Spirit of Antarctica featuring the Chilean Fjords | Sylvia Earle Expedition Ship

Spirit of Antarctica featuring the Chilean Fjords

The wildlife is still active as the Antarctic summer comes to an end and the landscape enjoys the gentle play of light. Take a trip across the famous Drake Passage, which connects Antarctica with the rest of the world. You can see amazing seabirds as you approach the frozen terrain by boat. One eye should be fixed to the skies in order to see skuas or terns. The other must remain on the surface of the water. The peak season for humpback sightings is this year. You can also see penguins taking their first swims.

Day by day

Day 1: Punta Arenas

You will be welcomed by our representative upon your arrival at Punta Arenas. He or she will then assist you in your transfer with other expeditioners to your pre-voyage accommodation. Please proceed to the hotel assigned if you are already in Punta Arans. Check-in begins at 3 pm.

Please visit our hospitality desk located in the lobby of the hotel between 3 pm and 7 pm after your arrival. You can get your baggage cabin tags there and confirm that you will be participating in the Punta Arenas Tour scheduled the next day. They will answer any questions, provide information on dining and shopping options, as well as give you details about embarkation.

Arriving after 7:00pm, expeditioners will receive a welcome package at the desk. Please visit our hospitality desk between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00am the following day.

You are free to do whatever you want with the rest of the day. All meals will be at your expense.

Cabo de Hornos will accommodate you.

Day 2: Embarkation

Enjoy breakfast in the morning and then complete your check-out. Make sure your luggage has tags that clearly display your name and your cabin number. Bring your luggage at the reception of the hotel, before or after check-out. The luggage is stored in the hotel and then transported directly to port to clear it. It will then be put into your cabin prior to your departure. Keep any personal or valuable items close to you at all times.

Punta Arenas was founded around 1500 and is the entrance to the Strait of Magellan. It was originally established as a prison colony but later developed into a major commercial and supply center for ships traveling between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. Punta Arenas is a great base to explore Patagonia or Antarctica. It may not seem like a popular destination at first, but a walk around the town will reveal unique and fascinating sights. The colonial architecture, such as the Palacio Sarah Braun, which dates back to the 1800s, is particularly noticeable. Plaza Munoz Gamero is a large park-like area in the old part of Punta Arenas, with tall trees and lush foliage. A statue of Ferdinand Magellan honors the man who discovered the Strait of Magellan. He was the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean. The waterfront promenade offers views of Tierra del Fuego, as well as the Strait of Magellan. You can see the Maritime Monument, which represents the early settlers of the region, shipwrecks left over from the historic trading days and cormorants flying above the water.

You will be taken to the dock for embarkation around 4:00pm.

You'll be able to get settled into your cabin and attend important briefings before you board. We'll all gather together on deck as the ship leaves the port to say goodbye to Punta Arenas, and begin our exciting journey to Antarctica.

Welcome dinner to celebrate the beginning of your Antarctica adventure. Get to know your fellow travelers, your friendly expedition team and crew.

Day 3: Chilean Fjords

Day 4 & 5: Drake Passage

Day 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 11 & 12: Drake Passage

Day 13: Ushuaia

+12

Neko Harbour | Antarctic Peninsula | Antarctica

Highlights

Improve your ice and wildlife photography skills.

Use Zodiacs to explore serene bays and observe stunning icebergs.

Observe remarkable wildlife, including migrating whales and penguins during molting.

Sail through Chilean Fjords, keeping an eye out for various seabirds and marine animals preparing for winter migration.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.