ANTARTICA CLASSIC AIR-CRUISE
Experience the legendary White Continent in comfort and style with our Antarctica Air-Cruise. Skip the often rough seas of the Drake Passage and fly directly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, where your expedition ship awaits. From there, set sail through stunning ice-covered landscapes, encounter incredible wildlife, and step foot on the most remote continent on Earth—all in one seamless, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
This adventure is operated by Antarctica21, and we’ve partnered with them so you can book directly through World Wide Trekking. Please note that this trip does not include WWT guides, but all arrangements are handled through us for a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Trek Summary
Antarctic Air-Cruise
8 D / 7 N
SPACES AVILABLE:
Varies
THE WWTREK ASSURANCE | SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH THE CHALLENGE
The Challenge:
Traveling to Antarctica is unlike any other journey on Earth. While our ANTARCTICA AIR-CRUISE allows you to skip the rough seas of the Drake Passage, you’ll still be exploring one of the most remote and extreme environments in the world. Conditions can be cold, windy, and unpredictable, and landings often require stepping in and out of Zodiacs onto rugged, icy terrain. You’ll need to be prepared for active days spent outdoors, walking on uneven ground, and dressing in layers for rapidly changing weather. But with every step, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views, surreal silence, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
The Reassurance:
With World Wide Trekking, you’re not just visiting Antarctica—you’re doing it the smart, safe, and seamless way. Flying directly to King George Island avoids the two-day Drake Passage crossing and gets you exploring faster and more comfortably. On board your expedition ship, enjoy expert-led presentations, gourmet meals, and warm accommodations. Daily Zodiac excursions are led by polar veterans who prioritize safety, while your ship’s small guest capacity ensures personal attention and flexibility. We partner with the most trusted providers in polar travel, ensuring top-tier safety standards, guided support, and an extraordinary experience from start to finish.
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The World Wide Trekking Difference
At World Wide Trekking, we believe extraordinary destinations deserve equally extraordinary experiences. That’s why our ANTARCTICA AIR-CRUISE is designed for maximum comfort, safety, and immersion. By flying over the Drake Passage, you avoid the roughest seas and spend more time where it matters most—on the ice. We partner with the industry’s most respected polar experts, ensuring boutique expedition vessels, personalized service, and a guest experience that feels both luxurious and adventurous. From seamless logistics to enriching education and wildlife encounters, we take care of the details so you can focus on the wonder of Antarctica.
Porthole Cabin – $18,995
Veranda Cabin – $23,495
Deluxe Veranda Cabin – $25,495
Penthouse Suite – $30,495
Expedition Vessel Accommodations
Your journey to Antarctica is supported by a boutique expedition ship designed for comfort, safety, and exploration. Each vessel features well-appointed cabins, cozy common areas, a panoramic observation lounge, and gourmet dining—all with fewer than 80 guests on board. This small group experience ensures personalized service, efficient Zodiac excursions, and a strong sense of community throughout the voyage.
Accommodations range from twin or double cabins to select suites with large windows or balconies. All rooms include private en suite bathrooms, daily housekeeping, and climate control for a comfortable stay in the polar environment.
The ship also includes:
A full-service dining room offering fresh, chef-prepared meals
A bar and lounge for evening recaps and presentations
A library, gym, sauna, and medical clinic onboard
Daily briefings and educational programs from polar guides and scientists
Whether you’re warming up after a Zodiac landing or enjoying a quiet moment as the ship glides past a glacier, your expedition vessel is your warm, welcoming home base in the most remote place on Earth.
WWTrek Meals
Each day aboard your Antarctica expedition ship begins with a warm beverage and hearty breakfast, fueling you for a day of exploration. All meals are freshly prepared by the ship’s onboard culinary team, offering a variety of dishes that balance comfort, nutrition, and regional flavor.
You’ll enjoy:
Breakfasts with fresh fruit, eggs, pastries, and coffee or tea
Lunches served between Zodiac outings, featuring soups, salads, and mains
Elegant dinners with multiple courses, paired with wine or cocktails
Snacks and beverages available throughout the day
We take dietary restrictions and allergies seriously, and accommodations can be made with advance notice. Whether you’re celebrating a successful landing or warming up after time on the ice, our meals are designed to keep you energized, healthy, and satisfied throughout your journey.
WWTrek Team
While this Antarctica Air-Cruise is operated by Antarctica21 and does not include WWT guides, our team is here to support you every step of the way. From booking your adventure to answering questions and ensuring all arrangements run smoothly, World Wide Trekking makes it easy to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime journey with confidence.
WWTrek Experience
We think it’s imperative to offer our guests the ability to hear from one another. This way, guests can get the nitty-gritty details about the trek… like finding out just how challenging that adventure is!
“Our Kilimanjaro Trek was INCREDIBLE!!!!! Amazing experience with professional staff to walk us through each and every step. The guides were incredible, and the whole experience felt super bougie despite camping for 7 days! Staff that made incredible food, set up tents and a table and chairs for us to enjoy each meal, provided our group with our own toilet tents, and carried hot tea up the mountain on summit night to help warm our frozen bodies! Forever grateful for the experience and those that made it possible. We ended the trip with a 4 day safari which included some cultural experiences…truly remarkable.” – Amber
“Kilimanjaro – the ultimate trek for part-time adventurers like myself. I have trekked all over the world including in the Indian Himalayas, but nothing has matched the challenge and experience of Kilimanjaro. The altitude alone is daunting (19,341 ft.) but add to that the trail intensity and going through five climate zones and you end up with something that will take you beyond yourself. It is at these times you need folks like Dean and his crew to help you fill the ability void. Never have I experienced such a professional group. They are experts on Kilimanjaro, and most importantly, they are a part of the Tanzanian culture. The guides, porters, and attendants are well cared for and treated with respect. This attitude is reciprocated by them being kind and compassionate to you. World Wide Trekking also has the philosophy to leave the places of adventure better than when they came. The Human Outreach Project is a prime example of this philosophy in action. So, with World Wide Trekking, all the boxes were checked: challenging trek, climbing a mountain, knowledgeable staff, supportive staff, and caring for the people who welcomed us to their land.” – Jack
WWTrek Guest Services
Once you sign on with WWTrekking, we are here for you every step of the way! Your team of Adventure Specialists is here to help you along the way. Whether your questions or needs are regarding flights, packing, early arrivals, departures, or accommodations, you have 24/7 access to information on your PRIVATE & PERSONALIZED Trip Detail Site!
Once your trip begins, World Wide Trekking boasts an extensive support crew. Additionally, you have access to a Local Operations Manager throughout your adventure. From the planning through trek completion, your support team has years of experience and is here to help you feel prepared!
Trek Itinerary
Welcome to Explorers House in Punta Arenas
- Arrive in Punta Arenas before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing at Explorers House.
- Meet your expedition crew and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring regional cuisine.
Flight to King George Island & Embarkation
- Fly approximately 2 hours from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
- Disembark and pass by Frei and Bellingshausen Stations en route to shore.
- Board a Zodiac and embark your boutique vessel.
Exploring Antarctica
- Cruise amidst ice‑filled fjords and icebergs between the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula.
- Enjoy daily Zodiac landings, guided shore excursions, wildlife watching (penguins, seals, whales, seabirds) and educational presentations on board.
- Itinerary and routes may vary with conditions.
- Possible voyage areas include Petermann Island, Gerlache Strait, Antarctic Sound, and Penola Strait.
Return Flight to Punta Arenas
- Disembark at King George Island and board your charter flight back to Punta Arenas.
- Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay (evening meals on your own).
End of the Air‑Cruise
- After breakfast in Punta Arenas, take the group transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
What's Included
Group airport–hotel transfers in Punta Arenas (Days 1 & 7)
Welcome dinner and exclusive Explorers House access
Zodiac landings, lectures, and loan of waterproof boots
IAATO passenger fee, contingency planning, and full board on ship.
Included meals:
Day 1: Dinner
Days 2–6: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner onboard
Day 7 (Punta Arenas): Breakfast only
Day 8: Breakfast before departure.
Not Included
Visa, passport, and arrival/departure taxes (Chile, Argentina, etc.)
Optional activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, or hiking programs (available for an additional fee)
Internet connection onboard, except where premium access is included
- Personal travel insurance and medical coverage
The World Wide Trekking Difference
Professional Support
While this Antarctica Air-Cruise is operated by Antarctica21 and does not include WWT guides, our team is here to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience. From helping with bookings and travel preparations to answering questions about the itinerary and logistics, World Wide Trekking makes it easy to enjoy this extraordinary adventure with confidence and peace of mind.
Boutique Ships, Big Comfort
Our expedition vessels host fewer than 80 guests, offering an intimate, personalized experience. Enjoy cozy cabins, gourmet meals, panoramic lounges, and top-tier safety on board.
Fly the Drake
Skip the roughest seas in the Southern Ocean. Our air-cruise option lets you fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island, cutting out two days at sea and maximizing your time exploring Antarctica.
Acclimatization & Safety
Your safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are trained in polar expedition protocols and emergency response. We carry comprehensive medical kits, maintain constant communication, and conduct daily safety briefings to ensure a secure and confident journey.
Trip Add-Ons
Travel Notes
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Antarctica is during the austral summer, from November to March, when temperatures are milder and wildlife is most active. Early season offers pristine ice and snow landscapes, while mid-summer brings long daylight hours for exploration. Late season is ideal for whale watching and stunning sunsets.
Arrivals and Departures
Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you’ll meet your expedition team and prepare for the adventure ahead. From here, you’ll take a scenic flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island in Antarctica. At the end of your expedition, you’ll return by air to Punta Arenas for onward travel.
Recommended Flights
International airfares are not included in program pricing.
Fly into Punta Arenas, Chile, typically via Santiago (a ~6-hour connection on airlines like LATAM, JetSMART, or Sky Airline) to begin your journey.
Board a chartered flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island—it’s a two-hour flight over the Drake Passage straight to your expedition ship’s embarkation point.
Return from Antarctica the same way, flying back to Punta Arenas, where your post-cruise arrangements (like hotel or onward travel) will be waiting
Travel Insurance
We recommend you safeguard your trip by purchasing travel insurance. World Wide Trekking has partnered with AIG Travel Insurance as our preferred travel insurance provider. For a price quote, or to purchase travel insurance, visit
Please Note: You must purchase this plan within 14 days of your deposit payment. Please send us a copy of your plan if you choose to purchase one.
Customs, Visas, Immigration
For the Antarctica Air-Cruise, no visa is required to enter Antarctica itself, but standard entry requirements apply for Chile. Most travelers will need:
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates).
Tourist entry to Chile is visa-free for citizens of many countries, but always confirm with your local Chilean consulate.
Customs declaration is required on arrival in Punta Arenas; Chile has strict regulations on bringing in food, plants, or animal products.
Immigration procedures are completed in Punta Arenas both on arrival and departure from Chile.
Accommodations
Boutique Expedition Ships
Sail aboard a small, comfortable expedition vessel designed for intimate Antarctic exploration. Each ship offers well-appointed cabins with private bathrooms, panoramic observation lounges, and welcoming common spaces to relax between excursions.
Hotel Stays in Punta Arenas
Enjoy pre- and post-expedition nights at a carefully selected hotel in Punta Arenas. Rooms include modern amenities, cozy bedding, and easy access to local dining and attractions.
Comfort at the End of the World
From the warmth of your ship’s lounge to the privacy of your cabin, you’ll always have a comfortable retreat after each day of discovery. Every detail—from onboard dining to housekeeping—is designed to make your journey as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Transportation
Seamless Travel with World Wide Trekking
From the moment you arrive in Punta Arenas, World Wide Trekking takes care of all your transfers between the airport, hotel, and ship, ensuring a stress-free start and end to your adventure.
Scenic Charter Flight to Antarctica
Avoid the rough seas of the Drake Passage with our exclusive two-hour charter flight to King George Island, where your Antarctic journey begins.
Daily Zodiac Excursions
With WWT’s support, you’ll board nimble Zodiacs to reach remote beaches, glaciers, and wildlife-rich areas that larger vessels can’t access—bringing you closer to Antarctica’s wonders.
Meals
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the success of all our adventures. Enjoy freshly prepared meals prepared by the ship’s onboard culinary team.
*Please contact us if you have any special dietary needs or food restrictions. We can accommodate any special diets. We are happy to help!
Gratuities
In many parts of the world, gratuities are given in appreciation for a job well done. Our guides will take care of tipping service personnel along the way so that you don’t have to think about it.
For any additional services outside of our itinerary, plan to tip 10% (transport, restaurants, baggage, lodges, etc). We will provide you with detailed tipping recommendations on your ‘Trip Detail’ site once you sign up.
At the trail end, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tipping pool that will be presented to your WWTrekking guides and trekking staff as we say our goodbyes.
Currency Exchange
We recommend exchanging a small amount of money at the airport as soon as you clear customs. We will offer additional exchange opportunities, but it is the most convenient at the airport. We always recommend bringing $500 cash with you on your trip for incidentals and gratuities.
*Credit cards are accepted at lodges for extra amenities.
General Information
Country
Antarctica is not owned by any single nation—it is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, an international agreement dedicated to peace and science.
Population
No permanent residents; home to seasonal research staff (about 1,000 in winter and up to 5,000 in summer).
Time Zone
No official time zone—stations use the time zone of their home country or supply base (often Chilean Standard Time for trips via Punta Arenas).
Culture and Religion
No native culture or religion; research communities are made up of diverse nationalities and traditions.
Currency
No local currency—transactions are not typically made in Antarctica. Purchases before/after your trip in Chile use the Chilean Peso (CLP).
Human Outreach Project
OUR PLANET… HELPING OTHERS, CHANGING LIVES
