Fly-Fly Itinerary
Please Note: Flexibility is a hallmark of these expedition cruises, and the day-to-day itinerary may change as we adapt to weather and local conditions, taking advantage of rare wildlife sightings or allowing photographers to linger ashore when the light is especially good.
Itinerary
Day 1: Gather in Puerto Natales before your flight to Antarctica
Arrive in a Patagonian town set among peaks and fjords on Last Hope Sound
Join your expedition team and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner
Arrive in Puerto Natales, a once-small fishing village that now serves as a gateway to some of Patagonia’s most arresting landscapes. Surrounded by peaks and fjords and only a short journey from Torres del Paine National Park, the town sits on Last Hope Sound. Meet your expedition team and fellow adventurers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2: Fly to King George Island and board your expedition ship
Take a two-hour flight to the South Shetland Islands
Watch for Weddell and elephant seals and Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins
Ride by Zodiac to your expedition ship waiting offshore
A 2-hour flight delivers us to King George Island where our Antarctic adventure begins in earnest. The island is home to a diverse assortment of wildlife, including Weddell and elephant seals; and Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins. Researchers from around the world, including the U.S., Chile, Argentina and Brazil conduct a range of analysis from the various scientific stations here. Our flight lands at the Chilean research station where the National Geographic Orion awaits offshore. A brisk Zodiac ride delivers us on board, and we set sail.
Days 3 to 8: Explore a world of ice beneath the austral summer sun
Watch for whales surfacing close enough to hear their blows
Cruise past towering icebergs, pack ice and near-vertical glaciers
Walk near penguin colonies and look for Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals
In the austral summer’s extended daylight, we have ample opportunities to explore Antarctica’s magnificent landscapes and wildlife. Our flexible schedule allows us to seize unexpected moments, from observing playful whales to hiking alongside penguin colonies or enjoying evening Zodiac cruises amid porpoising penguins.
While the wildlife is extraordinary, ice defines Antarctica. We encounter it in various forms—from towering icebergs and near vertical glaciers to newly formed fragile layers. Activities may include kayaking among icebergs, Zodiac excursions in search of seals and blue-eyed shags or walks amid vast penguin rookeries. The thrill of our ship crunching through pack ice is unforgettable.
Antarctica’s waters are also vibrant. Enormous penguin colonies share beaches with Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals. Cruising among icebergs, we watch for whales and seals, sometimes close enough to hear their blows. Exceptional birdlife features diverse species of albatross, petrel, skua, gull, tern and cormorant.
After exhilarating days, return to the comfort of the National Geographic Explorer. Enjoy gourmet dinners while taking in the scenery through expansive windows. Throughout the journey, the expert expedition team enriches every experience, helping you fully appreciate this intact and grand natural world where we feel both humbled and inspired.
Day 9: Fly from Antarctica back to Chilean Patagonia
Disembark your expedition vessel in the South Shetland Islands and travel by Zodiac to King George Island
Board a two-hour flight to Puerto Natales
The only airstrip on the Antarctic Peninsula archipelago that can reliably serve the South American continent on a regular basis is located on King George Island in the South Shetland group. We disembark and Zodiac ashore to board our 2-hour flight to Puerto Natales.
Day 10: Depart Puerto Natales after your Antarctic voyage
Connect with homeward flights from Chilean Patagonia
Fly homeward today from Puerto Natales, carrying a trove of memories from your unforgettable Antarctic adventure.
