The Polar Travel Company

An intimate fly-cruise expedition to Antarctica's awakening shores. Fly over the Drake Passage to witness wildlife returning and explore the pristine polar wilderness.

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Duration: 10 days
Starts: Puerto Natales, Chile
Ends: Puerto Natales, Chile
Language: English speaking voyage

This is a fly-and-cruise expedition that flies both ways, skipping the Drake Passage. The itinerary is open-ended and subject to ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The ship is Polar Athena, and the group is limited to just 42 guests.

Included

Optional

Experience Antarctica as it awakens from its long winter slumber on this unique expedition. On this fly-cruise, you'll fly over the Drake Passage, landing directly on King George Island to board the Polar Athena, a vessel built to navigate deep into the sea ice. This is a rare, fleeting moment�a once-a-year invitation to witness Antarctica in all its raw, untamed glory as penguin colonies erupt with courtship and the season�s first whales glide along 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 journey could 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 Drake Passage to save time and begin your exploration directly in Antarctica.
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
Patagonia's soul
Begin your Antarctic journey in the remote Puerto Natales. Our team will meet you at the airport upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel. You can experience Patagonia�s soul from the first moment.

Day 2: Fly from Puerto Natales to King George Island, Antarctica
Your gateway to Antarctica
After meeting our team in Puerto Natales, you will board a two-and-a-half-hour charter flight across the Drake Passage to King George Island. A Zodiac transfer will take you to your ship, Polar Athena, where your voyage into the white continent begins.

Days 3-8: Exploring Antarctica's raw and untouched beauty
Into Antarctica�s hidden places
Spend six days exploring the raw and untouched beauty of Antarctica. You will visit remote islands along the peninsula, see dramatic volcanic cliffs, and encounter large colonies of penguins nesting side by side with their hungry chicks. You will also enjoy a Zodiac cruise through sapphire-blue iceberg-filled coves and navigate through narrow and stunning channels often packed with glittering sea ice.

Day 9: Fly back to Puerto Natales from King George Island, Antarctica
Disembarkation and flight back to Chile
On the final day, you will disembark at King George Island and take a charter flight back to Puerto Natales. You�ll stay at a very comfortable lodge, where you can relax and reflect on your extraordinary Antarctic experiences.

Day 10: Enjoy your last day in Puerto Natales, Chile
Conclusion of the voyage
After breakfast, your voyage concludes in Puerto Natales. For those continuing their adventure, there is an opportunity to join our Torres del Paine extension package.