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Spirit of Antarctica
Embark on an incredible journey of epic proportions where you fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island to begin a 6 days Antarctic Peninsula voyage discovering incredible wildlife and nature, hop onto zodiacs for close encounters with icebergs and visit historic huts and scientific stations used by the pioneers of Antarctic exploration.
HIGHLIGHTS
Fly one way and sail on the return to the Antarctic Peninsula
An opportunity of a lifetime to camp on the Antarctic wilderness
Discover amazing wildlife at close encounters
Sail the Antarctic Peninsula with stunning ice breaking
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE PUNTA ARENAS
Arrive Punta Arenas Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo Intl Airport where you will be met and transfer to the Cabo de Hornas Hotel for rest and later in the evening, a briefing for your Antarctic expedition that will begin the next day.
Overnight: Cabo de Hornos, Punta Arenas
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: PUNTA ARENAS / KING GEORGE ISLAND
This afternoon, be transferred to the airport for a short flight to King George Island where you will embark on the Polar Pioneer where you will be warmly greeted by the expedition team and further briefing of your adventure ahead.
Overnight: Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3 to DAY 8: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
An overnight passage along the Gerlache Strait delivers us to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, an etheral wonderland of vast proportions. Aboard robust zodiacs, we explore penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific stations, and cruise up close to intricately-shaped icebergs and seals basking on ice floes. Kayakers paddle through narrow waterways in search of wildlife and serenity. Stepping ashore on the continent creates an everlasting memory. We make the most of every day and a fair bit of each night. A curious leopard seal cruising amongst spectacular icebergs may mean postponing lunch; loading zodiacs after dinner for an orca cruise. If the weather allows, we may even camp out on the ice - a must for every Antarctic explorer.
Overnight: Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 9 to Day 10: THE DRAKE PASSAGE / USHUAIA
As the captain steers the ship north across the Drake Passage, our minds and souls revel in rich Antarctic experiences. There's time to watch for seabirds, enjoy entertaining talks, discuss what we've seen and learned, exchange photos and stories. With luck, we may make a ceremonial rounding of Cape Horn before sharing a farewell dinner with newfound friends.
NOTES:
Sailing on the Drake Passage begins on Day 9 and ends by the end of Day 10 in Ushuaia, Argentina. You will be picked up and transfer to your hotel for overnight. Meals en route to arriving in Ushuaia will be all included on board Polar Pioneer.
Overnight: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Ushuaia
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: DEPART USHUAIA
Be transfer to Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas Intl Airport for your onward flight home or continue your adventure in Argentina and beyond.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
The elegant Hotel Cabo de Hornos is located in the historical town of Punta Arenas with stylishly-decorated rooms overlooking the Straits of Magellan and just 20mins to the airport. Enjoy a comfortable stay before the embarkation of your Antarctic adventure.
Polar Pioneer is one of the most popular style of vessels currently in use in Antarctica and the Arctic. Refurbished in 2000 and converted into a passenger ship for expeditions to the Polar regions. Small, nimble but durable and reputed for its maneuverability and carrying just 54 passengers, the Polar Pioneer can sail up close to landing sites and venture where large ships can't offering a more personal and intimate experience.
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is an exceptional hotel located inside the Reserva Natural Cerro Alarken, just a few minutes from downtown Ushuaia and set on a magnificent outcrop high above the city. Designed to standards of sustainable architecture, each of the splendid rooms and suites offer a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere with state-of-the-art technology and environmentally-friendly features.
