Arrive at any time in Punta Arenas, and check into your hotel by 3 or 4 p.m. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your journey the next day.

Your charter flight arrives at or leaves from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station on King George Island, a Chilean air base used for Antarctic expeditions with flights over the Drake Passage. Located on the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile claimed Antarctic territory, this base is a key research station. It consists of over 40 buildings, including a school, bank, hospital, and post office, making it more like a small village. King George Island is often called the unofficial capital of Antarctica because of the many research stations there. It is a haven for wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, leopard seals, and Weddell seals, making it an excellent location for scientific research.

Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands are home to abundant wildlife, beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and stunning viewpoints that make you feel like you're discovering another world. One possible stop is Elephant Island, named for its elephant-shaped cliffs and the elephant seals living there. This island was part of the famous Shackleton Expedition. Another possible stop is Deception Island, a volcanic caldera with heated springs and striking black sands. Other potential stops include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild, and Barrientos Island, all home to many Gentoo penguin colonies.

Captain’s Choice — Your Captain can expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you get the most out of your expedition. Each day is a new adventure, filled with spontaneous exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to plan possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes are examples and may change based on current conditions, prioritizing safety and the best possible experience for all guests.

Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow, and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. As you navigate Antarctic waters, you may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and many more. Each landing throughout the continent offers its own unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths that few explorers have trekked before.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — Your Captain can expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with the expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.

King George Island has come to be known as the unofficial capital of Antarctica with its various research stations located on the island. As a haven for an incredible amount of wildlife, including chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and elephant, leopard, and Weddell seals, it’s a prime locale for scientific research. If your expedition begins or ends here, then your charter flight lands in or departs from Eduardo Frei Montalva Station, the Chilean air base for Antarctica expeditions with flight options over the Drake Passage. Lying within the Fildes Peninsula, where Chile laid claim to Antarctic territory, the base is an important research station. Made up of over 40 buildings, including a school, bank, hospital, and post office, it resembles a smaller village rather than a base.

After breakfast, make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight home.