Landings and Zodiac Cruising
Explore penguin colonies, glacier fronts and sheltered bays, with sites selected for the day’s conditions.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBEFLY IN AND EXPLORE FARTHER SOUTH
Antarctic Peninsula & CircleFly-In & Fly-Out
Fly across the Drake Passage in both directions, using the shipboard days to explore the Peninsula and venture towards the Antarctic Circle.
10–11 days Typical durationJanuary–February Travel seasonPunta Arenas Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- 10–11 days
- Season
- January–February
- Voyage style
- Extended fly-cruise expedition
This compact extended route avoids sailing the Drake Passage and directs its shipboard time towards the Peninsula and higher southern latitudes.
Both the flights and any attempt to cross the Circle are conditional on weather, visibility, runway operations and sea ice.
Why This Route
Wildlife in a Living Landscape
Watch for penguins, seals, whales and seabirds while remembering that every encounter is governed by nature.
More Time in Antarctica
Use flying or a longer voyage to shape how much time is spent crossing open water and exploring farther south.
Efficient Access to Higher Latitudes
Combine two charter flights with a southbound expedition voyage towards the Antarctic Circle.
Route Map
Punta Arenas → King George Island → Antarctic Peninsula → Antarctic Circle → King George Island → Punta Arenas
The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day by Day
A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.
Day 1
Meet in Punta Arenas
Meet the expedition team in Punta Arenas for a detailed voyage briefing, equipment review and mandatory biosecurity preparations. Learn how the Antarctic charter flights operate, why schedules require flexibility and what to expect during Zodiac embarkation before making the final preparations for the journey south.
Day 2
Fly to Antarctica
When visibility, wind and runway conditions align, fly across the Drake Passage to King George Island. Step into the Antarctic environment, transfer towards the shore and board the expedition ship by Zodiac. Safety briefings introduce shipboard life before the vessel begins exploring the South Shetland Islands.
Days 3–5
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Begin with flexible landings and Zodiac cruises among penguin colonies, glacier fronts and sculpted icebergs. The expedition team follows the best local conditions, potentially arranging snow walks or close views of seals resting on ice. Watch for humpback whales in sheltered channels as the ship gradually works south along the Peninsula.
Days 6–8
Towards the Antarctic Circle
Continue south through more isolated channels as the expedition team searches for safe routes between icebergs and increasingly dense pack ice. The goal is to cross latitude 66°33′ South, but weather and sea ice decide how far the ship can proceed. Zodiac cruises or landings may complement the milestone when conditions permit, offering close views of remote coastlines, ice formations and the wildlife adapted to these higher latitudes.
Days 9–10
Return via King George Island
Sail north through the Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, using any available time for a final landing or Zodiac cruise. Disembarkation at King George Island follows the charter flight window; when conditions allow, fly back to Punta Arenas. Weather can alter the timing, so flexible onward plans remain essential.
EXPEDITION SHIPS
Ships Commonly Found on This Route
Ship assignments vary by departure. These examples show the range of expedition styles available.
Antarctica21Magellan Explorer
76 guests · Purpose-built for Antarctic air-cruises
Ask about this ship →
Quark ExpeditionsOcean Explorer
138 guests · PC6 · X-BOW design
Ask about this ship →PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Punta Arenas, Chile
- Arrival
- Punta Arenas, Chile
Who This Journey Suits
- Travellers who prefer to reduce time sailing the Drake Passage
- Those hoping to explore beyond the classic Peninsula route
What You May See
- Gentoo and chinstrap penguins
- Humpback whales
- Crabeater and Weddell seals
- Albatrosses and petrels
- Antarctic Peninsula glaciers
- South Shetland Islands
- Iceberg-filled channels
- Pack ice near the Antarctic Circle
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Daily activities may involve Zodiac transfers and walking over wet, snowy, rocky or uneven ground.
- Charter flights are highly weather-dependent; sailing conditions within Antarctica also vary.
Before You Book
- Allow generous buffer time for weather-related flight changes
- Crossing the Antarctic Circle remains dependent on sea ice and weather
- Wildlife sightings depend on natural behaviour
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclusions and Exclusions
What Is Usually Included
- Shipboard accommodation and meals
- Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan of expedition boots on many ships
What Is Usually Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical costs
- Optional adventure activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Important
- Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
- Activities depend on weather and ice
- Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Ready to fly in and explore towards the Antarctic Circle?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.