Air-Cruise on the M/V Ocean Nova

Aero Cruise Classic Route

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

The Classic Antarctica trip is different from the rest of the traditional programs, because we combine the air flight flying over Cape Horn and the Drake Sea to the South Shetland Islands, then embark on the M/V Ocean Nova cruise or on the M/V Hebridean Sky or on the new M/V Magellan Explorer cruise (depending on the departure dates) to start sailing the icy waters full of icebergs and marine fauna to reach the White Continent: Antarctica. Returning by air, again to the city of Punta Arenas. Actually this trip is 7 days 6 nights, since the eighth day is an additional day in the South American continent.

An unusual trip to Antarctica that combines a classic navigation with a first stage flying to Southern Patagonia, observing Cape Horn and flying over the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. We leave the city of Punta Arenas eastward to the archipelago of the South Shetland Islands; more precisely we will land in its largest island, King George Island on a flight that lasts a little less than 2 hours. We will board to start the route to the South Pole, sailing for 6 days discovering the Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctica is the windiest, coldest, dry and desolate continent on earth. We managed to fulfill the dream of many people, see the Antarctic continent where is the 90% of the ice of the planet, the maximum reserve of water. The Antarctic marine fauna is diverse, we see the southern right whale, sea elephants Weddell seals, Adelie, Chinstrap Papua, along with birds such as albatross, petrels and Antarctic pigeon. Then we return by plane from King George Island to Punta Arenas.

8 days 7 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 6 - Antarctic Peninsula

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. Every day, we disembark in Zodiac boats and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an attractive program of conferences and presentations, and enjoy the spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with other guests.

No trip is the same as another because flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team establishes the route of the trip to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities that nature offers, creating a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several places that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your trip may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Peterman Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel or many other magnificent places.

It all depends on each trip and climatic conditions during navigation. The main goal is to cross the Lemaire Channel, observing one of the most interesting natural phenomena of the trip, the Columns of the Lemaire Channel, called the Cemetery of Glaciers due to the action of the channel on the thaw. Pieces of ice remaining on the canal are destroyed by water currents, this occurs because the thermal difference between the surface water and the deep waters, accelerating the melting process. 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 7 - 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. As in the Express program, the 7th night is included, also needs to be notified in advance for booking. Dinner is not included.

Day 8 - Punta Arenas

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