The startling white continent of Antarctica, strewn with shimmering blue bergs and home to incredible wildlife, is a dream destination for adventurous yacht charterers seeking the ultimate voyage of discovery.
To afford more time on your Antarctica yacht charter adventure, and avoid the two day sail across the notorious Drake Passage, take a flight from Punta Arenas to land at King George Island (South Shetland). Here you can embark your expedition vessel.
Executing a successful itinerary on your Antarctica yacht charter requires flexibility, as you'll need to work with the prevailing ice and weather conditions to determine the best and safest route. Expedition leaders will inform and guide you every step of the way with presentations and briefings, sharing their detailed knowledge of this region. The following is just an outline of what is possible during a voyage in the Antarctic.
WHY VISIT?
- Stunning views
- Wildlife
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Day One punta arenas to king george island
Board your flight (timing will be weather dependant) from Punta Arenas to King George Island. Landing at the airstrip, there will be a quick opportunity to visit Russia's Bellinghausen base nearby. Transfer to the waterfront and board the Zodiac tenders to board your expedition vessel for your Antarctica yacht charter. Here you will be briefed on the safety and landing procedures by guides and leaders whilst also acquainting yourself with the crew and new surroundings.
Day Two the southern shetland islands
Stretching at the very northern tip of Antarctica, on the edge of the Drake Passage, the South Sheltland Islands are rich with wildlife. Penguin colonies, seabirds and seals live on and around the isles. With a detailed history from sealing and whaling, they are also where most of the research stations are located and you will be able to visit some of these as you discover the islands.
Day three deception island
As the flooded caldera of a volcano, having last erupted in the '70s, Deception Island is packed with exciting geology and more. Home to the region's largest chinstrap penguin colonies, the island has a history of shore-based whaling. Warmed slightly by the hot rocks below, this is apparently the warmest place for a swim in the Antarctic.
Day Four antarctic sound
Affectionately known as Iceberg Alley, Antarctic Sound lives up to its nickname, with drifting chunks of iceberg flowing north from the Weddell Sea. On Paulet Island or Devil Island, take time to visit the Adelié penguin colonies. On the east side are the northern areas of the Weddell Sea. On Snow Hill Island look out for the emperor penguins who breed here in the winter months. During the summer, the colonies dissipate, however you may see newly fledged chicks sitting on the ice.
day five - six the danco coast & gerlache strait
Head west and spend a couple of days exploring a variety of islands and passages in this stunning region during your Antarctica yacht charter. Visiting the gentoo penguin colonies is very entertaining and there are some nearby active research stations too. There is a wide variety of amazing experiences waiting to be discovered, all depending upon prevailing weather conditions.
day seven south shetland to punta arenas
The vessel will return to South Shetland and anchor off King George island, in order to meet your flight back to Punta Arenas (weather depending). It is recommended to plan for an overnight in Punta Arenas and onward travel home for the next day due to the overall uncertainty of exact flight times.
