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Antarctica Expeditions

Ships and Routes

 

 

From Ushuaia & Punta Arenas in Patagonia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS
A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS
A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS
A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

Antarctica Expeditions Ships and Routes

Navigational Trips to the Antarctic

For many, a trip to the Antarctic is something that they “just have to do” within their lifetime. Above all, if you are one of these people, then please read on because we can help you achieve your dream.

Most important to mention is that the southern-most tip of South America is the closest land mass to the Antarctic Peninsula. Therefore, most of the expedition trips to the Antarctic originate out of Ushuaia, in southern Argentina as well as Punta Arenas in southern Chile. It should also be noted that the majority of the Antarctic Expedition trips go to the Antarctic Peninsula and the islands within this area.

Air and Cruise Combination

Experience Chile works with one partner supplier in particular that offers the fastest way to the Antarctic peninsula by way of a 2 hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island. Shortly after landing, passengers will then make a short walk to board a zodiac that will then navigate to the ship. This combination saves the usual 4 day crossing of the Drake Passage. Please see our Antarctica 21 partner option further below.

Patagonia

Equally important is the fact that both Ushuaia and Punta Arenas are within the natural, raw, wilderness called Patagonia. For that reason, should you embark on an Antarctic adventure, you can also add in a trip to the incredible Torres del Paine National Park, near to Punta Arenas and / or go to El Calafate in Argentina. For this reason, Experience Chile is available, as local experts, to arrange your custom-made itinerary to include all of these great places and sort out all the logistics.

Offers

In view of the cost of most Antarctica trips, we have a few interesting offers for our clients should we handle your Antarctic reservations. Please scroll down and see further below for details.

Here at Experience Chile we choose to work with the smaller-sized expedition vessels in order for passengers to enjoy a more personal Antarctic experience. On this page we will be offering information about our selected Antarctic partners. However, should you be interested in an Antarctic vessel not shown below, PLEASE do let us know and we will book that for you, saving you the hassle as well as being able to include a worthwhile extra offer.

Remember, you can always send an email to us using this email: request@experiencechile.org

What to Find on This Page

Here, on this page we will explain the following:

1 – Information about Antarctica.

2 – Details about our special offers.

3 – Some FAQ’s (which are further below).

4 – Access to various Antarctica ship operators who we are partnered with.

Above all, if you’d like us to suggest or create an itinerary for you, please EMAIL US.

Direct Email: request@experiencechile.org

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Why Visit the Antarctic Peninsula?

All things considered, one of the principal reasons to visit Antarctica is because it is, literally, “the last frontier” on Earth that has not yet been developed and ruined by any development. As a result, there’s simply nowhere else on the planet that rivals the ethereal beauty of Antarctica. Above all, visiting the Antarctic peninsula gives you the opportunity to see a part of this planet in its pure, natural state. Certainly, on this vast continent there are no cities, no roads, and no buildings, except for a few scientific stations.

Largest Frozen Landmass on Earth

Antarctica is home to the largest, frozen landmass in the world. Above all, this is a massive land mass completely covered over by ice. As an illustration, the thickness of the ice is a high as several kilometers in places. In fact, in parts there are complete mountain ranges under the ice. Therefore, geographically, this continent is amazing.

Specifically, this polar landscape is virtually untouched by human life. Notwithstanding a few scattered buildings, as previously mentioned, that house scientific researchers from time-to-time.

Wildlife

Largely, because Antarctic is not “inhabited” by man, there is an abundance of natural wildlife that is able to “live in peace”. Birds, whales, penguins all thrive in this pristine environment. Therefore, for the lucky few who get to visit, they can view the wildlife spectacle, often at close quarters, and all in a natural situation.

Once in a Life Time

For these reasons, once you arrive at this vast, white continent, you’ll be taken aback by its breathtaking, natural beauty and incredible wildlife. Moreover, a visit here is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can’t be missed.

It should be noted that the only way for tourists to visit Antarctica is by ship, and on this page we offer you a number of navigational operators and routes to the Antarctic.

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Visiting Other Places in South America?

Considering that you will make it to South America, you will have a great opportunity to also visit other, great destinations, also in the area. For example, perhaps you are on a major South American trip and want to see other places in Chile, Argentina and/or Peru too? All things considered, Experience Chile can handle ALL your travel and logistical needs for this part of the world. Why deal with numerous suppliers when you can deal with just one? In addition, WE ARE HERE PHYSICALLY, based in Santiago and Patagonia, Chile.

Torres del Paine

If you are in Patagonia, why not visit Torres del Paine, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere. We will coordinate your Antarctica trip with a Torres del Paine stay as well. Just ask.

Direct Email: request@experiencechile.org

Photo below is of the Cuernos and Central Massif of Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile (Near to Punta Arenas)

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EXPERIENCE CHILE OFFERS

On the positive side, we also have a number of special offers when you book your Antarctica expedition through us. These range from one of the following, depending on the trip we book for you and what else you need. That is to say, any one of the following will be FREE of charge should we book, for TWO people, any of the Antarctica expedition trips shown in this site – and possibly any other should you have a particular request for a different ship:

1 – Return flights Santiago to Punta Arenas.

2 – Private transfer to your hotel, even if it is 5hrs away!

3 – Hotel night, or more, in one of our partner hotels in Chile or Argentina.

It should be noted that these offers will be in addition to ANY offers the Antarctic vessel suppliers are also making.

 

Please, make sure you ASK US about these options in your enquiry.

Our email is: request@experiencechile.org

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FAQ’s About Antarctic Expeditions

In the meantime, if you’re apprehensive about visiting Antarctica for the first time, not to worry. By all means ask us any questions. However, here below, we have put together several FAQ’s to help you get the information you need for your Antarctic adventure.

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A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS
A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS
A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS
Q. What is the Antarctic Climate Like?

As has been noted, Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. However, it is technically a desert because it rarely rains here. What’s more, average daily, winter time temperatures in Antarctica can reach -50 degrees Celsius. Moreover, this freezing number is also often combined with very strong winds, and snow. 

By comparison, during the Antarctic summer the nightly temperatures can reach -35 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the Antarctic peninsula and coastal regions the daily, summer temperatures are closer to freezing point.

Q. How Much Does it Cost to Go to Antarctica?

In reality, it is not cheap to get to Antarctica. For example, your itinerary will involve getting to either Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. Afterward, you will need to board a ship (or a plane if taking the cruise with flight program), whereupon you will then enjoy an all-inclusive number of days and nights. In addition, the ships are high-tech, have educated guides, crew and support facilities.

Therefore, the cost of your polar expedition will vary depending on factors such as the length of your trip, and your expedition ship’s size and cabins. Above all, our most affordable Antarctic expedition packages start from under USD5,000 per person for the shortest trip. However, you can expect to pay over USD25,000 per person, or more, for our longer Antarctica trips.

Q. What Can You Do in Antarctica?

It is not so much what you can do “in Antarctica”, but what you can see and experience when navigating around the Antarctic waters. Most important are the activities and “places of interest” around Antarctica. In view of the fact that you will be on board an expedition ship, you will spend most of your time navigating the icy, sub-zero waters. Consequently, you will be  sailing through the natural, raw fiords and taking in the untouched landscape. However, you can also take part in activities such as kayaking, and trekking in small groups, if the weather allows, and as long as your vessel offers such options.  

In addition, Antarctica is also a prime location for spotting incredible wildlife that you can’t see elsewhere. Therefore, you can spend your days marveling at the penguin rookeries of the Antarctic peninsula, whilst catching a glimpse of orcas, seals and dolphins from the comfort of your cabin, if you are fortunate enough.

Cost

Our partners know full well that for you to be on any of these Antarctica expeditions, it will have cost you a serious amount of money.

Therefore, in conclusion, all of our Antarctic partners will do there utmost in making you comfortable, and lay out an incredible, full itinerary. Moreover, in many situations you will be able to disembark into a smaller, zodiac dinghy, for local excursions that take you close to nature.

Q. Do Animals Live in Antarctica?

Even though Antarctica is freezing most of the time, it is home to a wealth of spectacular wildlife. Therefore, should you be fortunate enough to visit, you will see a number of different types of wildlife. For example, here are some of the more common animals you may see here: 

Emperor Penguins, Adelia Penguins, Elephant Seals, Humpback Whales, Orca Whales and Albatrosses among others.

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Antarctica Expeditions Ships and Routes

Antarctica Expedition Routes

There are several routes and expedition vessels that you can choose for your polar experience. Consequently, the option you select will largely depend on the time you have, and the activities you decide to participate in. For speed and low cost, we have the Antarctica 21 Express itinerary. This is an excellent option for seeing Antarctica because it combines a flight to get you there and back fast, as well as time on board a ship.

However, to get the most out of your trip, we recommend choosing one of our longer Antarctica cruises. Considering that such a trip will likely be a “once only” experience, a longer cruise will give you the opportunity to see more of this pristine part of the world. Moreover, you will be able to explore a polar region that very few people have visited before.

All of our Antarctica expeditions depart from Ushuaia in Argentina, or Punta Arenas in Chile. 

Fortunately, we also offer excursions in both of these cities. Therefore, you can add on interesting activities pre and post your Antarctic adventure.

For these reasons, consider extending your trip and explore more of South America, especially Torres del Paine. 

 

Our Email is: request@experiencechile.org

Antarctica 21

Aboard the Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova

 

The Navigational Route

 Antarctica Peninsula

Return Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island

The Quick Way to Get to Antarctica

Unquestionably, the quickest wat to get to Antarctic territory, as a tourist, is with Antarctica 21. For this reason, we are delighted to have as our partner this Antarctic expedition provider. With flight departures from Punta Arenas in southern Chile (which is also close to Torres del Paine National park), passengers can, mostly, avoid the navigational sector across the Drake Passage and arrive directly to King George Island. Thereafter, upon arrival, passengers then need to walk 2km, past the Chilean Frei and Russian Bellingshausen bases to reach a zodiac that will then take you to the ship.

Without reservation , the great benefit of the combined fly-cruise is that this is, by far, the quickest way to get to the Antarctic peninsula to enjoy as much time within the Artic circle as possible – for the duration of the itinerary.

The Antarctica 21 offers three trips to the Antarctic Peninsula:

1 – Polar Circle Air Cruise 10 Days / 9 Nights

2 – Antarctic and South Georgia 17 Days / 16 Nights

3- Antarctica Express Air Cruise 6 Days / 5 Nights

4 – Classic Antarctica 8 Days / 7 Nights

With this in mind, below we offer the current four Antarctica 21 expedition trips to the Antarctic.

We ARE taking reservations for both Season 2022 – 2023 AND season 2023 – 2024

NOTE: The link-through page has the SAME information, however, should you want specific info please ask and we will provide it.

Our Email: Request@experiencechile.org

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Polar Circle

Air Cruise

10 Days / 9 Nights

 

 

Season 2022 – 2023
From: US$20,595 pp

(based on 2 people in cabin)
Incl. return flight from Punta Arenas.

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

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A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

Antarctic Express

Air Cruise

6 Days / 5 Nights

 

 

Season 2022 – 2023
From: US$5,995 pp

(based on 2 people in a cabin)
Incl. return flight from Punta Arenas.

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

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A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

Classic Antarctica

Air Cruise

8 Days / 7 Nights

 

 

Season 2022 – 2023
From: US$13,495 pp

(based on 2 people in a cabin)
Incl. return flight from Punta Arenas.

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

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A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

Antarctica &

South Georgia

Air Cruise

17 Days / 16 Nights

 

Season 2022 – 2023
From: US$15,495 pp

(based on 2 people in a cabin)
Incl. return flight from Punta Arenas.

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

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A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

National Geographic

Aboard National Geographic’s Explorer, Resolution or Endurance

 

 

The Navigational Routes

Journey to Antarctica:

Start from Ushuaia – Antarctica – Return to Ushuaia

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands:

Start from Ushuaia – Falklands – South Georgia – Antarctica – Return to Ushuaia

National Geographic

Without reservation, Experience Chile is proud to partner world-renown National Geographic (Nat Geo). Being that Nat Geo is the leader in quality wildlife photography and documentaries.

National Geographic operates combined tourist with scientific research, expeditions to the Antarctic. In addition these ships also take paying passengers. Moreover, Nat Geo likes to educate people. For this reason, being part of a Nat Geo Antarctica expedition trip will allow passengers to learn from the experts about the environment and wildlife. In addition, these ships are small in size and offer great educational adventures to the White continent.

Departures are from Ushuaia in Patagonia, Argentina

Whichever National Geographic expedition you choose, your epic journey to the southern continent, and one of the coldest places on earth, will be memorable. Moreover, there is also a kayaking option as well as taking Zodiac excursions in small groups to give you the chance to get up close and personal with the Antarctic landscape.

Most importantly, of course, safety is of the utmost importance in this part of the world, and the areas you visit will depend on the current state of the ice, as well as the weather. 

Therefore, if you are up to the challenge, take advantage of trekking and hiking opportunities to get a feel for what it would’ve been like to be a part of the original expedition team.

Experience Chile Offer – please do not forget our offers.

Our Email: Request@experiencechile.org

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Antarctica, South Georgia

and the Falklands

A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

 

23 Nights
From: USD 26,410pp

(based upon 2 people in cabin)

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

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Journey

to Antarctica

 

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13 Nights
From: USD15,380pp

(based upon 2 people in cabin)

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

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Classic Antarctica

Aboard The Ushuaia

 

The Navigational Route

Start from Ushuaia – Antarctica – South Shetlands – Return to Ushuaia

The Ushuaia Ship

Ushuaia to Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands

Besides our other excellent Antarctica Expedition partners, we are pleased to offer the Ushuaia. Specifically this is a small expedition vessel that operates out of Ushuaia. Moreover, one of the itinerary options incorporates a visit to the South Shetland Islands. Furthermore, you will also navigate historical waterways such as the Drake Passage, Gerlache Strait and Neumayer Channel. In addition, being a passenger aboard The Ushuaia enables passengers to get close to nature. Therefore, depending on the ice conditions, passengers will be able to step ashore and get up close, and personal, with Antarctic fur and southern elephant seals.

The Ushuaia Ship

Another key point is that the Ushuaia ship is a mid-sized, comfortable expedition vessel with only 46 cabins, allowing for a maximum passenger capacity of 90 guests. This keeps things “personal” and cozy on board. The Ushuaia, which is an ice-strengthened polar vessel, was originally built for the United States agency National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Consequently, the ship well appointed, providing spacious deck areas as well as an “open bridge” policy.

Above all, there is also a good amount of storage space in the cabins.

In addition, the public sectors include a large dining room, which is used for a “one sitting” meal service. Furthermore, there is an open-plan observation lounge, which also serves as a lecture room, with modern multimedia equipment. Plus there is a well-stocked bar with selected wines and spirits, as well as a library. In addition, there is a sick bay room and a changing room.  In addition to all the previously-mentioned attributes, the ship has a full complement of inflatable landing craft to provide shore landings, and wildlife viewing opportunities, on the otherwise inaccessible coastline.

Crew

The captain and crew are highly experienced for the Antarctic region as well as processing a natural interest in nature. All expeditions are accompanied by a specialist team of knowledgeable lecturers. Complimenting these skilled people is the kitchen crew of top chefs who prepare excellent cuisine.

Ship Facilities

The Ushuaia has 4 decks, one dining room, an observation lounge (also lecture room), bar and library, panorama deck, gift shop, infirmary and zodiacs.

Expedition Itineraries

Classic Antarctica 10 Days

Classic South Georgia (pending)

Polar Circle Quest 12 Days

Weddell Sea Quest 11 Days

Experience Chile will publish all information about these itineraries in May 2022.

 

Our Email: Request@experiencechile.org

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Classic Antarctica

 

9 Nights
From: USD9,280 pp

(based on 2 people in cabin)

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

 

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A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

Classic South Georgia

10 Days / 9 Nights

9 Nights
From: BEING UPDATED

(based on 2 people in cabin)

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

 

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A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

Polar Circle Quest

12 Days / 11 Nights

11 Nights
From: USD8,810 pp

(based on 2 people in cabin)

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

 

A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS
A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

Weddell Sea Quest

11 Days / 10 Nights

10 Nights
From: USD7,990 pp

(based on 2 people in cabin)

Plus the Experience Chile Offer

 

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A TDP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITIONS

Please Send Us Your Enquiry

For the best service please supply us with as much information as you can about where you want to go, what you want to do, what you want to experience and how much money you want to spend (or do not want to spend!).  How many people, what type of beds (matrimonial, twin, single etc.)

VIP – if you are a VIP in any of the fields such as celebrity and/or political and/or business, and you need “special attention” such as privacy and/or security for your trip please use an alias in the enquiry, but mention that you are VIP and one of the directors will handle your request and keep your real name and details confidential.

Remember, our speciality is to create a travel itinerary custom-built to your needs.

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