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18 Jan 2022 Itinerary
Day 1 - Punta Arenas (Chile)
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to your downtown hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, kindly remind hotel check-in staff to provide you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number. Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world's most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history. Enjoy free time to explore Punta Arenas at your own pace and discover the town’s excellent restaurants. Between 5.00-7.00 pm, meet your fellow expeditioners at a Welcome Reception and Pre-Embarkation Briefing. Afterwards, there’s free time to dine at your leisure. (Dinner not included).
Day 2 - Punta Arenas
This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Please take your cabin luggage down to hotel reception by 8.00 am. Your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day. After breakfast, check out of your room before commencing a half day excursion to the Straits of Magellan Park. The Straits of Magellan Park is a local protected area that contains important natural and cultural heritage resources including Fort Bulnes and ‘Puerto del Hambre’ national historical monuments. Located 50 km/31 mi. south of Punta Arenas on Santa Ana peninsula with spectacular views of the Straits of Magellan, the origins of the park dates back to the 1920s, when remnants of the original Spanish fort of King Don Felipe called ‘Puerto del Hambre’ (Port of Hunger) were discovered. In the park, you can visit the reconstructed fort, stroll along the Coastal Path, the Windy Forest and take in the superb views across the Magellan Strait. A highlight of the excursion is a visit to the interactive Strait Museum that features outstanding exhibits detailing pre-European settlement as well as tales of European exploration and colonisation of South America. Return to Punta Arenas where you have free time for lunch (own expense). We will then conduct our mandatory health screenings and rapid COVID tests at the hotel from 2-4 pm. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the pier to commence embarkation. Once aboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to farewell Punta Arenas and commence our adventure to Antarctica. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.
Day 3 - Chilean Fjords
Sail along the legendary Beagle Channel and enjoy splendid scenery of fjords and channels flanked by majestic mountains. Keep watch for the many seabirds and marine wildlife including dolphins, sea lions and whales preparing to migrate to Antarctica to fatten up on plentiful krill. In the evening, we exit Nassau Bay, sail past Cape Horn and prepare to enter Drake Passage.
Days 4-5 - Drake Passage - South Shetland Islands (Antarctica)
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks, watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a long time. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Days 6-10 - Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever. Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience nearly 24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You’ll want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula. While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting! In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (Captain's call) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
Day 11 - King George Island - Punta Arenas (Chile)
As we approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and our amazing adventure before boarding our flight (approximately one-and-a half-hours) to Punta Arenas, Chile. On arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to our group hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Dreams del Estrecho Note: King George Island is located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order to take off and land safely. We apologise in advance if you experience any delays.
Day 12 - Punta Arenas
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to the airport is included in your voyage fare. (Breakfast included).
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering a flexibility that puts you in the heart of the action. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions. Please note King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order for the plane to take off and land safely. We apologise in advance for any delays.
27 Jan 2022 Itinerary
Day 1 - Punta Arenas (Chile)
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Punta Arenas (preferred flights only). Request your Aurora Expeditions luggage tag from the hotel check-in staff and label with your name and ship cabin number. Tonight, meet fellow expeditioners at a briefing for the first leg of the expedition - the flight to Antarctica.
Day 2 - Punta Arenas - King George Island (South Shetland Islands)
Transfer to the airport for the early morning flight to King George Island (weather permitting) and embark ship. NOTE: Please be advised that the permitted luggage allowance is 20 kilograms of check-in luggage plus one piece of carry-on luggage weighing no more than seven kilos. (D)
Days 3-10 - Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Being so far south, there are approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. The experienced Expedition Team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Landings or Zodiac excursions are generally made twice a day; join Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among icebergs, watching for whales, seals and penguins and head ashore to visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts, wander along pebbly beaches or up snow-covered ridges with mountains towering overhead and ice-strewn oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the chance to do that whenever conditions allow, and adventurers will have the chance to take the polar plunge - conditions permitting. There may be the chance to cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or sail scenic bays to enjoy whale-watching. Listen out for the rumble of glaciers as they carve their way to the sea, and enjoy a quiet moment to experience the tranquillity of this incredible white continent. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - King George Island - Punta Arenas (Chile)
As we approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to farewell Antarctica and our amazing adventure before boarding our flight (approximately one-and-a half-hours) to Punta Arenas, Chile. The permitted luggage allowance is 20 kilograms of check-in luggage plus one piece of carry-on luggage weighing no more than seven kilos. On arrival at the Punta Arenas airport, you will be transferred to our group hotel. NOTE: King George Island is located at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote place on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order to take off and land safely. We apologise in advance if you experience any delays. (B)
Day 12 - Punta Arenas
After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers. (B)
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering a flexibility that puts you in the heart of the action. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions. Please note King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order for the plane to take off and land safely. We apologise in advance for any delays.
5 Feb 2022 Itinerary
Day 1 - Punta Arenas (Chile)
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Punta Arenas (preferred flights only). Request your Aurora Expeditions luggage tag from the hotel check-in staff and label with your name and ship cabin number. Tonight, meet fellow expeditioners at a briefing for the first leg of the expedition - the flight to Antarctica.
Day 2 - Punta Arenas - King George Island (South Shetland Islands)
Transfer to the airport for the early morning flight to King George Island (weather permitting) and embark ship. NOTE: Please be advised that the permitted luggage allowance is 20 kilograms of check-in luggage plus one piece of carry-on luggage weighing no more than seven kilos. (D)
Days 3-8 - Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Being so far south, there are approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. The experienced Expedition Team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Landings or Zodiac excursions are generally made twice a day; join Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among icebergs, watching for whales, seals and penguins and head ashore to visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts, wander along pebbly beaches or up snow-covered ridges with mountains towering overhead and ice-strewn oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the chance to do that whenever conditions allow, and adventurers will have the chance to take the polar plunge - conditions permitting. There may be the chance to cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or sail scenic bays to enjoy whale-watching. Listen out for the rumble of glaciers as they carve their way to the sea, and enjoy a quiet moment to experience the tranquillity of this incredible white continent. (B,L,D)
Days 9-10 - Drake Passage
Enter the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. Enjoy lectures and film presentations whilst cruising, and weather and time permitting, the Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Chilean Fjords
As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting. Sail through fjords and channels flanked by majestic mountains discovered by European explorers over 500 years ago. Keep a look out for seabirds and marine wildlife including dolphins, sea lions, and whales preparing to migrate to Antarctica to fatten up on plentiful krill.
Day 12 - Punta Arenas
Cruise up the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia, disembark ship and transfer to downtown Ushuaia. (B)
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering a flexibility that puts you in the heart of the action. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions. Please note King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order for the plane to take off and land safely. We apologise in advance for any delays.
6 Mar 2022 Itinerary
Day 1 - Punta Arenas (Chile)
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Punta Arenas (preferred flights only). Request your Aurora Expeditions luggage tag from the hotel check-in staff and label with your name and ship cabin number. Tonight, meet fellow expeditioners at a briefing for the first leg of the expedition - the flight to Antarctica.
Day 2 - Punta Arenas - King George Island (South Shetland Islands)
Transfer to the airport for the early morning flight to King George Island (weather permitting) and embark ship. NOTE: Please be advised that the permitted luggage allowance is 20 kilograms of check-in luggage plus one piece of carry-on luggage weighing no more than seven kilos. (D)
Days 3-6 - Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Being so far south, there are approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. The experienced Expedition Team will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Landings or Zodiac excursions are generally made twice a day; join Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among icebergs, watching for whales, seals and penguins and head ashore to visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts, wander along pebbly beaches or up snow-covered ridges with mountains towering overhead and ice-strewn oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the chance to do that whenever conditions allow, and adventurers will have the chance to take the polar plunge - conditions permitting. There may be the chance to cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or sail scenic bays to enjoy whale-watching. Listen out for the rumble of glaciers as they carve their way to the sea, and enjoy a quiet moment to experience the tranquillity of this incredible white continent. (B,L,D)
Days 7-8 - Drake Passage
Enter the Drake Passage for the return journey to South America. Enjoy lectures and film presentations whilst cruising, and weather and time permitting, the Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Chilean Fjords
As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting. Sail through fjords and channels flanked by majestic mountains discovered by European explorers over 500 years ago. Keep a look out for seabirds and marine wildlife including dolphins, sea lions, and whales preparing to migrate to Antarctica to fatten up on plentiful krill.
Day 10 - Punta Arenas
During the early morning, we quietly slipping into dock in Punta Arenas, where we begin disembarking at around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow travellers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to your hotel in Punta Arenas or to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage.
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering a flexibility that puts you in the heart of the action. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions. Please note King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order for the plane to take off and land safely. We apologise in advance for any delays.