Puerto Williams, a Chilean town on the island of Navarino, is "the southernmost town in the world" due to its small size. With around 2500 inhabitants, it boasts a picturesque landscape and the dramatic backdrop of the "Dientes de Navarino". Established in 1953 as a naval base, Puerto Williams originally protected territorial possessions and fishing rights, but has since become a base for scientific and tourist trips to the Antarctic region. The small village atmosphere and rustic buildings make this a peaceful retreat.

The first 3 days of this cruise are spent cruising to South Georgia, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore all the facilities your ship has to offer. Perhaps enjoy a spa treatment, a lecture from one of the on-board expedition team on a fascinating aspect of Antarctica, or just sit with a drink in the observation lounge and look out for birds and wildlife.

Over the next 3 days, you’ll soon discover the journey to reach South Georgia will be worth it. What lies in wait, is a spectacular destination of towering mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands. However, it’s the astounding concentration of wildlife that makes this place truly special. There are hundreds of species of birds that are found on these islands and as well as the ones in the sky, there are thousands of King Penguins which make up the colonies on land here. There are also fascinating links to the early Antarctic explorers and South Georgia is where the British explorer Ernest Shackleton is buried. There may be an opportunity to visit his grave and pay homage to one of the most famous (and perhaps most unsuccessful) Antarctic explorers. 

After moving on from South Georgia there are a further 2 days of sailing to get to the Antarctic Peninsula. The excitement will build along the way as you get ever nearer the 7th continent and you prepare for your first sightings of the amazing icebergs.

Impressive glaciers can be seen approaching Elephant Island which was given its name because of its elephant-like appearance. It is also a place where sightings of elephant seals are very common too. The Islands biggest significance is that in 1916 when Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, his crew managed to navigate here before becoming stranded for more than 4 months sheltering under two upturned lifeboats on a dramatic spit of land. 

Today you will get your first experiences of Antarctica as your ship moves into Antarctic Sound and its magnificent array of tabular icebergs, historical sites and Adelie and Gentoo Penguin rookeries. Depending on weather and ice conditions your ship may go on to visit Brown Bluff and Hope Bay before moving towards the Antarctic Peninsula overnight.

Antarctica is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures, calving glaciers and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. You will spend the day exploring some of the amazing sites here.

Your last visits to Antarctica will be made in the area of Deception Island which is a huge sunken caldera (volcano) which can be reached from the sea. From whaling to scientific studies, the Island’s history is very interesting, and you can discover more of the unique volcanic features during a hike.

The time has come for you to return towards the mainland and the next 2 days will be spent cruising the Drake Passage back to South America. During the last afternoon, the onboard photographer will show the Voyage DVD.

After breakfast, its time to disembark the ship.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here