Antarctica XXI Cruise

6 Days / 5 Nights

Antarctica Express

Go on a 6-day cruise to discover the white continent of Antarctica. The cruise includes a visit to a penguin colony, excursions on Zodiac boats, and unforgettable landscapes!

Itineraries are always subject to sudden changes depending on weather conditions.

Note: This is a tour extension, combine this cruise with one of our full package tours.

Ushuaia - Puerto Williams

Day 1

Board the vessel (either the Ocean Nove or the Sea Explorer) to go from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego , towards Puerto Williams, on Navarino Island. During this journey, navigate along the Beagle Channel, which establishes the border between Argentina and Chile.
Disembark and explore this city, considered the southernmost town on Earth (together with Ushuaia and Punta Arenas), before returning to the cruise and continue the journey towards the Cape Horn.
Departure time from Ushuaia Port: 4 pm.

Note: Cruise starting on January 2016 departs from Punta Arenas, not Ushuaia.

Cape Horn

Day 2

After crossing the Nassau Bay (South of Navarino Island) arrive in Cape Horn. An expedition on Zodiac boats will take place, if weather conditions allow it, to land on Horn Island. This rarely-visited destination features a lighthouse and a memorial with an albatross, the sailor's bird.
Back on board, sail towards Antarctica crossing the emblematic Drake Passage, the southern meeting point of the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans.

Drake Passage

Day 3

While navigating the Drake Passage to reach your first destination in the Antarctic continent, take the opportunity to learn about the vast wildlife you are about to encounter. Expert guides will help you spot mighty whales through the windows of the vessel and albatrosses, petrels, and other sea birds from the outside decks.

South Shetland Islands

Day 4

Today, reach the northernmost part of the Antarctica: the South Shetland Islands. Once on the white continent, enjoy a landscape of icebergs and bays, joined by the company of exotic sea mammals and birds.
Visit a colony of penguins. It is required to remain at a certain distance from them to avoid disturbing them. Bear in mind that the first contact humans made with the Antarctica took place only two hundred years ago, so it is important to preserve this ecosystem. However, these adorable creatures sometimes approach visitors and, in rare cases, even lay on their legs to rest!

South Shetland Islands - Punta Arenas

Day 5

Reach King George Island and disembark at Fildes Bay, where you will find the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen.
Explore the area and take in the last views of the land of ice before taking a flight back to South America, arriving in Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer from the airport to your hotel is included.

Note: Once in Punta Arenas, meals will be at your leisure (not included).

Departure from Punta Arenas

Day 6

After breakfast, take a transfer to the Punta Arenas airport to continue your journey through South America or take a flight back home.

10 Days / 9 Nights

Polar Circle

Go on a 10-day cruise to discover the white continent of Antarctica. The cruise includes a visit to a penguin colony, excursions on Zodiac boats, and unforgettable landscapes!

Itineraries are always subject to sudden changes depending on weather conditions.

Note: This is a tour extension, combine this cruise with one of our full package tours.

Arrival in Punta Arenas

Day 1

Arrive at Punta Arenas Airport where an Antarctica XXI representative will be waiting for you and take you to your hotel (the pick-up will take place until 3 pm).
At the afternoon, start your Antarctic experience attending a briefing where one of the guides will provide important information about the itinerary and the basic rules to follow for staying on the land of ice.
Enjoy a welcome dinner with your future cruise mates which consists on a typical Patagonian meal.

Punta Arenas - King George Island

Day 2

Take a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, located on the South Shetland Islands for your first arrival in the Antarctic continent. Take in the first views of the pristine icebergs, the deep water and the exotic sea birds.
Reach King George Island and disembark at Fildes Bay, where you will find the Chilean Frei Station and the Russian Bellingshausen Station. Board a Zodiac boat to embark your expedition vessel (either Ocean Nova or Sea Explorer, depending on the date).

South Shetland Islands - Antarctic Peninsula

Days 3 - 8

Due to the unpredictable climate conditions on Antarctica, making each voyage unique. During the third and the sixth days, the possible places that can be visited are: Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, Prospect Point, Lemaire Channel and more, all of them located on the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Contemplate the fascinating wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge joined by the expert polar guides who will carefully explain the characteristics of each specie. Also, disembark on land to explore the Adelie, Emperor, Macaroni, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins colonies, and the charismatic varieties of seas and sea elephants.

King George Island - Punta Arenas

Day 9

Return to King George Island for your departure from the Antarctica and take a flight back to Punta Arenas, where you will stay at your hotel.

Note: Once in Punta Arenas, meals will be at your leisure (not included).

Departure from Punta Arenas

Day 10

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport to continue your trip throughout South America or fly back home.