⏳ Duration
18 days / 17 nights
❄️ REGION
Antarctic Peninsula
South Georgia Island
South Shetland Islands
🛫 STARTS IN
Punta Arenas, Chile
🛬 ENDS IN
Ushuaia, Argentina
🚢 VESSEL
Magellan Explorer
📆 SEASON
March 2026
March 2027
💲 FROM
USD 24.995 per person
An epic journey from the ice of Antarctica to the wildest islands of the South Atlantic.
This 18-day itinerary begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, combining the majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula with the unmatched wildlife of South Georgia Island.
By flying directly to King George Island, you’ll avoid the turbulent Drake Passage and begin your expedition in the very heart of the White Continent.
On board a boutique expedition vessel, you’ll sail through fjords, bays, and glaciers before heading east to shores teeming with thousands of king penguins, fur seals, and albatrosses.
All of this is accompanied by an expert team who adapts the route to weather and ice conditions, ensuring every day is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Note: This experience is operated by Antarctica21.
At Ecordua, we take care of coordinating and personalizing every detail of your journey — from availability checks and logistics to pre- and post-expedition arrangements.
Itinerary
Arrive in Punta Arenas before 2:00 PM.
Meet the Antarctica21 team and transfer to the hotel.
In the afternoon, attend a mandatory briefing at the Explorer’s House with important details about the expedition and Antarctic visitor guidelines.
Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine and meet your expedition team and fellow travelers.
Board a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands.
After landing, take a short transfer to the shore, board a Zodiac, and embark your expedition vessel.
Sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Each day offers Zodiac landings, guided walks, and onboard presentations.
The route is flexible and adapts to conditions, with potential visits to places such as the Gerlache Strait, Penola Strait, Antarctic Sound, and more.
As you sail north, and if weather permits, attempt a visit to Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s Endurance crew awaited rescue.
Crossing toward South Georgia, enjoy thematic presentations and time to socialize in the panoramic lounge while observing seabirds.
Experience snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and fjords.
Visit historic whaling stations like Grytviken and the grave of Ernest Shackleton.
In St. Andrew’s Bay and other nearby beaches, witness massive colonies of king penguins and abundant marine wildlife.
Continue the voyage with a program of presentations that deepen your understanding of the region’s history and natural environment.
Arrive on the South American coast and navigate the Beagle Channel, with views of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island.
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, where the expedition concludes.
What to know
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS JOURNEY
A journey for those who dream of going further.
Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas,Chile with a direct flight to King George Island that takes you straight to the heart of Antarctica — no crossing of the Drake Passage required.
From there, you’ll set sail towards pristine landscapes where ice and sea merge into an endless horizon.
The experience goes beyond the Peninsula: awaiting you is South Georgia Island, with beaches covered in king penguins and a history tied to the legendary feats of explorers like Shackleton.
For over two weeks, you’ll enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, guided hikes in remote locations, and navigation through fjords and wildlife-rich bays. All with the comfort and safety of a boutique expedition vessel, led by an expert team.
There’s nothing for you to worry about — everything is arranged so you can focus on living a journey that unites the best of Antarctica and the South Atlantic.
✨ Operated by Antarctica21, pioneers in air-cruises to Antarctica and our trusted partners in reaching the most remote corners of the planet.
Other experiences in Antarctica
Looking for a different way to explore the White Continent?
This Antarctic & South Georgia itinerary is just one of the ways you can experience Antarctica.
You may also want to consider:
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula on an 8-day journey. Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island and sail among glaciers, islands, and unique wildlife.
View Classic Antartic Itinerary →
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
A shorter, more accessible expedition. Sail from Ushuaia, cross the Drake Passage, and fly back from King George Island.
Polar Circle Air-Cruise
A deeper expedition into the far south.
If conditions allow, you’ll cross the Antarctic Circle — a true milestone.
Not sure which one is right for you?
Contact us, and we’ll help you choose the best route for your travel style and interests.
Combine it with other destinations in Chile
From the Andes to the end of the world.
At Ecordua, we help you design a fully personalized trip.
Before or after your Antarctic expedition, we can organize a tailor-made experience in some of Chile’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations:
– Wine valleys and boutique hotels near Santiago
– Patagonia adventures in Torres del Paine or Aysén
– The Atacama Desert: salt flats, volcanoes, and starry skies
– Art, history, and food in Santiago or Valparaíso
But what truly sets us apart is how we work.
We handle everything for you:
Flights, handpicked hotels, excursions, private transfers, restaurant bookings, entrance tickets, insurance — everything.
Real people, real advice:
You’ll be supported by a dedicated travel expert from day one.
We can meet by email, video call, or even in person at our office in Santiago.
Genuine travel experiences:
We create the kind of trips we’d love to take ourselves — authentic, personal, and far from the crowds.
No tourist traps. Just real moments in incredible places.
Why travel with Antarctica 21?
At Ecordua, we’ve chosen to work with Antarctica21 because we believe they offer the best way to experience Antarctica from Chile — not just for their operations, but for what they represent.
– A Chilean company based in Punta Arenas, with deep roots in the region
– Pioneers of the air-cruise model, avoiding the rough Drake Passage and making the journey more comfortable and efficient
– Small boutique ships, carrying no more than 76 guests — faster landings, personalized service, no crowds
– A team of passionate experts: polar guides, naturalists, captains, and crew
– A strong commitment to responsible and sustainable travel in fragile ecosystems
Antarctica21 is a full member of IAATO and a CarbonNeutral® certified company. Their model is built on comfort, adaptability, and respect for nature.
✨ For us, it’s simple: if you’re going to step onto the seventh continent, we want you to do it right — with people who truly know and care about where they’re taking you.
Map
Did you enjoy this itinerary?
If this route inspires you but you’d like to adjust it, combine it with other destinations, or turn it into a fully personalized experience, we can help.
Explore our different levels of travel planning, discover more routes in our travel guide, or complete the form to start designing your ideal trip.
