This expert-led small-ship expedition explores Antarctica during peak whale season, combining exceptional cetacean encounters with an immersive exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and the glacier-carved waterways of the remote Chilean Fjords.
This exceptional voyage has been carefully designed around one key objective: maximising whale and dolphin encounters at the most productive time of year. Travelling during the height of the austral summer, when krill concentrations peak and whales gather to feed intensely, this exclusive expedition offers outstanding opportunities to observe cetacean behaviour in one of the world’s richest ecosystems.
The nutrient-dense waters of the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding regions attract an extraordinary diversity of whales. In Antarctica, likely sightings include humpback whale and Antarctic minke whale, alongside the possibility of striking orca. Previous voyages in these waters have also recorded southern right whale dolphin, southern right whale, long-finned pilot whale, blue whale, southern bottlenose whales and, on rare occasions, Cuvier’s beaked whales — a testament to the exceptional biodiversity of this remote marine environment.
Between whale encounters, we explore ashore among colonies of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguin, and observe seals hauled out on drifting ice, including Weddell, crabeater and Antarctica’s apex predator, the leopard seal. With all guests able to land at once, our time ashore is maximised.
The vast network of deep, glacier-carved channels in southern Chile remains largely inaccessible by land, making this unique addition to our expedition particularly special. Humpback and sei whales can often be seen here, alongside lively encounters with Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphin. Chilean dolphin sightings are also possible, with the prospect of rarer species such as Burmeister’s porpoise adding to the excitement of exploring this remote and wildlife-rich region.
By flying to the South Shetland Islands, more of our time is devoted to whale and dolphin encounters, along with wider wildlife opportunities. Combined with our small group, expert leadership and travel during peak Antarctic whale season, this voyage offers one of the most compelling cetacean experiences, set against a backdrop of towering icy peaks and magnificent polar wilderness.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK arriving the next day
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Day 2:
Arrive in Santiago de Chile
We arrive in Santiago de Chile and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.
Accommodation: The Singular Hotel, 1-night
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Day 3:
Fly to Punta Arenas
This morning, we fly to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city, set on the shores of the Magellan Strait and long regarded as the gateway to Antarctica.
Accommodation: Hotel Cabo de Hornos, 1-night
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Day 4:
Fly to King George Island & Embark
Today we fly across the Drake Passage on our exclusively chartered flight to King George Island. We board our privately chartered ship, the Magellan Explorer, our home for the next 16 nights.
Accommodation: Magellan Explorer, 16-nights
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Days 5-14
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Wildlife-Focused Exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula
During our 11 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, our focus is firmly on wildlife, and in particular the extraordinary abundance of whales that arrive in these nutrient-rich waters during the peak feeding season. Travelling aboard our small, purpose-built expedition ship allows us to operate with exceptional agility. There's no fixed daily schedule; instead, our days are shaped by what we encounter, ensuring we maximise every opportunity to observe whales and Antarctica’s wider wildlife at its most active.
A typical day might begin with an early morning Zodiac cruise through ice-choked channels, scanning the glassy waters for the blows of feeding humpback whales, or the unmistakable dorsal fin of a passing orca. We return to the ship for a warming lunch, and our afternoon may include a land ashore to explore penguin rookeries and dramatic coastal landscapes. Between excursions, the scenery itself is constantly captivating, with towering glaciers, sculpted blue and white icebergs, and rugged mountain backdrops illuminated by some of the most dramatic sunrises and sunsets on Earth.
At this time of year, whales are at their most active and sightings are often at their very best. Having spent the austral summer feasting on vast swarms of krill, these magnificent creatures are fuelled for their long migration north and exhibit a remarkable range of behaviours. We hope to encounter whales lunge feeding at the surface, mouths agape as they surge through dense clouds of krill, with towering icebergs forming an extraordinary backdrop. Other behaviours we hope to witness include powerful breaches, deep dives marked by lifting flukes, energetic lobtailing and moments of quiet curiosity as whales spy hop beside us, offering unforgettable encounters in one of the most dramatic wildlife settings on Earth.
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Days 15-16
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Northbound across the Drake Passage
Over the next two days, we travel north across the Drake Passage, using our time at sea to scan for an abundance of pelagic wildlife. These nutrient-rich waters offer excellent opportunities to encounter a variety of cetaceans, with likely sightings of humpback and fin whale, and the possibility of sei whales moving through the area.
Dolphins are often a highlight, particularly hourglass and Peale’s dolphin as we approach Cape Horn, and occasional sightings of southern right whale dolphin and dusky dolphin.
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Days 17-19
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Discovering wildlife in the Chilean Fjords
As we enter the sheltered waterways of the Chilean Fjords, the landscape changes dramatically, from open Southern Ocean to a maze of channels. This region supports a rich and often underappreciated marine ecosystem, home to a diversity of cetaceans. Our main focus here is Peale's, Commerson's and Chilean dolphin, with a possibility of Burmeister's porpoise.
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Day 20:
Disembark in Ushuaia & fly to Buenos Aires
We arrive into Ushuaia early this morning and disembark after breakfast. We begin our journey home with a flight to Buenos Aires and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Sofitel Recoleta, 1-night
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Day 21:
Fly back to UK, arriving the next day
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Day 22:
Arrive back in the UK
LUXURY VESSEL
