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.

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

Antarctica Expeditions:

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.

Antarctica Expeditions:

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)

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.

SPECIAL ANTARCTICA PLUS TORRES DEL PAINE OFFER – SAVE MONEY BY COMBINING THESE TWO FANTASTIC PLACES – ASK US ABOUT IT!

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

Our email is: request@experiencechile.org

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.

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