Fly to Antarctica

Today is spent in a pre-trip briefing where you learn of the safety procedures, protection of the local environment during your stay as well as an introduction to your fellow explorers. Join some of your fellow travellers tonight for dinner in this remote but beautiful city.

Your Antarctic adventure begins. Weather permitting you fly to Antarctica to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). If weather does not allow a flight today, your day is free to explore Punta Arenas. Options tours available and payable locally.

Assuming weather allows flying, you cross the Magellan Straight and Tierra del Fuego, the many glaciers dotting the Andes before passing over Cape Horn and the furthest point south in the world.

The first explorer on King George Island in 1819 was the British sailor William Smith. Unlike Smith, Scott, Palmer, Shackleton and other earlier and now modern day explorers, who had and do face the roughness of the Drake sea for several days, you will arrive at the Antarctic airport of Frei Base at King George Island after a pleasant three and a half hours flight.

After arrival, you will visit the establishments of Villa Las Estrellas, as well as witness the wild fauna, glaciers and other attractions dotted nearby. Baleen whales, Orcas or Killer Whales, Sea Lions, Weddell Seals, Antarctic Seals and Penguins make up the fauna all of which feeds on the Antarctic's rich waters. The famous Adelie penguins are abundant but you will also be able to see the Papua Penguins, Antarctic Penguins amongst others.

Frei Base was established in 1980 under the name of Teniente Rodolfo Marsh, along with Presidente Frei Meteorological Center, inaugurated in 1969. It is one of the main meteorological and navigational stations in the Antarctic and we spend time visiting the centre.

You then travel by zodiac boat to Ardley Island to visit one of the many penguin colonies in the area as well as navigate around Collins glacier. After a day packed full with sights sounds and exploration you head to the Ice Camp based on Collins glacier, located about 5 kms (6 miles) from the runway, where you will stay overnight. This ice camp includes a thermic tent as a dining room for the whole group, one special tent as a basic toilette and three different small thermic and special tents for two people each one, to spend the night.

If were unable to fly to Antarctica yesterday, another attempt will be made today. If you cannot fly due to weather today your day is free to explore Punta Arenas. Optional tours available and payable locally.

This morning is spent visiting nearby research stations and other land-based activities such as a nearby Elephant Seal colony - Elefanteras.

After a day packed full with sights sounds and exploration you return by air back to Punta Arenas and to your hotel.

If you were able to fly to Antarctica the day before, today is day 2 of the expedition (see above) and you return to Punta Arenas in the early evening.

If were unable to fly to Antarctica yesterday, another attempt will be made today. If you cannot fly due to weather today your day is free to explore Punta Arenas. Optional tours available and payable locally.

If you were able to fly to Antarctica the day before, today is day 2 of the expedition (see above) and you return to Punta Arenas in the early evening. If returning to Punta Arenas from Antarctica today, tonight's accommodation is NOT INCLUDED in the trip price and will be need to be paid locally. The local office will confirm your reservation for you. This scenario of failed flights over the previous 3 days is very rare!