End of Air Cruise

A wind-whipped, fractured land of islands, glacial fjords and mountains, which drop away towards Antarctica. A hardy city, where the temperature hovers in single figures throughout much of the year, Punta Arenas nevertheless offers a warm welcome and refuge, ahead of - and following - epic adventures and expeditions south across the Drake Passage.

Captain Scott stopped here in 1904 – testing the postal service sending 400 letters of his successful return - and the city welcomed the rescued Ernest Shackleton and his Endurance crew to these shores in 1916. Punta Arenas is a remote place, but with custom-free status, and more than 120,000 people calling it home it's also surprisingly cosmopolitan. The commercial centre of Magallanes Punta Arenas is fueled by Chilean oil and gas - and establishing itself as a global centre for Antarctic research, with teams from various countries basing themselves here.

The town is built around the Plaza de Armas, its central square - be sure to kiss the toe of the Monumento del Indio Patagon statue, said to guarantee you good luck on your return.

Boarding your vessel will usually begin in the afternoon.

You'll meet the crew and they will give you an overview of your expedition and the facilities available. As evening arrives you will set sail and turn to the south…

Your crew and guides are friendly, professional, and enthusiastic to share their knowledge and experience. Feel free to ask any questions about your ship or the itinerary.

Enjoy a 2-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island and back in Business Class Luxury.