CROSSING THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE (FLY CRUISE)
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CROSSING THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE (FLY CRUISE)
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Punta Arenas – Chile | Briefing and Dinner |
| Day 2 | King George Island | Flight to South Shetland Islands Antarctic Peninsula |
| Days 3 - 9 | Antarctic Peninsula | Exploring by zodiac, ship and on foot. Cross the Antarctic Circle |
| Day 10 | King George Island | Flight back to Punta Arenas |
| Day 11 | Punta Arenas | Transfer to the airport for onward flight |
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
World Explorer
Launched in 2019, the World Explorer is fully equipped to venture south to Antarctica. Taking 176 guests every cabin has either a private walk-out balcony or a Juliet balcony for direct ocean views as well as en-suite bathroom. There are plenty of public areas to relax after a day filled with excursions including the glass domed observation lounge, the explorer lounge and a dedicated lecture theatre where the educational program is conducted. There are health and wellness facilities featuring an outdoor running track, small gym, sauna and spa.
Ocean Adventurer
In June 2017 Ocean Adventurer underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation giving it a contemporary new look. Each of the cabins and suites were given new private bathrooms and furnishings. The main common areas such as the lounge, dining and bar areas were remodeled and major technical enhancements were made including new Rolls Royce engines, to significantly increase fuel efficiency and minimise the carbon footprint. The ice strengthened Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 guests and is perfect for Antarctic exploration. The ship has open bridge access. a lounge, bar, dining area, library and gym as well as a doctor onboard.
Day 1 Punta Arenas – Chile
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet all passengers at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Day 2 Flight to King George Island – Embarkation
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
Days 3-5 Antarctic Peninsula
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.
As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.
Even more exciting are your daily land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.
Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo or chinstrap penguin.
You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs around Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier at Neko Harbour to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of excitement and a desire to explore that which is unrivaled by any other travel experience.
Your Expedition Team will be with you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.
Days 6 & 7 The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula do not reach 66°33′ S. If conditions allow the ship to cross this famed line, you and your shipmates will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne!
As you toast the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most magical, odd ice formations you’ll see anywhere on the continent.
Days 8-9 Northbound Along the Peninsula
If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.
Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south.
Day 10 Disembarkation Fly Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After the group transfer to your hotel, enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel.
Day 11 Punta Arenas
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
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.
