Chile claims a wedge-shaped slice of Antarctica stretching from the South Pole to the Antarctic Peninsula, overlapping with British and Argentine claims. It is the closest South American country to the frozen continent — the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas to the South Shetland Islands is roughly 1,000 kilometers, and Chile operates both civilian and military bases on the peninsula.

How to Get There

By ship from Punta Arenas: Several expedition cruise operators depart from Punta Arenas rather than the more common Ushuaia, Argentina. The crossing takes roughly two days each way through the Drake Passage — famously rough seas that can range from flat calm to terrifying swells. Expedition ships carry 100-200 passengers with zodiac boats for shore landings. Trips typically last 8-14 days and cost $8,000-20,000 per person depending on the ship, cabin, and itinerary.

By air from Punta Arenas: Antarctica Airways (DAP) operates flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetlands — about two hours, skipping the Drake Passage entirely. These fly-cruise programs combine the flight with a few days on an expedition ship exploring the peninsula. More expensive than sailing both ways but you avoid four days of potentially rough ocean. Flights are weather-dependent and delays of several days are not uncommon.

What You See

South Shetland Islands: The first stop for most expeditions. King George Island has the Chilean base Presidente Eduardo Frei and a small civilian settlement, Villa Las Estrellas, where about 80 people live year-round — including families with children who attend the world's southernmost school. Deception Island is a volcanic caldera where you can swim in thermally heated water on the beach while surrounded by glaciers.

Antarctic Peninsula: The most accessible part of the continent. Zodiac landings on rocky beaches where penguin colonies number in the tens of thousands — chinstrap, gentoo, and Adelie penguins with no fear of humans. Leopard seals haul out on ice floes, humpback whales surface beside the ship, and the ice formations — tabular bergs, crevassed glaciers, blue ice caves — defy description.

Chilean Bases: Chile operates several research stations including Base Presidente Eduardo Frei (the largest on King George Island) and Base O'Higgins on the peninsula itself. Some expedition itineraries include visits to active bases where scientists explain their research.

When to Go

The Antarctic tourism season runs from November through March:

  • November-December: Early season. Pristine ice, penguin courtship and egg-laying, longest daylight (up to 20 hours). Colder and more ice may block some landing sites.
  • January-February: Peak season. Warmest temperatures (around 0-5°C on the peninsula). Penguin chicks hatching. Best chance of calm Drake crossings. Most expensive.
  • March: Late season. Whale activity peaks as they feed before migration. Penguin chicks fledging. Lower prices and fewer ships. Weather becomes less predictable.

Costs

Antarctica is expensive. Budget roughly:

  • Cruise from Punta Arenas: $8,000-15,000 per person (10-14 days, shared cabin)
  • Fly-cruise: $12,000-20,000 per person (shorter, no Drake crossing)
  • Last-minute deals: Occasionally available from Punta Arenas or Ushuaia — walk-in at expedition company offices for unsold berths. Discounts of 30-50% are possible but not guaranteed.

Practical Information

Base city: Punta Arenas is the departure point for Chilean-operated cruises and flights. Some operators also depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Arrive at least one day early — weather delays are common.

What to bring: Expedition operators provide waterproof outer layers and boots for zodiac landings. Bring thermal base layers, a warm hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Seasickness medication for the Drake crossing is strongly recommended even if you do not usually get seasick.

Environmental rules: Strict IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) guidelines apply. No touching wildlife, no leaving anything behind, mandatory boot washing between landing sites to prevent contamination. Operators brief passengers thoroughly before the first landing.