Group Cruise: Embarkation
Enjoy the morning at leisure, savoring an unhurried breakfast and then relaxing at the hotel or exploring the surroundings on your own. You will embark on your ship in the late afternoon, allowing you time to see some of the local sights if you wish. Once onboard your ship, it’s time to meet your fellow passengers and become acquainted with the vessel and the expedition team. You will set sail on the Beagle Channel, towards the southernmost tip of South America. Having settled in, attend your first safety briefing and orientation before sitting down to the welcome dinner.
Group Cruise: Cape Horn and Diego Ramirez Island
Wake up to stunning views of Cape Horn, a wild ocean ecosystem abundant in marine life. Your ship continues to cruise southward towards the Diego Ramirez Islands, the southernmost tip of the continent and one of the least-explored places on the planet! This region is famous for its millions of breeding seabirds too, and is an exceptional destination for wildlife. Your ship continues toward Antarctica, crossing the famous passage named in honor of 16th-century privateer, Sir Francis Drake. With an average depth of 11,150 feet, this incredibly deep passage is where the wild Atlantic Ocean meets the Pacific.
Group Cruise: Sailing the Drake
As you sail through the Drake Passage, named after the famous 16th-century British explorer Sir Francis Drake, the spectacular seascape will keep you mesmerized. Onboard, you can attend engaging lectures and presentations from passionate polar naturalists on Antarctica’s fascinating history, flora, and fauna, all of which will prepare you for your experience upon your arrival. Guided by experts, you may even spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. In between these informative sessions and watching for wildlife, savor gourmet meals with fellow travelers as well as delicious liquor and cocktails at the bar.
Group Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula
As your ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, you can notice a considerable change in the environment. An 800-mile-long peninsula and icescapes stretch ahead of you, extending northward from the Antarctic continent towards South America. This stark White Continent often inspires a sense of awe and wonder in travelers. Your ship will sail through ice-filled bays, majestic channels, fjords, and inlets, offering your wonderful views of the untouched landscape in the endless Antarctic daylight. For your first memorable shore excursion, board a Zodiac boat and sail through scenic bays rich in wildlife. The peninsula experiences the mildest climates on the continent and a summer melting season, which creates a rich breeding ground for marine mammals and birds. Watch out for common Antarctic species such as the chinstrap, adélie and gentoo penguin, Weddell, fur, crabeater and leopard seals, whales, albatrosses, and other seabirds. A lesser-known but widespread species of the region is the krill, a small crustacean that is a major food source for several species of whales as well as seals, penguins, squid, and fish. Weather permitting, you will also have the opportunity to visit several sites such as Paradise Bay, Danco Island, Neko Harbor and Port Lockroy, as well as sites of historic and scientific significance.
Group Cruise: Return Flight Over the Drake
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A short walk of about one and a quarter mile takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft waiting for you. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board your chartered flight back to Punta Arenas. While flying across the Drake Passage over the next two and a half hours, marvel at the stunning views of the sea and ice below. Upon your arrival from the seventh continent, make your way to your hotel for the night and enjoy an evening at leisure.
One Night in Punta Arenas
Wake up onboard your Antarctica cruise ship and enjoy a hearty breakfast. This is the official end to your cruise. Say goodbye to the ship and then board your transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight onward.
