Please plan to fly into Punta Arenas Airport today. We’ll meet the group and guides in the evening at the Hotel Almasur in Punta Arenas (not included) and find out more about tomorrow’s flight to King George Island, as well as our adventure ahead.
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Venture deep into Antarctica’s raw landscape for an adventure like no other. Over 11 days, we’ll sail the icy waters and explore stunning locations like Paradise Harbor, Deception Island, and the Errera Channel on skis and in kayaks. Along the way, we’ll meet the wildlife that calls this frozen continent home, from penguins to seals to whales. With all meals provided aboard our cozy schooner, kayaking gear, and two expert guides leading the way, we’ll experience Antarctica up close in a way few ever will. Ready to go beyond the ordinary?
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We’ll meet our guides at Punta Arenas airport and board our charter flight to King George Island. Upon arrival, we meet our sailboat Elsi and the crew and move onboard. There will be a safety and environmental briefing to prepare us for the adventure ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
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We’ll transit to Yankee Harbor on Greenwich Island for a morning ski and kayak outing. In the afternoon, we cross to Livingstone Island for another ski and kayak session, making the most of the stunning Antarctic landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi -
Today we transit to Deception Island, where we’ll explore the history and stories of the old Whale Station. Then, we’ll hike up to Neptune’s Window for a breathtaking view before heading out for a ski and kayak outing.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
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We transit to Enterprise Island and set out to ski on Nansen Island. Our kayaks will take us around Enterprise Island and through an iceberg graveyard, where the scenery is almost surreal.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi -
Today we’ll visit Cuverville Island to see the Gentoo Penguin colony before skiing Mount Tennant. In the afternoon, we’ll kayak the scenic Errera Channel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi -
We’ll spend two days in Paradise Harbor to explore its many skiing and kayaking objectives. The area also offers several non-activity outings, which makes for a versatile and exciting experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi -
We’ll pass through the stunning LeMaire Channel before kayaking and taking a zodiac cruise around Pleneau Harbor. In the afternoon, we’ll ski Mt. Scott and take in incredible views of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi -
For our ninth day together, we’ll visit Vernadsky Base and then ski Mount Mill. Our kayak outing takes us through the Argentine Islands, offering an incredible perspective of the icy landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi -
We’ll stop at the English base and visit its gift store before heading out for a ski tour on either Doumer Island or Mount Jabet. We’ll kayak through the Neumayer Channel, then transit back to King George Island in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi -
We disembark in the morning and, depending on our departure time, fly back to Punta Arenas at some point during the day. In case it’s a late evening flight and we’re still on the boat at lunchtime, we’ll have lunch. Since flight departures can be delayed due to weather, it’s best you plan to stay in Punta Arenas for 3 more days after the adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
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Included:
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- Two experienced ski and kayak guides with extensive knowledge of the area
- 11-day Antarctica adventure (sailing, skiing, and kayaking)
- Charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
- Accommodation for 10 nights on the restored schooner Elsi
- All meals on board the ship
- All shore excursions from the ship (including zodiacs)
- Kayaks and kayaking equipment
- Port taxes and charges imposed by government authorities
Not included:
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- Flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Accommodations in Punta Arenas before and after the adventure
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
- Visas, passport and vaccination charges
- Airport departure tax
- Laundry, personal clothing, medical expenses and items of a personal nature
- Emergency evacuation charges
- Guide gratuities — optional
- Travel and medical insurance — optional
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To make the most of this Antarctica adventure, you should have great fitness levels and prior backcountry touring and/or cold water paddling experience. However, non-skiers and non-kayakers are welcome to join—there are plenty of ways to explore Antarctica!
Ski touring in Antarctica is demanding. Almost all skiing is on glaciers, with rugged peaks rising up to 1,500 m (4,921 ft). You can expect to ski for multiple consecutive days with 1,000 m (3,280 ft) ascents and descents. You must be able to downhill ski or board on black diamond runs in all conditions to go skiing on this adventure. Since much of the skiing is done on glaciated terrain, you may be roped up during ascents on occasion. You should also be ready for varied snow conditions, from powder to spring-like corn skiing.
Kayaking in Antarctica should not be your first kayaking trip. You should be comfortable handling 1 m (3.3 ft) swells, wind chop, and paddling into a 20 km/h (12 mph) headwind.
If you do not plan to ski or kayak, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore Antarctica at a more relaxed pace. Zodiac tours give you access to penguin colonies, historic sites, and tidewater glaciers for incredible wildlife encounters and stunning scenery. With a dedicated zodiac and guide, you can cruise past icebergs, visit glacier fronts, or take short hikes.
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Skiing in Antarctica is excellent. The conditions can be highly variable, from powder to corn snow and everything in between. The terrain is diverse and offers a range of skiing opportunities.
Avalanche risk is normally not high. Antarctica’s coastal snowpack is generally stable with mild temperatures. Of course, conditions can vary, but your expert guides ensure safety is always a top priority.
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Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
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Here’s a list of equipment you need to bring:
Clothing for skiers and kayakers
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- Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
- Long underwear top — synthetic or wool
- Light fleece or wool sweater
- Wind shell — nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type jacket
- Waterproof breathable jacket
- Warm insulated jacket — down or synthetic
- Long underwear bottoms — synthetic or wool
- Multipurpose stretch nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type pants
- Waterproof breathable pants
- Warm hat — wool or synthetic
- Brimmed cap for sun protection
- Face warmer — scarf, neck tube or balaclava (optional)
- Light gloves — wool, synthetic or leather
- Insulated gloves or mitts with waterproof outer shell
- Spare gloves or mitts
- Insulated pants — for sitting on deck
- Sunglasses — both orange and dark lenses are helpful for travel in all conditions
- Sunscreen and lip cream (SPF 30+)
- Insulated water bottle or thermos (1-2 L)
- Lunch bag or container
- Pocket knife — optional
- Camera — optional
- Binoculars — optional
- Utility cord for hanging stuff to dry — very helpful for hanging personal items in your cabin
Ski touring equipment
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- Avalanche beacon with good batteries and spares
- Shovel
- Probe — 2.4m or longer preferred
- Skis or split board
- Ski strap
- Ski or snowboard boots
- Poles
- Climbing skins
- Skin wax — pre-treat your skins ahead of time and bring extra skin wax
- Ski crampons — mandatory
- Boot crampons and lightweight ice axe (boot crampons need to fit your ski boots)
- Binding repair kit to fix your personal travel setup
- Ski helmet
- Ski scraper
- Ski pack (30-40 L)
- Goggles (orange or rose lenses)
- Personal blister kit — pre-tape problem spots on your feet to prevent issues
Glacier gear
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- Harness — fitted for over your ski clothing
- Locking carabiners (x2)
- Non-locking carabiners (x2)
- Prussik cord — 5m x 6mm
- Sewn sling — 120cm
On board the sailing boat
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- Small soft-sided duffle bag (30-50 L) to contain your clothes in your berth
- Shoes
- Insulated boots for shore excursions
- Comfortable clothing
- Personal medications and toiletries (including small-sized soap and shampoo)
- Ear plugs
- Reading material
- Chargers & adapters for electronic devices (normal AC power is available as 220V Euro plug)
Kayak equipment
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- Drysuit with goretex socks
- Paddling booties (one size bigger to accommodate drysuit socks and warm socks)
- Extra warm socks for paddling in
- Neoprene paddling gloves and poggies
- Small dry bag for day paddles
Pillows, blankets, linens and towels are supplied on board the ship.
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Renting ski and avalanche gear is not possible for this Antarctica adventure. Please bring your own ski and avalanche gear. You should bring ski equipment you have used before this trip and avalanche equipment you’re familiar with. Make sure all your gear is in good condition.
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Group sizes and pricing
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- For this Antarctica adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. Two guides will accompany you on this adventure.
- It takes a minimum of 10 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants.
An Antarctica adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
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The starting point of your Antarctica adventure is Punta Arenas, Chile. To get there, most people fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), 30 minutes away. Please plan to arrive a day before the start of the adventure.
You’ll meet your guides in the evening of Day 0 at the Hotel Almasur in Punta Arenas (accommodation not included). On Day 1, you’ll board a charter flight to King George Island, where you’ll embark the ship and start your journey. Please note that the flight departure on Day 1 depends on weather conditions.
You will receive more specific details after booking.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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