FSR

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors.

Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time.

You then walk 2-km (1.25-miles), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides.

On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.

(Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).

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

During the austral summer the average temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula area is about 0°C (32°F), although sometimes it may feel lower because of the wind chill factor. For this reason, it is best to wear several layers of light, warm clothing. The suggested clothing for Antarctica is very similar to that recommended for skiing:

• Waterproof and insulated gloves
• Windproof and waterproof pants, as an outer layer
• Sunglasses with high UV protection
• One or two fleece or wool mid-layers
• A warm and wicking base layer
• Thermal underwear and socks
• A warm hat & scarf or neck gaiter
• Windproof and waterproof jacket with hood, as outer layer
• Waterproof boots, provided by Antarctica21

• Exclusive group transfers airport hotel on Day 1.
• One overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
• One overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
• Special access to Explorers House.
• Exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and on the last day of the air-cruise.
• Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
• Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
• Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
• Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
• Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
• All guided shore excursions.
• Lectures and entertainment on board.
• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
• Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
• Contingency Plan as described
• IAATO passenger fee.

• Dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
• Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
• Internet connection on board the ship.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
• Gratuities.
• Visas for Chile and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
• Sea Kayaking (Extra Cost)
• Hiking & Snowshoeing (Extra Cost)

Fly from India to a Major Transit Hub (e.g., Europe, USA, or South America)

• Major cities in India such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), or Bangalore (BLR) offer flights to international hubs i.e. Europe (Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, London), USA (New York, Miami, Dallas, or Los Angeles) and South America (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Buenos Aires)
• Fly to Santiago, Chile (SCL): From the transit hub, book a flight to Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, SCL), Chile’s capital. India to Santiago: ~24–30 hours (including layovers)
• Fly from Santiago (SCL) to Punta Arenas (PUQ). Santiago to Punta Arenas: ~4 hours.

Suggested Timeline for Santiago and Punta Arenas:

• Stay in Santiago for 1-2 Nights: Arriving in Santiago allows you to adjust to the time difference and recover from jet lag before continuing your journey. Use this time to explore the city and rest comfortably.

• Arrive in Punta Arenas 1 Day Before Your Cruise: Traveling to Punta Arenas in advance ensures you have a buffer for any potential delays and gives you time to explore the city before embarking on your Antarctic adventure.