This journey allows travellers to fly to one of the most evocative geographic locations in the world - the South Pole – perhaps the ultimate destination for those with an explorers’ sense of adventure. From a base in the foothills of the Ellsworth mountain range this is a unique opportunity to experience the enormity and beauty of Antarctica’s stunning interior, as only a very few visitors have done before you.
We work with the pioneers of tourism in the Antarctic interior – prior to 1985 there was no practical way for a private traveller to reach the Antarctic, except by ship. They now offer a range of activities within the stunning and desolate interior of the continent; from flights to the South Pole to Emperor Penguin photo safaris or challenging extreme adventures climbing Antarctica’s highest peaks or skiing to the pole itself. All of these polar activities are safely operated by the experts, giving intrepid modern day explorers an incomparable experience of the white continent.
Our South Pole Adventure starts at the city of Punta Arenas, Chile. Located at the foot of the Andes on the western side of the Straits of Magellan, Patagonia's liveliest and most interesting city features many mansions and other imposing buildings dating from the wool boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the best and largest port for thousands of miles, Punta Arenas (population 105,000) attracts ships from the burgeoning South Atlantic fish industry as well as Antarctic research and tourist vessels. We recommend spending at least a few days in Punta Arenas prior to the start of the itinerary. Our specialist team at Discover the World will be pleased to advise and make arrangements for accommodation there and also talk through options for flights between the UK and Chile, which are on a tailor-made basis. Due to possible delays we suggest that a fully-flexible air ticket is purchased and that contingency arrangements for accommodation are made – we will assist you to ensure that your experience runs smoothly.
Fly by Ilyushin jet aircraft from Punta Arenas across the Drake Passage, beyond the Peninsula and over Ellsworth Land to a base camp at Patriot Hills, landing on a naturally occurring blue-ice runway, 400 miles from the Antarctic coast. From there board a specially equipped ski aircraft, a DHC-6 Twin Otter – the perfect transportation for these conditions. Continue across the polar plateau to your ultimate destination – the South Pole, where the USA’s Amundsen-Scott research station is located. This is a unique and privileged opportunity to experience one of the most remarkable and remote place earth.
Kit List
You will be sent a list of Antarctic clothing and equipment which is required for your South Pole Adventure. Bring your patience, your sense of humor and your polar aspirations! A box of watercolors in case the scenery inspires you to paint, or your video camera to catch it easily on film. For a good guideline of what gear will be necessary to bring
click here to download pdf.
Accommodation
Nestled within the heartland of Antarctica, Patriot Hills’s private camp is a friendly and welcoming base for this tour. Housing up to 50 visitors in expedition style two-person tents that have been specially designed for the polar regions, the camp offers comfort and security in one of the most extreme environments on the planet. For further details
click here to download pdf.
Itinerary
Arrival in Punta Arenas
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Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile two days prior to your scheduled departure date for Antarctica and make your own way to your hotel to settle in. Our specialist team is able to assist with arrangements for flights to Chile and accommodation in Punta Arenas (quoted on a tailor-made basis). Meet with staff for a briefing on Punta Arenas and surroundings.
Flight Preparations
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The following day is busy with flight preparations. In the morning, you are invited to join an Antarctic presentation followed by refreshments. The presentation will include information on your flight south, the current weather situation and what to expect on your arrival in Antarctica. This will be the trip of a lifetime – it is essential that you are well prepared to enjoy it to the fullest. There will be time to ask any questions you may have and get to know your fellow travellers. After the presentation a time will be agreed to check your Antarctic clothing to ensure nothing has been inadvertently forgotten, issue you with any rental clothing you have requested, and then collect your checked baggage for loading on to the aircraft ready for departure the following day. Please ensure that your baggage complies with international air transport regulations. No hazardous goods such as fuels may be packed in your checked bags.
The ‘South Pole Adventure’ involves travel to the interior of Antarctica, one of the most difficult places in the world to fly to. Every effort will be made to keep to the scheduled departure date, but please note that all flights are dependent on weather, aircraft serviceability, and local conditions. Days of delay are part of the Antarctic travel experience and should be expected. The staff at Punta Arenas will keep you informed of any schedule changes.
Please also note that in exceptional circumstances, if logistics permit and weather is exceptional, passengers may depart the evening PRIOR to the scheduled departure date.
No two Antarctic adventures are exactly the same. This is part of the magic and excitement of Antarctic travel. The itinerary below is intended to outline general programme objectives and highlight typical activities and experiences. Exact timeline, activities, and program details will vary from trip to trip.
For a detailed itinerary of days 1 to 8 please
click here to visit the itinerary page.
Further Information
Please find links on the left-hand panel for details about the voyage itinerary, prices and departure dates. Alternatively please contact our knowledgeable and friendly team who will be delighted to hear from you:
Phone: 01737 218800
Email: antarctica@discover-the-world.co.uk
Other Adventures
The ‘Antarctic Odyssey’ itinerary focuses on activities at Patriot Hills (excluding flights to the South Pole) while extreme adventurers with high levels of fitness should consider a challenging mountaineering or ski expedition. Please contact us for further information.