Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a briefing that covers important details about your cruise trip and provides essential guidelines for visiting Antarctica. In the evening, you join your fellow adventurers for a welcome dinner, where you enjoy a traditional regional menu and get to know one another.

Please note: Passengers must be at their hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 2 PM.  Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travelers arriving later than 2 PM.  Weather at King George Island will drive the overall schedule of this trip, so there's a slight chance you might fly to Antarctica this evening!  

Your Antarctic adventure starts with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, located in the South Shetland Islands. Once you step off the plane, the crisp Antarctic air greets you. You then walk a 2-km (1.25-mi) route, passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before reaching the shore. From there, you board a Zodiac to take you to your expedition vessel.

Please note:  Flexibility is key to any successful Antarctic adventure, particularly a fly cruise.  If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, which can be read here.  On average, about 85% of flights occur on this day, as scheduled.  But travelers should be aware of the contingencies that Antarctica21 has developed over its two decades of providing fly cruises.

Cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula, navigating ice-filled fjords and passing impressive icebergs. Along the way, encounter wildlife like penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Each day, disembark by Zodiac to explore, guided by expert polar guides. Onboard, participate in engaging lectures and presentations while enjoying panoramic views from the glass-enclosed lounge, sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

Since each journey is unique, flexibility plays a key role in success. The Expedition Team adapts the route to take advantage of the changing natural conditions, ensuring an exceptional experience every time. While the exact itinerary may vary, expect to visit remarkable locations such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, and the Lemaire Channel, among others.

​Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. This evening's meals are at your leisure and not included in the program.

Please note:  If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow its well-established contingency plan, again. 

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Please note:  Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.