The sights of Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital. With its colonial-era architecture, award-winning restaurants, and fascinating museums, it’s the perfect place to start your expedition cruise. There’s plenty to see, from the Mercado Central to the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace. Check out the Sky Costanera, which offers panoramic views of the city from 1,000 feet up.

With so much to discover in and around the city, we recommend arriving a few days early to join one of our optional Pre-Programs.

Begin your expedition cruise in Punta Arenas

You’ll have an early start today as we depart Santiago and fly to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost port, where your expedition ship awaits. Once on board, you can get settled in, explore the ship and meet your Expedition Team.

As well as being your guides, hosts, and local experts, they’re also your travel companions for the next three weeks. This friendly and welcoming team will answer any questions you may have during your adventure in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and Puerto Madryn.

Brush up on your science before your Antarctic adventure

On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with everything you need to make the most of your expedition cruise.

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen as experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. Learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible and discover the Citizen Science projects you can join.

There’s plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the hot tub and panoramic sauna, enjoy delicious cuisine and meet fellow travelers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Experience Antarctica in all its majesty

Nothing can quite prepare you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers and icebergs the size of cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder.

Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes to avoid the cunning leopard seals that hunt them. Migrating whales glide beside enormous icebergs as they feed on krill. Bird enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled for some of the 45 species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, including skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns.

The Antarctic summer will be coming to an end when we arrive. Expect to see these landscapes beautifully illuminated by breathtaking sunsets. It’s a great time to see penguins in their final stage of molting. It is also peak whale-watching season, as large amounts of krill lure cetaceans to the area.

Nature is king here and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. During 10 exciting days, we’ll busily explore several of the many possible landing sites in the South Shetland Islands and on the Antarctic Peninsula, based on when and where conditions are at their best. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

You’ll go on landings and take part in ice-cruising. You may even have the opportunity to kayak among the icebergs. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, giving you deeper insight into the frozen continent.

Relax and prepare for more adventures ahead

As you savor your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as we cruise toward the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Center, look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustain so much of the region’s wildlife.

Enjoy all of the ship’s amenities and get tips on how to improve your photos from our professional photographer. You can also join workshops on topics such as wildlife painting and nautical knot tying.

Enjoy birding and hiking on these green islands

The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sand beaches teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.

Landings, hikes and excursions are – as always – subject to weather conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, where seals can often be found as well, getting as close as possible without disturbing them.

Relax and prepare for Puerto Madryn

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail toward Puerto Madryn. With so many unforgettable experiences in Antarctica and the Falklands, your mind will be full of special memories and new knowledge.

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, reflecting on the highlights of a memorable adventure.

End the day with a relaxing drink in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip.

Visit a UNESCO wildlife haven

Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdés Peninsula. While we’re here, you can explore a stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no less than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat, and browse the local arts and crafts shops.

Time at sea to rest and reflect

As we sail the final leg from Puerto Madryn to Buenos Aires, enjoy your final day at sea.

This is the perfect time to go through your pictures and relive your experiences in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and Puerto Madryn. Enjoy the onboard comforts one last time. Relax in the hot tubs or the panoramic sauna or unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar. You can join the Expedition Team in the Science Center for further research and contribute to Citizen Science projects.

Enjoy the end of your expedition in Buenos Aires.

Your expedition cruise to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and Puerto Madryn comes to an end in Buenos Aires.

Home to a proud and diverse community of ‘porteños’, or ‘people of the port’, Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache. If you have time before your onward journey, enjoy exploring this vibrant city.

And if you’re not ready to end your adventure just yet, we recommend joining one of our optional Post-Programs.