Polar Circle Air-Cruises
Classic Antarctica
Airplane 'BAe 146-200' and the ice-strengthened Vessel Ocean Nova
- 9 days Jan-Feb
Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, we invite you to join 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.
Day 1
Punta Arenas
Arrival at the city of Punta Arenas where you will be met by our staff, to be transferred to the hotel. During the afternoon, you will receive instructions concerning the guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica and the procedures for Zodiac boat embarkation and disembarkation. Later, you will be invited to gather for a welcome dinner together with your expedition mates and you will have the chance to enjoy a typical Magellan menu.
Passengers should be in Punta Arenas at 15:00 hours, at the latest.
Pick-up at Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel are not guaranteed for passengers arriving later than 15:00 hours.
Day 2
Punta Arenas - King George Island
Our Antarctic adventure will begin with the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). The flight takes a little less than two hours. Upon arrival, we will be able to tour around the area where the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation by Zodiac boats on board our expedition vessel.
Days 3-8
South Shetland Islands - Antarctic Peninsula
While cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey southwards will include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent, such as: Cierva Cove, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Prospect and Fish Islands amongst others. Depending on weather and ice conditions, on our way southwards we will attempt to cross the Polar Circle at latitude 66° 33’ South and enjoy a champagne to celebrate this extraordinary occasion. Our adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a very enjoyable time on board.
Day 9
King George Island - Punta Arenas
Return to King George Island where we will disembark, in Zodiac boats, at the Frei Chilean Base, and head to the aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas. The program ends upon arrival at the Airport in Punta Arenas. Transfer to the city will be available for passengers staying overnight in Punta Arenas.
