Luxury Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Cruise

Nestled on Navarino Island and caressed by the southern waters of the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams holds the distinction of being Chile's gateway to the Antarctic. With a cosy population of around 2,500, it jests at its claim as the "world's southernmost city," a title also pursued by its larger neighbour, Ushuaia in Argentina, across the channel. The natural beauty surrounding Puerto Williams is nothing short of breathtaking. Mountains, untamed and often capped with snow, tower above the landscape, with the majestic "Dientes de Navarino" mountain range providing a stunning backdrop that competes with the renowned Torres del Paine to the north.

This area, once roamed by the Yaghan hunter-gatherers who braved the severe climate, is now a testament to resilience and change. Established in 1953 as a naval base, the city pays homage to the Anglo-Chilean maritime hero John Williams Wilson. It has evolved from its original role in safeguarding territorial claims and supporting Antarctic expeditions to a serene launchpad for scientific exploration and adventure tourism. Unlike the bustling streets of Ushuaia, Puerto Williams offers visitors a serene retreat. Its quaint atmosphere, with simple buildings and the comforting scent of wood smoke in the air, presents a tranquil haven at the world's edge, inviting those seeking peace amidst the grandeur of the far south.

Departure: 21:00

Navigating through the legendary waters of the Drake Passage offers an unparalleled adventure that few get to witness. The journey begins at the edge of the Americas, where the wild landscapes set the stage for an extraordinary voyage. As you depart from Cape Horn, the sensation of leaving the 'End of the World' behind, with its remote cliffs disappearing into the backdrop, is both awe-inspiring and mystical. Embark on a journey that takes you beyond the known map's edges, venturing into Antarctica's frozen depths.

The passage is a narrative of romance and legendary sea voyages, leading you towards the icy embrace of the Antarctic. Upon arrival, you are greeted by towering icebergs standing like silent sentinels. As you navigate the frigid waters, you'll find yourself in the company of the continent's native inhabitants - penguins and whales glide through their icy domain undisturbed.

Your introduction to this least explored region is through the South Shetland Islands. Treading the paths once taken by history's most intrepid explorers, you'll have the chance to discover snow-clad islands such as Deception Island. While the Drake Passage might be a formidable challenge, remember that you're never truly alone. The journey is often graced by majestic albatrosses, humpback whales, and playful pods of hourglass dolphins accompanying you through the turbulent waves. The confluence of warm and cool ocean currents creates a haven for extraordinary marine life.

For those setting foot on this enchanting continent for the first time, it's an invitation to immerse yourself in a world unlike any other. Preparing for your voyage with informative resources can enhance this once-in-a-lifetime expedition into the heart of Antarctica's icy wilderness.

Arrival 05:30

Embarking to Antarctica is akin to stepping into a pristine wilderness that captures the essence of exploration at its most exhilarating. This journey to the earth's southern extremity offers a rare glimpse into a world of stark, mesmerizing landscapes that few ever witness. Your voyage will likely introduce you to the Antarctic Sound at the peninsula's northern reach, a gateway stretching towards the fabled 'End of the World,' Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of South America. Named after the pioneering vessel that navigated this channel in 1902, the Sound presents a dramatic sensory experience with its colossal icebergs, calved from the dwindling Larsen Ice Shelf. 

Here, amidst the ice, you'll encounter the astonishing wildlife of Antarctica. Imagine the thrill of observing Gentoo penguin colonies as they navigate their icy realm and the graceful flight of cape petrels above. This frozen paradise, teeming with life, offers a vivid tableau of survival and beauty. As you embark on this unparalleled adventure, consider honing your photography skills to capture Antarctica's raw, untamed splendour in all its glory.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

The Antarctic Peninsula stretches its icy fingers northward, beckoning the bold and the curious to venture into its wild embrace. This vast extension of ice and snow from the heart of Antarctica reaches tantalisingly close to South America, a mere 620 miles from Tierra del Fuego, serving as a breathtaking introduction to the continent's untouched landscapes and majestic ice formations. A realm that remained unseen by human eyes until the early 19th century, setting foot on this peninsula is like stepping into a world of pure wonder and untouched beauty, where the thrill of the unknown awaits at every turn.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

Dotted with scientific outposts, the Antarctic Peninsula stands on the front lines of exploration and research. It offers a unique glimpse into the efforts to understand this extraordinary ecosystem, its thriving wildlife, and the broader environmental changes impacting our planet. Here, you're invited to marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of cathedral-sized icebergs and the serene beauty of glaciers inching their way into the sea from places like Hope Bay.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

The landscape is a dramatic mix of stark white peaks and wildlife's lively hustle and bustle, including thousands of Adelie penguins forming pairs and communities in this singular environment. Embarking on an adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula is an unforgettable journey into the heart of our planet's final frontier, where the spirit of discovery and the beauty of nature collide spectacularly.

3 Included Shore Excursions

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team
• Hiking with the Expedition Team
• Kayaking with the Expedition Team

The Antarctic Peninsula, cloaked in ice, offers one of the most reachable points of the Antarctic mainland, just 480 miles from South America across the mythical Drake Passage. Near its northwestern tip, separated by the Bransfield Strait, are the South Shetland Islands, governed by the principles of the Antarctic Treaty, which puts a hold on territorial claims. These islands are a hub of international research, with several nations operating bases amidst the natural inhabitants: hefty elephant seals and bustling colonies of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie Penguins, making for a surprisingly lively environment.

King George Island is the most extensive and welcoming, housing the bulk of these research outposts, some of which are staffed by small, resilient teams throughout the year. Yet, despite the semblance of human activity, the islands are gateways to unparalleled adventure in one of the planet's most secluded spots. The imposing triple peaks of Mount Foster dominate the skyline, and the experience of sailing into Deception Island's awe-inspiring volcanic caldera is sure to quicken your pulse. Here, adventurers can trek across moon-like terrains and soak in the unexpectedly warm waters of Pendulum Cove, heated by geothermal activity.

1 Included Shore Excursion

• Zodiac cruise with the Expedition Team

Departure: 18:30

Sailing days offer the perfect chance to slow down, decompress, and indulge in activities you've longed to enjoy. Whether it's hitting the gym, pampering yourself at the spa, observing whales in their natural habitat, diving into your favourite book, or just basking in the sun to get that perfect tan, these tranquil days at sea provide a harmonious counterpoint to the adventure-filled excursions ashore.

Arrival 22:00  

During the evening we sail back into Puerto Williams marking the end of an epic adventure.

In the morning we check out from the ship and embark on a charter flight to Santiago.