The Polar Travel Company

An intimate fly-cruise expedition to Antarctica's awakening shores. Fly over the Drake Passage one way, and sail across it the other, for more time exploring the polar wilderness.

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Duration: 9 days
Starts: Puerto Natales, Chile
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage

This is an intimate small-group expedition with just 42 guests. It is a fly-and-cruise expedition that allows guests to experience the Drake Passage once. The itinerary is open-ended and subject to ice, weather, and wildlife conditions.

Included

Optional

Experience Antarctica as it awakens from its long winter slumber on this unique expedition. The journey offers the flexibility to fly one way over the legendary Drake Passage and sail across it the other, giving you more time to explore the vast polar wilderness. As the peninsula comes into view, you will witness the polar wilderness at its most alive. Penguin colonies will erupt with courtship, seals will sprawl on drifting ice, and the season�s first whales will begin to appear on the edges of the pack.

This expedition is thoughtfully tailored for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. With just 42 guests, you�ll have the flexibility to venture where larger ships can�t, with no queues, no crowds, and no rigid itinerary. The voyage will include visits to iconic locations such as the South Shetland Islands, with the aim of reaching Deception Island, home to fur seals and chinstrap penguins. You'll navigate narrow channels like the Gerlache Strait and the Lemaire Channel to reach wildlife-rich sites and incomparable scenery like Paradise Bay.

Highlights:
Fly over the legendary Drake Passage one way and sail across it the other.
Witness penguin colonies come alive with courtship, including gentoo, chinstrap, and Ad�lie penguins.
See the first whales of spring�humpbacks, minkes, sei and orcas�breaching offshore.
Explore iconic Antarctic locations like Deception Island, Cuverville Island, and Paradise Bay.
Navigate stunning channels such as the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer, and Lemaire Channels.

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Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Natales, Chile
Fly from Puerto Natales to King George Island
After arriving in Puerto Natales and being transferred to your hotel, you will board a two-and-a-half-hour charter flight across the Drake Passage to King George Island, your gateway to Antarctica. Upon landing, a Zodiac transfer will take you to your ship, where your voyage begins.

Days 2-6: Exploring Antarctica's raw and untouched beauty
Into Antarctica�s hidden places
Spend five days exploring the raw and untouched beauty of Antarctica. You will sail into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula through the scenic Gerlache Strait and venture into regions renowned for impressive tabular icebergs and dramatic landscapes. You will also land on islands where penguin colonies nest among whalebone relics and young fur seals frolic in shallow waters.

Day 7-8: At Sea � Drake Passage
Return voyage across the historic passage
As your voyage north unfolds, icebergs and the Antarctic continent fade on the horizon. While crossing the Drake Passage, albatrosses may glide above as you enjoy workshops and expert-led lectures.

Day 9: Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Sailing the Beagle Channel
Sail through the Beagle Channel before concluding your journey with disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina.