Antarctic Express: Crossing the Polar Circle 20% Advantage

This expedition begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and offers the opportunity to experience the landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica up close. The journey includes a flight over the Drake Passage, reaching the South Shetland Islands after approximately two hours, where you will board your expedition ship. During the voyage, there are opportunities to observe penguins, seals, and whales, while exploring the coastal regions of the Antarctic Peninsula. Depending on weather and ice conditions, it may also be possible to cross the Antarctic Circle. Onboard lectures and presentations provide background knowledge on the geology, glaciology, and history of the region.
 

Itinerary: Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

 
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
The journey begins in Punta Arenas, one of the largest cities in southern Patagonia. Early arrivals can visit local museums, restaurants, and shops to learn more about the region’s history and culture. In the afternoon, a representative will welcome you at the official start hotel and provide detailed information regarding the schedule, safety, and preparations for embarkation.

All pictures of this partner

Day 2: Fly to King George Island and Embarkation
A charter flight takes you from Punta Arenas over the Drake Passage to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Conditions permitting, the flight offers initial aerial views of the Antarctic islands and ice formations. After landing, you will be transferred from the airfield to the coast and then by Zodiac to your ship waiting offshore. From there, the voyage continues towards the Antarctic Peninsula.
 
Day 3 to 5: Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
Over the next few days, various landing sites and bays along the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands are visited, with routes and activities subject to weather, ice conditions, and local regulations. Planned Zodiac excursions and guided landings provide insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes, including visits to penguin breeding colonies under strict environmental guidelines. With some luck, you may see Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, as well as different species of seals and whales. Zodiac trips among icebergs, coastal walks, and glacier viewpoints are highlights of the programme. The cracking and booming of calving glaciers may occasionally be heard. Encounters with apex predators such as leopard seals or orcas are also possible. The expedition team accompanies all activities and provides contextual information about nature, wildlife, and the history of the visited areas.
 
Day 6 & 7: Antarctic Circle
Weather and ice permitting, the ship continues south to reach or cross the Antarctic Circle at approximately 66°33′S. This section of the voyage leads to more remote areas with extensive ice coverage and minimal ship traffic. During the Antarctic summer, daylight is prolonged. With some luck, you may see Weddell seals on the sea ice or in the water. Encounters with sea ice are also possible, which forms a vital part of the Antarctic ecosystem.
 
Day 8 & 9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
The ship then heads north again towards King George Island. Additional suitable landing sites are visited as conditions allow. Further Zodiac trips and landings provide opportunities to observe seabirds, seals, and whales that may have been missed earlier. The route is adjusted flexibly to current conditions to ensure safe and varied excursions.
 
Day 10: Disembarkation and Fly to Punta Arenas
After several days of exploration, passengers disembark at King George Island and are transferred by Zodiac to the shore. From there, the return flight to Punta Arenas takes place, after which the remainder of the day is at leisure.
 
Day 11: Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, travellers continue with their onward plans or return home. Depending on arrangements, additional time in the region may be spent or transfer directly to the airport.
 
 
Additional Information: The expedition is led by an experienced team of expedition leaders, naturalists, and specialist lecturers. The onboard programme includes regular lectures, presentations, and discussion sessions covering wildlife, polar history, climate systems, and glaciology, providing in-depth insights into the visited regions.

Cabins are available in various categories, all with private bathrooms. Public areas include lounges and observation spaces with panoramic windows, a lecture theatre, fitness and wellness facilities, a sauna, a small library, and a dedicated “Ready Room” for preparation and organisation of Zodiac landings. A shipboard boutique offers selected equipment and souvenir items.

Meals are served several times a day with varied options, accommodating special dietary requirements upon request. Group transfers and organisational support for embarkation and disembarkation are included in the expedition package.

Due to limited capacity and small expedition groups, available dates are usually fully booked well in advance; early enquiries are therefore recommended.
Show all dates