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Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, this Poloar Circle Air-Cruise will take you to one of the most remote places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest and most inhospitable continent - Antarctica.

This 9-day program includes flying to and from Antarctica by air, and cruising by ship along the Antarctic Peninsula as far south as the Polar Circle. By surpassing Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage you will enjoy more time exploring the dramatic Antarctic continent.

Day 1 - Punta Arenas

Arrive at the city of Punta Arenas to be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, receive instructions concerning the guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica and the procedures for Zodiac boat embarkation and disembarkation. Gather for a welcome dinner together with your expedition mates and the chance to enjoy a typical Magellan menu.

*Passengers should be in Punta Arenas at 3:00pm at the latest. Pick-up at Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel are not guaranteed for passengers arriving later than 3:00pm.

Accommodations: Hotel Rey Don Felipe
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - King George Island

This Antarctic adventure begins with the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). The flight takes a little less than two hours. Upon arrival, tour around the area where the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base are located. Gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation by Zodiac boats on board our expedition vessel.

Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 3-8 - Antarctic Exploration

While cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey southwards includes visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent, such as: Cierva Cove, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Prospect and Fish Islands amongst others. Depending on weather and ice conditions on our way southwards, we attempt to cross the Polar Circle at latitude 66° 33’ South and enjoy a champagne to celebrate this extraordinary occasion. This adventure will be very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats, lectures and a very enjoyable time on board.

Accommodations: M/V Ocean Nova
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - King George Island, Return Flight

Return to King George Island to disembark in Zodiac boats, at the Frei Chilean Base, and head to the aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas. The program ends upon arrival at the Airport in Punta Arenas. Transfer to the city will be available for passengers staying overnight in Punta Arenas.

*One complimentary hotel night in Punta Arenas is offered upon request on Day 9 of the Travel Program.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions. At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.

Included: One night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas; Punta Arenas flights to King George Island and back to Punta Arenas; Shipboard accommodation, meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; The use of rubber boots for the duration of the voyage; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit and Antarctic handbook; Group transfers and baggage handling as per itinerary; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges.

Exclusions: Any International airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; supplement for single hotel accommodations; adventure options of kayaking or diving; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for those who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Room Configurations: Standard twin cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.85 times the double occupancy price. Request the Twin Share Program where we match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Families & Children: Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 12 years of age.

Arrival & Departure: When considering flights plan to arrive Punta Arenas at any time before 3:00pm on Day 1 for included transfers. A pre-cruise hotel overnight is included on Day 1. We recommend travelers spend an additional night at the conclusion of the cruise on Day 9; a complimentary hotel night in Punta Arenas is offered upon request on Day 9 of the Travel Program. It is possible to depart Punta Arenas on evening flights but because the Antarctica flights are so variable we recommend travelers stay one more night. Get a free flight quote.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of US$2000 per person is required to confirm a reservation on the Polar Circle Air Cruise, with final payment due 120 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in US dollars and no other currencies can be accepted. A special cancellation policy applies to all Antarctica trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:

More than 120 days - $750 administrative fee
120 to 60 days - refund of 70% of the total tour costs
60-30 days - refund of 40% of the total tour costs
Within the 30 days - no refunds. If full payment has not yet been received at 120 days prior, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: Kayaking is available on all departures, at $895 per person (minimum age 16). Snowshoeing is available on selected departures at $195 per person. To take part in the kayaking program you must have previous kayaking experience. You don’t need to be a top kayaking expert but you must have experience in using a sea kayak with a spray skirt. You must also have experience with an emergency wet exit.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has full mobility, and leads an active life. Passengers must be able to navigate the 30-stair gang-way un-assisted both down and up. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study and photograph. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

Contingency Plan: In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place due to unfavorable conditions either at point of origin and/or destination, a Contingency Plan has been established, applying from Day 2 of the Travel Program corresponding to each voyage. From Day 2 to Day 8 every effort will be made to transport passengers to Antarctica taking into consideration their safety and the safety of the aircraft. In case such efforts are not successful, the daily program described hereby will apply:

Day 2 - Guided tours to sites of historic and wildlife interest in Punta Arenas. Meals are included as well as accommodation in the same hotel as foreseen on Day 1 of the Travel Program.

Day 3 - Guided tours to sites of historic and wildlife interest in Punta Arenas. Meals are included as well as accommodation in the same hotel as foreseen on Day 1 of the Travel Program.

Day 4 - Accommodation with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in Punta Arenas is included. Any other service and meals are excluded. Passengers are required to stand-by for announcements concerning the flight to Antarctica. If by the end of Day 4 travelers are not able to reach Antarctica, a refund of 5% of the total rate (excluding discounts, if any) will be provided.

Day 5 - Accommodation with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in Punta Arenas is included. Any other service and meal are excluded. Passengers are required to stand-by for announcements concerning the flight to Antarctica. If by the end of Day 5 travelers are not able to reach Antarctica, a refund of 15% of the total rate (excluding discounts, if any) will be provided.

Day 6 - Accommodation with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in Punta Arenas is included. Any other service and meal are excluded. Passengers are required to stand-by for announcements concerning the flight to Antarctica. If by the end of Day 6 travelers are not able to reach Antarctica, a refund of 25% of the total rate (excluding discounts, if any) will be provided.

Day 7 - Accommodation with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in Punta Arenas is included. Any other service and meal are excluded. Passengers are required to stand-by for announcements concerning the flight to Antarctica. If by the end of Day 6 travelers are not able to reach Antarctica, a refund of 35% of the total rate (excluding discounts, if any) will be provided.

Day 8 - Accommodation with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in Punta Arenas is included. Any other service and meal are excluded. Passengers are required to stand-by for announcements concerning the flight to Antarctica. If by the end of Day 6 travelers are not able to reach Antarctica, a refund of 60% of the total rate (excluding discounts, if any) will be provided.

Day 9 - Breakfast. Transfer to Punta Arenas airport. End of the Contingency Plan.

In case of a delay on the return flight to Punta Arenas from Antarctica, passengers on board the ship will continue cruising to nearby places until the return flight to Punta Arenas is authorized. Full board and all excursions are included. No refunding for whatever reason is foreseen.


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