Welcome to Punta Arenas, Chile, where your Antarctic adventure begins. Punta Arenas, which is on the Strait of Magellan, is the most populated city in Patagonia. In the afternoon, meet your leader and fellow explorers at the official starting point hotel. Enjoy a first meal together and be briefed on the necessary preparations for embarkation day. If you arrive into Punta Arenas early, there are plenty of things to see and do. For a poignant look into the city’s history, perhaps visit the Cementerio Municipal to see the lavish tombs of wool barons and the modest graves of immigrants and explorers.

Today, cross the famous Drake Passage on a three-hour charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica. Instead of two days by sea, cross the infamous Drake Passage by air in only a few hours. Get your first glimpse of the dramatic Antarctic landscape, as your plane descends for landing on King George Island. As the largest island in the South Shetlands, King George is home to research stations belonging to Argentina, China, Russia, South Korea, Holland and the US, among others. On landing, spend some time exploring before being transferred by Zodiac to the ship. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

Today, say goodbye to the expedition team and disembark the ship at King George Island for the three-hour flight back across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas. We will transfer you from the airport to the hotel where you can enjoy a final dinner, reminiscing about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

There are no activities planned for today. After breakfast, make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight home or continue on your travels.