ANTARCTICA DIRECT – FLY THE DRAKE
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ANTARCTICA DIRECT – FLY THE DRAKE
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Puerto Natales, Chile | Day at leisure |
| Day 2 | King George Island | Fly into King George Island from Puerto Natales, embarkation |
| Days 3 - 8 | Antarctic Peninsula | Icebergs, glaciers, seals, blue-eyed shags, Adelie and gentoo penguins |
| Day 9 | King George Island | Disembark, flight back to Puerto Natales |
| Day 10 | Puerto Natales, Chile | Itinerary ends |
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
National Geographic Orion
National Geographic Orion is a modern, elegant ship with an intimate ambiance. The window-lined main lounge and library offer spectacular views while the expedition community are gathered each evening for cocktails and a recap of the day’s activities. High atop the vessel, the cosy observation lounge is ideal for taking in the 270º views, or you might choose to brave the outdoor bar (with ambient heaters) on the same deck. The 53 cabins accommodate 102 guests and all are exterior, with most featuring picture windows that connect you with the Antarctic landscape.
Day 1 Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrive in Puerto Natales. Originally a small fishing port, the town is nestled on the Last Hope Sound and boasts a stunning view of the sea surrounded by the Cerro Benitez Mountains—the gateway to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Join you group this evening for dinner and a briefing on the following day’s activities.
Day 2 Flight to King George Island – Embarkation
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for a 2-hour direct flight to King George Island in Antarctica, where you begin your Antarctic adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—King George Island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Our flight will land at the Chilean research station where the National Geographic Explorer will be waiting offshore. Board Zodiacs to embark the ship and set sail as you begin exploring this amazing region.
Days 3 – 8 Antarctic Peninsula
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we’re watching whales at play off the bow of our ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.
While wildlife is magnificent, ice defines the Antarctic. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze. One day, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice.
Everywhere we go in Antarctica we’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images. Along the way your expert expedition team will enrich every experience.
Day 9 Fly from King George Island to Puerto Natales
This morning, the ship will be moored off of King George Island once again. Following disembarkation and Zodiac rides to shore, your flight departs the White Continent and returns to Puerto Natales where you overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Puerto Natales
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward.
Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
