The journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, where we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport. From there, you will fly on our charter flight to King George Island in the South Shetlands, where MY Hans Hansson will be waiting for you at anchor. You will board the vessel via zodiac from the beach and begin your 2-week expedition exploring the West Antarctic Peninsula (weather permitting).
The exploration area spans from King George Island in the South Shetlands down to the Lemaire Strait (weather and ice permitting), covering approximately 600 nautical miles. Along the way, you will land at several points of interest, including penguin colonies and historic sites. If you’ve ever wondered where do penguins live, this is the perfect opportunity to see them in their natural habitat, as Antarctica is home to some of the most iconic penguin species.
For the return journey, the vessel will sail back to King George Island to anchor and wait for the charter flight to take you back to Punta Arenas. Only 12 guests will join you on this experience, allowing for extensive landings, zodiac tours, and quality time in Antarctica. This is an unforgettable adventure, perfect for anyone interested in trips to Antarctica that provide in-depth exploration and personal interaction with this pristine environment. On some trips, we will have a guest scientist onboard (please check with us before booking), and on all our trips, we will conduct citizen science projects (again, please check with us for details on the specific projects).
Dec 20th to Jan 3rd 2025 / Feb 11 to 24th 2026
By flying across the Drake Passage, all of our time is spent in Antarctica. The two weeks are two weeks in the ice, with the icebergs, the whales, and the penguins. If there are a few days of snow, then within two weeks there is a high chance you’ll get a few great days of sun. Hoping for a great high latitude sunset or two? By having two weeks, you increase your chances of experiencing it. Two weeks allows us the chance to feel the rhythm of Antarctica, to notice changes, and to observe the details and differences of each penguin colony.
Micro Cruises: Hans Hansson carries a maximum of 12 passengers and one guide. This means when going ashore to a penguin colony you are not crowded with 100 other passenger vying for the best view. It means that you can have space and quiet to explore Antarctica. It means on the deck of Hans Hansson you can have your space. No elbowing or hurrying on deck for the best spot.
With maximum 12 passengers, you leave with new friends. There is strong camaraderie onboard between guests and with crew!
Once you step onboard, it’s all included: excursions, meals, wine with dinner, gin and tonics with glacier ice (collected by guests!).
When in Antarctica the focus should be on the experience – the whole experience.
The vessel’s size means we can maneuver into small coves and passages. The crew and itinerary flexibility means that when there is an opportunity – we go for it.
The light is fantastic after dinner and a few passengers want to go for a zodiac cruise – let’s go! Whales are bubble feeding? Let’s stay and watch. A leopard seal is on the hunt for a penguin – let’s slow down and see what happens. The afternoon is so amazing at a penguin colony that no one wants to rush back for dinner? We’ll push back dinner another hour to enjoy the time onshore.
Pre trip: Please arrive at the departure port/city AT LEAST 36 hours prior to your trip start – WHY, if there is any delay by an airline, or your luggage is lost, you will have a chance to make the trip. Also traveling south is usually a long journey, so it’s nice to have a day + to recuperate before starting on the journey on a lifetime.
The night before the flight to Antarctica there will be a mandatory Safety Briefing where we will explain how the next day will play out. We will also hand you the boots for you to test your size and exchange if necessary. We will also provide vacuums for you to clean your backpacks and pockets, for biosecurity reasons.
Please fill out the form, and we’ll be delighted to have you join our next trip. We look forward to seeing you!
Please fill out the form, and we’ll be delighted to have you join our next trip. We look forward to seeing you!
