Unchartered Antarctica; Bespoke Expedition

• Day 1 - Punta Arenas, Chile

  The vibrant port city of Punta Arenas is situated at Chile’s southernmost tip, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas now offers attractions and adventure in abundance, including historic sites, museums, the Otway Sound and the penguin reserve, plus activities like hiking, sea kayaking and whale watching. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner and welcome briefing to meet your fellow adventurers.

• Day 2 - Fly to King George Island and Embark

  The flight across the Drake Passage takes just four hours, shaving precious time off the two days it normally takes our larger vessels to make the journey by sea. The descent to King George Island provides an excellent view of the continent when skies are clear! You’ll have free time to stretch your legs and take photographs of the island before boarding our small exploration boat, Hans Hansson. Once you’ve settled into your cabin and partaken in the safety briefing, you’ll enjoy an intimate family-style meal with the captain and crew.

• Day 3/16 - Antarctic Peninsula

  Your cruise adventure around the islands of the Antarctic Peninsula begins when you board Hans Hansson. The ship’s small size allows us to navigate places few vessels can, and with only 12 passengers, shore excursions last longer and can be customized to passenger expectations. As you ply iceberg-laden waters around the Antarctic Peninsula, every direction offers a stunning new vista.

  Each day brings morning, afternoon or full-day landings—all are adventures filled with possibilities for exploring the flora and fauna of Antarctica. See the Antarctic skua, referred to as a kleptoparasite, because of its penchant for attacking other seabirds and stealing their food. View breeding colonies of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, plus the krill-rich waters just offshore, which attract a variety of aquatic life, including humpback whales. Leopard, Antarctic fur, Weddell and crabeater seals often visit, occasionally catching a ride on an iceberg.

  Keep your camera handy in case you spot the southern giant petrel, a seabird that eats everything from krill to carrion, and when threatened responds by spraying predators with oil produced in its stomach.

• Day 17 - Disembark and Fly to Punta Arenas

  With your intimate Antarctic adventure at an end, you’ll disembark at King George Island and relax during a comfortable, convenient charter flight back to Punta Arenas. Enjoy local cuisine and explore the city for one more evening before starting your homeward journey.

• Day 18 - Depart Punta Arenas

  If you’ve chosen to enjoy Punta Arenas for a few layover days, have a sumptuous breakfast before heading out in the morning to explore. If not staying longer, head to the airport, your suitcase full of souvenirs and your head full of memories. This is one trip you won’t soon forget—the friends you’ve made are sure to be in touch as time passes, to keep fresh the once-in-a-lifetime adventure you shared aboard the Hans Hansson.

Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.