Air-Cruise: Antarctic Polar Circle on the M/V Ocean Nova

Air Cruise Antarctic Polar Circle

Aircraft-Ship-Aircraft: From Punta Arenas to King George Island by aircraft,navigation in Antarctica and returned by aircraft to Punta Arenas.

In contrast to the aero-cruise express route, this program to Antarctica is the largest of the 3 routes, lasts for 9 days and starts from Punta Arenas, like the traditional route and return by aircraft. The first 2 days does not differ from the classic program of 7 days, then the journey to Antarctica is longer and after a few days we will fly over the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas.

10 days 9 nights

Day 1 - Punta Arenas, Chile

Reception at the International Airport of Punta Arenas and transfer to hotel. You must arrive before 15 pm. During the afternoon you will be introduce to the crew of the expedition trip and given a lecture on the rules and instructions that apply in this journey to Antarctica, in addition to explanation of the processes of loading and unloading with the use of rubber boats. At night we expect an inaugural dinner at the city center.

Day 2 - We will fly to Frei Base on King George Island, South Shetland Islands

The dream comes true: the begining of the journey to the South Pole. Departure from Punta Arenas airport to board the plane BAE146 manufactured in England by British Aerospace to the Base Presidente Eduardo Frei, located in the South Shetland Islands in a 2 hours flight. This plane has the advantage of its high wing and ability to land on short runways (runway is 1,300 meters long), perfect for those trips. Once we land on King George Island, we will visit not only the Chilean base, but we will also see the Bellingshausen Base, from Russia.

The Frei Base is the most important base in Chile Antarctic territory and is one of the principal’s base of all the white continent. We located it at Fildes Peninsula, ice-free area, right in front of the homonymous bay. The Bellingshausen Base is a base that operates 365 days a year since 1968, its name comes from a Russian famous sailor and is just 90 meters from the Chilean base. Very near to the bases is the Church of the Holy Trinity, is the largest Orthodox church in Antarctica. This Antarctic region is one of the warmest, because in winter the temperature does not exceed -10 ° C and in summer is around 3 ° C. Then we will embark on the expedition ship at Fildes Bay.

Day 3 to 8 - South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Caleta Cierva, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Prospect and Fish Islands

During these days we will sail the route that separates the Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, leaving on the way some beautiful fjords and icebergs that impact for its size, with the pleasant company of a rich marine wildlife, from birds to penguins, seals and whales. As we move forward in the journey we get to visit Caleta Cierva, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel and Prospect and Fish Islands. It all depends on each trip and climatic conditions during navigation. The main goal is to cross the polar circle.

This border, one of the parallels that mark the maps of the Earth, is located at latitude 66° 33' 44" south of the Equator and marks the Antarctic Territory according to one of the definitions. The Antarctic Circle experiences a period of 24 hours of continuous light at least once a year, which means that the Sun is above the horizon for a whole day. The reason for this phenomenon is that the axis of the earth is tilted by 23.5 degrees. But in addition there is a day in the year in which the Sun stays below the line of the horizon, for the same reason. During these days we will make several landings in Zodiacs, we will learn about life in Antarctica thanks to lectures given by experts in the field.

Day 9 - Back to King Island for take the flight to Punta Arenas

On the last day we start the return to King Island, also called Isla 25 de Mayo (the Russians call it Waterloo Island). It is the largest of the archipelago, separated from the Nelson Island by the Strait Fildes. From the Frei Base with a Chilean flag, we will board the flight to Punta Arenas. The night of the 9th day is included, as in the classical and express programs, it must be booked in advance. Dinner is not included.

Day 10 - Punta Arenas

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport of the city of Punta Arenas. End of services.