Compare Adventure from Cape Horn to the Penguins of Antarctica by Hurtigruten vs Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle by Exodus Travels

Day 1: Santiago de Chile

Before embarking on this adventure, you spend a night in Santiago de Chile.

Day 2: Santiago de Chile and Punta Arenas

The next day you fly to Punta Arenas where your expedition ship the MS Midnatsol is already waiting for you

Day 3: Chilean fjords

We kick off by sailing south in the Magellan Strait and pass Isla Tucker and then through the extremely narrow Canal Gabriel. Chilean fjords are truly spectacular, and staying on deck to take in the view is the preferred activity.

Day 4: Chilean fjords and Cape Horn

We will do our best to make a landing on Cape Horn. However, this is an area known for high seas and challenging conditions and if we make it this will be a great achievement...

Day 5: At sea

Prepare yourself for Antarctica! Either with one of the films we show, by joining lectures or with a stay in the explorer room.

Day 6: At Sea

Trust us, Antarctica will overwhelm you. Everything is endless and white and the oceans are full of icebergs and whales. Maybe even more awe-inspiring will be your meeting the huge colonies of penguins. They are not afraid of humans; you can look forward to true close encounters with this most charming of bird species.

Day 7: Antarctica

Come ashore to explore the impressive Antarctic scenery, penguins and fur seals. From deck there are lots of chances of seeing whales as well. Enjoy close encounters with wildlife and glaciers, old whaling stations and relics. You are in one of the most remote areas of the world, but trust us when we say that you will not be bored for one single second.  Some of the places we will see are the South Shetlands and Cuverville Island, home to a large colony of gentoo penguins. Neko Harbour is beautifully located in the innermost part of Andvord Bay. Paradise Harbour got its descriptive name from the whalers during the last century. You can also look forward to visiting Half Moon Island, considered a jewel of diversity in the polar landscape. Join the expedition team and explore Antarctica with landings to get a close look at thousands of penguins and seals, enjoy kayaking and visits to the most interesting places. On board there are several lectures and “scientific experiments” for Young Explorers Antarctica.

Day 8: Antarctica

We continue the travel in Antarctica.

Day 9: Antarctica

We continue the travel in Antarctica.

Day 10: Antarctica

We continue the travel in Antarctica.

Day 11: Antarctica

We continue the travel in Antarctica.

Day 12: At sea

After six exciting days in Antarctica, we spend a day recapping our experiences, have fun in the explorer room or just relax on deck.

Day 13: Cape Horn and Chilean fjords

If we didn’t go ashore on Cape Horn on our way south we will try again today, or visit Puerto Williams, that is home to an interesting museum of anthropology and remains of ancient Indian campsites.

Day 14: Chilean fjords

We sail through the Chilean fjords and enjoy a day of wild nature and impressive sights. We will find a great place to land, surrounded by wilderness and glaciers. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner.

Day 15: Punta Arenas / Santiago de Chile

The adventure is over as we reach Punta Arenas, and it is time to say goodbye to all your new friends and the crew. After debarkation we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Santiago de Chile.

Day 1 Start Punta Arenas; overnight in hotel

Our adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet all passengers at the official starting point hotel, where we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for embarkation day. Please note that you need to arrive at the hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 3pm today.

Day 2 Charter flight to King George Island; board ship and embark

Our charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship is approaching King George Island for our arrival. Our first glimpse of dramatic Antarctica landscapes will be from a very unique perspective, as the plane descends for landing in the South Shetlands. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Day 3 - 5 Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As the ship approaches the white continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. Our first sightings will be from the ship itself. As the Captain and Expedition Team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region. Even more exciting are the daily excursions to land. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, Gentoo or Chinstrap penguin. We may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping on the ice in Antarctica, each day will be welcomed with the excitement and energy of a young child.

Day 6 - 7 Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33' S. We will celebrate in style with a well-earned glass of champagne! With a toast to the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun, Weddell seals and some of the most magical, odd ice formations seen anywhere in Antarctica.

Day 8 - 9 Travelling northbound along the Peninsula

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time we return to the Drake Passage. We will continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily as we travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. The Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for any species of penguins, seals and whales that may have eluded us on the journey south.

Day 10 Disembark on King George Island; charter flight to Punta Arenas and overnight in hotel

After a week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to the Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. A three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings our adventure to an end. After we transfer you from the airport to the hotel, you can enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 11 End Punta Arenas

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Punta Arenas for your homeward flight.