Destinations

Antarctica

Discover planet earth’s final frontier. Impossibly photogenic, brimming with wildlife and undoubtedly the adventure of a lifetime, a trip to the white continent will leave you completely mesmerized.

Sail or fly the Drake Passage

Discover Planet's Earth's final frontier with a luxury cruise around Antarctica. 

There are a number of ways to reach this vast white desert, from a five night express trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, to a longer expedition taking you deep into the Antarctic Circle to a three week voyage taking in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia as you follow Shackelton’s footsteps. Adventurous travellers will opt to sail the Drake Passage from Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina, others will go for a Fly-Cruise option, flying over the Drake Passage, directly onto King George Island to start their cruise from there. 

Whichever expedition you choose, you will be endlessly rewarded with jaw-dropping, pristine landscapes and incredible wildlife sightings. As your ship navigates its way through a sea of beautifully sculptural icebergs and past a backdrop of rugged snow-capped mountains, expect common sightings of Humpback, Minke and other whales and even Orcas. Your daily land based expeditions will allow you to get up close and personal with penguin colonies such as Chinstrap, Gentoo, Adelie and Macaroni, as well as a variety of seal species, and of course abundant birdlife. 

Life on board is an unexpected delight with comfortably spacious suites all with private bathrooms and modern amenities, a friendly, attentive crew, ample choices at every meal, daily informative lectures ranging from Antarctic wildlife to geology, and a team of specialist guides who's knowledge and passion is truly impressive.

 

Wildlife mecca South Georgia and the beguiling Falkland Islands

For true wildlife enthusiasts, an expedition to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands is considered one of the ultimate wildlife experiences on earth. 

Stunningly beautiful and rugged, the wildlife rich sanctuary of South Georgia, with its snow covered peaks, blue glacier ice, and emerald green bays is home to the largest King Penguin colonies on earth. The remote Falkland Islands boast a rugged beauty with dramatic cliffs, sandy bays and an equally impressive diversity of wildlife. Visitors to these Sub-Antarctic islands will be treated to five penguin and eight different seal species, as well as some of the world's largest populations of albatross, including the majestic wandering albatross. 

 

The world's most remote and exclusive camp

For the ultimate Antarctic adventure, you can fly directly from Cape Town, across the Southern Ocean to an exclusive luxury camp located in the interior of Antarctica. This incredible, purpose built camp of just 7 sleeping igloos is the only land-based traveller's lodging on the continent, making it the most exclusive and remote address on earth. 

Choose from a range of programs from short sojourns to a longer, 9 day safari that takes you deep into the heart of Antarctica to see a mystical Emperor Penguin colony. With a specialist Antarctica Explorer as your guide, this is truly one of the most incredible experiences on earth. 

 

The only Emperor Penguin colony outside of the Antarctic Circle

We also offer an expedition cruise via an icebreaker whose sole objective is crush through pack ice, then take off via helicopters to visit and interact with a large Emperor penguin colony on an island in northeast Antarctica, the only colony of Emperors living outside the Antarctic circle.

DID YOU KNOW?

Unlike most glaciers which are shrinking, the Perito Moreno Glacier in Southern Argentina is advancing. Every few years, the ice reaches the land and as the lake’s water surges against this temporary dam, an ice bridge is formed, which eventually comes crashing down.

Sample Itinerary for Antarctica

Otherworldly Antarctica
Our classic Antarctic Fly-Cruise expedition. Explore magical and mind-blowing Antarctic Peninsula on one of the most advanced polar vessels on the circuit.
8 Nights / 9 Days • From US$ 13,900 per person
Day 1: Santiago

On arrival in Santiago, Chile you will be met and privately transferred to the Singular Santiago in the charming Lastarria district. Time permitting, a private half or full day city tour can be arranged to cater to your particular interests.

Day 2: Punta Arenas

Depart Santiago and fly south to Punta Arenas, one of the world's most southernmost outposts. You will be met on arrival where you will be transferred to a hotel where you will receive a briefing providing important information about your journey and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 3: South Shetland Islands

Your expedition begins. This morning you will take a two hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Spend the afternoon exploring the area around Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before boarding a zodiac and transferring to your expedition vessel.

Days 4, 5, 6 & 7: Antarctic Pensinsula

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and, and enjoy spectacular vistas while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. Each journey is different depending on weather conditions, but your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island and the Lemaire Channel.

Days 8 & 9: South Shetland Islands / Punta Arenas

Return to King George Island where you will take a flight back to Punta Arenas. Spend one more night in the city before return to Santiago or continue your travels in Patagonia.

Recommended Extension: Patagonia

Road transfer from Punta Arenas and spend a few days exploring Chile's stunning Torres del Paine National Park. Discover the region on foot, by bike, on horseback or by car, journey through the breathtakingly beautiful national park and surrounding areas. With many valleys, lake, waterfalls and mountains, the photographic opportunities here are fantastic and there is plenty to do whatever you level of adventure. The park is also considered the best place in the world to track and view wild pumas or mountain lions and "puma safaris" can be organized in advance. Or cross over the border to Argentinian Patagonia and explore Los Glaciares National Park and its legendary glaciers.

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We do not subscribe to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ philosophy. Sample itineraries and cost estimates are meant purely as a guide. To find out more, please contact one of our expert travel consultants to plan a customized itinerary based on your budget and interests.