical services
-A custom-designed polar expedition jacket to keep
-Free gumboot hire during the voyage
-Comprehensive pre-departure information
-Professionally produced voyage journal (one per booking)
-Port and landing fees and charges

Voyage Exclusions

-International or domestic flights to/from ship, unless specified
-Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
-Airport arrival or departure taxes
-Visa, passport, and vaccination charges
-Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
-Hotels and meals not included in the itinerary
-Optional activity surcharge. Please contact us if you wish to book any optional activity
-All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, and email or phone charges