Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, taking in the immensity and natural beauty of the White Continent. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you speechless and awe-struck! Each day, you will set out by Zodiac boat with passionate experts to explore the local bays, channels, and landing sites. Your expedition team will take care of you at each landing, whether you are hiking the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station, or visiting the colonies of chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins, all of which are found in this region. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater, and leopard seals, as well as curious whales, such as humpbacks, fins, or perhaps orcas, while on your Zodiac excursions. The serene silence is sometimes interrupted by the noise of squabbling penguins, and the boom and crack of a calving glacier - this is your perfect opportunity to take in all the sounds and sights that Antarctica has to offer.

Heading southward, your ship will sail towards the Antarctic Circle, a magical destination for seafarers and explorers. Beyond the latitude at approximately 66°33´ S, reaching the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and an impressive achievement, as few visitors have the opportunity to travel so far south. The further toward the South Pole you go, the more influence the rugged and icy the surroundings have on the expedition. Thick ice fields are a common sight in this region, glaciers dominate the landscape, and the number of drifting icebergs begins to increase. This is Antarctica, raw and wild, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Simply magical!

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A short walk of about one and a quarter mile takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft waiting for you. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board your chartered flight back to Punta Arenas. While flying across the Drake Passage over the next two and a half hours, marvel at the stunning views of the sea and ice below. Upon your arrival from the seventh continent, make your way to your hotel for the night and enjoy an evening at leisure.