POLAR CIRCLE AIR-CRUISE
10Days / 9Nights
ANTARCTICA XXI
Flying over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, ANTARCTICA XXI invites you to a unique experience that will take you to one of the most remote places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable continent - Antarctica.
Combining a short flight between Punta Arenas and the Chilean Station Frei with a ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula, ANTARCTICA XXI has made it possible for many adventurers to accomplish their desire to travel to this remote continent and experience the extraordinary emotion of going where others still dream about.
ANTARCTICA XXI is a Chilean company totally dedicated to travel to the White Continent. Initiator of the fly & cruise concept, since its foundation in 2003 it was the first company in the world to operate Antarctic air-cruises. Over one decade of experience has allowed us to develop a profound know how of this innovative travel style, unique in its kind and unbeatable for its advantages. Our success is the result of our excellent knowledge and respect of Antarctica environment and a highly operational organization. By combining these elements with a clear commitment of delivering an authentic experience and a first class service to its travellers, ANTARCTICA XXI remains the lead operator in organizing Antarctic air-cruises.
Travel Program:
The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer. Our main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise Antarctica21 staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-kms (1.25-miles), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.
Days 3 - 8: Exploring Antarctica Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history, and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment.
Enjoy spectacular views, from the glass-enclosed lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each voyage is unique, and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 9: Scheduled return flight from Antarctica Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 10: End of Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Air-Cruise Inclusions
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Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
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Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
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Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
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Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
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Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
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Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
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Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
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Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
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All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
**PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGES, DEPENDING ON WEATHER CONDITIONS. FOR FURTHER DETAILS, WE RECOMMEND YOU CONSULT THE FULL INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN THE SECTION RESOURCES/DOCUMENTS