Cruise Overview
Antarctica cruise | Antarctica & Falklands - From Punta Arenas to Buenos Aires
Voyaging to the white continent of Antarctica, the Falklands Islands and Puerto Madryn, discover unique landscapes, wildlife and incredible sunsets on this late-summer expedition cruise.
Witness majestic icebergs up close, spot whales and penguins, and enjoy opportunities to go hiking, kayaking, ice-cruising and camping on the Antarctic snow.
Land on scenic beaches and follow grassland trails to discover the wildlife of the Falkland Islands and visit the charming capital, Stanley.
The frozen continent
After a flight from Santiago de Chile, you’ll embark in Punta Arenas and head toward Antarctica. You’ll spend 10 days exploring the continent in the late-summer months. At this time of year, beautiful sunsets paint the ice and snow in shades of gold, orange and pink. As always, nature is in charge. We’ll adjust our plans according to the elements to bring you the best possible landing sites and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
The Falkland Islands and Puerto Madryn
Then, your adventure continues with three days in the Falkland Islands. Visit the capital, Stanley, with its charming red buses, restaurants and pubs, and discover the variety of wildlife living on the more remote parts of the islands. You’ll then call at Puerto Madryn, known for its stunning beaches and nearby nature reserve, before your adventure comes to an end in vibrant Buenos Aires.
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Practical information you need to know
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Santiago, Chile’s capital
Day 1
Santiago, Chile’s capital
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.
Depart from Punta Arenas
Day 2
Depart from Punta Arenas
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.
Get ready for Antarctica
Day 3-4
Get ready for Antarctica
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.
Antarctica: another world
Day 5-14
Antarctica: another world
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.
Heading to the Falklands
Day 15-16
Heading to the Falklands
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.
Wildlife of the Falklands
Day 17-19
Wildlife of the Falklands
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.
The South Atlantic
Day 20
The South Atlantic
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.
Puerto Madryn
Day 21
Puerto Madryn
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.
Cruise the Argentine Basin
Day 22-23
Cruise the Argentine Basin
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.
Buenos Aires
Day 24
Buenos Aires
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.
What's included
Hotel
- Overnight in Santiago de Chile before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas before the expedition cruise
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Santiago de Chile before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Punta Arenas before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landing with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight stay(s) may be required due to international flight schedules
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise