Antarctica
Chile is one of seven countries worldwide, from both the northern and southern hemispheres, to claim a portion of Antarctica as national territory. Nonetheless, the treaty signed in 1959 protects the continent and its neighboring islands from mineral exploitation and indefinitely suspends all formal discussion of ownership. The Antarctic is a land of extremes, a destination that enthralls all who participate in the exciting voyage to one of the most remote and fascinating natural reserves in the world. The Antarctic with its stunning beauty, incredible colors reflected of the ice, wildlife in full splendor and magnificent sites to visit promises to be an unforgettable experience for travelers in search of an exceptional ambiance. The continent is covered with a cape of ice formed by the constant accumulation of snow in the course of hundreds of thousands of years; the thickest part measures approximately 2,5 miles / 4 kilometers, hidden beneath are mountains, valleys and prairies. Huge ice masses break off on a daily basis, turning into icebergs that can be several miles long. Wildlife in the Antarctic is singular. Due to the fact that the White Continent has no history of hunting, animals are usually fearless of human beings and are actually "intrigued" by their company. Being able to wander amidst thousands of penguins and sea lions makes this place a paradise for photographers. Not to mention being able to view first hand the flight of large southern birds such as Cape petrels, among others.

"On the stone assaulted
by the birds
the secret was set forth:
stone, moisture excrement, and solitude
will ferment and beneath the blood-red sun
sandy offspring will be born
and they, too, will one day fly back
to the tempestuous cold light,
to the Antarctic feet of Chile".

Migration - Pablo Neruda

Jumping over Cape Horn and the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, Antarctica XXI offers an exceptional experience to the most inaccessible place on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest and most inhospitable continent – Antarctica. In a little over three hours of flying from Punta Arenas / Chile to King George Island, the largest island of the South Shetland Archipelago, one will be at the gates of the white continent. From King George Island navigation will be for six days and five nights along the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting the most wonderful places and enjoying the best wildlife sites of Antarctica. During the whole journey different lectures will be given to introduce and inform about this wonderful continent. We are sure this will be the trip of a lifetime.

Day 1: Punta Arenas
Arrival at the city of Punta Arenas where you will be met by Antarctica XXI staff, to be later transferred to the selected hotel. During the afternoon, before dinner, you will receive instructions in relation with the norms that should be followed in Antarctica and about the procedures of embarkation and disembarkation. Later, you will enjoy our welcome dinner at the José Nogueira Hotel, a centenary French style mansion, where you will have the chance to meet your expedition mates.

Day 2: Punta Arenas – King George Island
Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). The flight takes a little over three hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the “Presidente Eduardo Frei M.” Chilean Base and “Bellinghausen” Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V “Grigoriy Mikheev”.

Day 3 to 6: South Shetland and Antarctic Peninsula
As we cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey toward the south may include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent such as: Hannah Point, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our adventure will be full, with daily landings and cruises in zodiac boats, selected lectures and an enjoyable time on board.

Day 7: King George Island – Punta Arenas
Return to King George Island where we will disembark, in zodiac boats, at Fildes Bay by “Presidente Eduardo Frei M.” Chilean Base, and head to the “Teniente Marsh” aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas. End of the program upon arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas.

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