Antarctica

King George Island to King George Island

10 Days aboard Silver Wind. From AUD $23,900pp.
Details

Overview

Embark on a thrilling exploration of the vast white wilderness that is Antarctica. Bookended by King George Island, you’ll sail to Antarctic Sound - known as the end of the world - where you can see icebergs floating away from the Larsen Ice shelf. Visit the untamed realm of the Antarctic Peninsula and learn from our expert guides as you admire glaciers up close and spot a vast array of wildlife. Cruise to the South Shetland Islands to spot penguins.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit Antarctica, Earth’s least-explored continent
  • Skip the notoriously rough waters of the Drake Passage on this fly-cruise
  • Discover King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Santiago (Pre-Night Stay)
  • Day 2: Fly to Punta Arenas: Pre-Night Stay
  • Day 3: Fly to King George Island and Embark
  • Day 4: Antarctic Sound
  • Day 5 to 7: Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 8: South Shetland Islands
  • Day 9: Disembark at King George Island and Fly to Punta Arenas
  • Day 10: Post-Cruise Hotel Night in Punta Arenas

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Travelling with Eclipse

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Day 1: Santiago (Pre-Night Stay)

Make your way to your hotel in Santiago and settle in. The evening is yours to enjoy and explore at your leisure.

Day 2: Fly to Punta Arenas: Pre-Night Stay

Today you will fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas. You will be welcomed by a representative upon your arrival at your hotel in Punta Arenas, where you will be briefed and will receive or exchange the complimentary gear provided for the expedition. The evening is free for you to relax and explore.

Day 3: Fly to King George Island and Embark

After an early breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to King George Island. On arrival you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation.

As the largest of all the South Shetland Island, King George is considered the gateway to Antarctica. At just 120 kilometres from the Antarctic Peninsula and the only airport in the South Shetlands, it is the connection between “real life” and “Antarctic life”. More than 10 different nations have year-round or summer-only scientific research stations on the island (considering that 90% of the island is covered by snow and ice, that is quite an achievement!). Maintaining a base on the island allows membership of the Antarctic Treaty. There is even a Russian Orthodox church, with a permanent on-site priest. The island might be home to a few international scientists, but they are very much outnumbered by the diverse wildlife that considers King George Island rightfully theirs. Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins all commute to and from the Antarctic peninsula from the island, while Weddell and leopard seals are regular visitors and can be spotted either in the water or on the shore. Naturally, this brings a huge amount of birdlife: skuas and southern giant petrels are regular summer residents, attracted by the warm climate (warm being a relative term, average temperature is between 1.5 and -6.5˚C). The island was named after King George III after British explorer discovered it in 1819. Since then the island has been claimed by both Chile (1940) and Argentina (1943), but remains part of British Antarctic Territory.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Antarctic Sound

Few voyages ignite the imagination like a journey down to one of the planet’s most remote, extreme and enchanting wilderness, Antarctica. An adventure in its purest form, only a handful of people will ever be lucky enough to experience the majestic beauty of these monochrome landscapes first-hand. The Antarctic Sound will be one of your first encounters of this whitewash kingdom, located at the northerly tip of the Antarctic Peninsula - which sprawls up like a tentacle towards Tierra del Fuego, South America’s most southerly point, otherwise known as the ‘End of the World’. Taking its name from the first ship to brave the passageway between the peninsular and the Joinville Island groups back in 1902, the Sound is a raw, sensory assault of imposing iceberg slabs, broken away from the disintegrating Larsen Ice Shelf. Come face-to-face with stadium-sized islands of ice and meet the extraordinary birdlife that call this whitewash kingdom home. Watch on, as colonies of Gentoo penguins hop around, and cape petrels sweep overhead, as the continent’s unique wildlife thrives around you. If you’re planning your first venture into Antarctica, you’ll want to brush up on your photography skills in advance, to capture this unforgiving continent in all of its unrestrained glory. Read our blog for tips on how to ensure that your photos do justice to the adventure of a lifetime.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5 to 7: Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula unravels upwards towards South America, reaching out a beckoning finger to the adventurous, who dare to explore this untamed realm. Stretching up from the heart of the world’s southernmost continent, the Antarctic Peninsula lies a mere 620 mile from Tierra del Fuego and, for many, offers a spectacular first taste of the snow-blanketed landscapes and colossal ice sculptures, which make up Earth’s least-explored continent. Unseen by humans until 1820 - a blink of an eye ago in relative terms - this is an adventure sure to make your hairs stand on end, as you experience the thrill of the truly unknown and extraordinary. The vast peninsula is sprinkled with research bases, which are at the frontline of human scientific endeavour, pushing to study and understand this unique landscape, its exceptional wildlife, and the impact that humans are having on this pristine continent. Witness cathedral-sized icebergs up close, and blue-hued glaciers, slowly slipping from imposing locations like Hope Bay. Blanched mountain peaks cover the peninsula, and you’ll find thousands of adorable Adelie penguin pairs thriving undisturbed in this peninsula’s unique setting.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: South Shetland Islands

The ice-coated Antarctic Peninsula forms perhaps the most accessible region of mainland Antarctica, lying a mere 480-miles away from South America, across the fabled waters of Drakes Passage. Lying close to the northwestern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, separated by the Bransfield Strait, the South Shetland Islands fall under the jurisdiction of the Antarctic Treaty, suspending claims on their sovereignty. Several countries maintain research bases here, and with plump elephant seals, and crowds of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins also calling the islands home, it can even feel a little crowded at times. King George Island is the largest and most hospitable island, hosting the majority of the research stations - some of which are populated all-year-round by tiny, hardy crews. Don’t be fooled though, these islands offer extraordinary adventure in one of the most remote locations on earth. The triple peaks of Mount Foster tower above the archipelago, and you’ll feel your heart pumping a little quicker, as you sail into the core of Deception Island’s magnificent collapsed volcano caldera. Hike the luna landscapes within, and even dip into the improbably warm, geothermally-heated waters of Pendulum Cove. Elephant Island, meanwhile, is written deep into the annals of Antarctic expedition legend, as the site where Ernest Shackleton and the stricken crew of the Endurance miraculously survived a harsh Antarctic winter, in 1916. Discover even more reasons to visit this incredible icy kingdom and find out why many consider the South Shetland Islands to be the jewel in Antarctica’s Crown, by reading our blog.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9: Disembark at King George Island and Fly to Punta Arenas

After disembarking at King George Island, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Punta Arenas, where you’ll spend the night at your included hotel.

As the largest of all the South Shetland Island, King George is considered the gateway to Antarctica. At just 120 kilometres from the Antarctic Peninsula and the only airport in the South Shetlands, it is the connection between “real life” and “Antarctic life”. More than 10 different nations have year-round or summer-only scientific research stations on the island (considering that 90% of the island is covered by snow and ice, that is quite an achievement!). Maintaining a base on the island allows membership of the Antarctic Treaty. There is even a Russian Orthodox church, with a permanent on-site priest. The island might be home to a few international scientists, but they are very much outnumbered by the diverse wildlife that considers King George Island rightfully theirs. Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins all commute to and from the Antarctic peninsula from the island, while Weddell and leopard seals are regular visitors and can be spotted either in the water or on the shore. Naturally, this brings a huge amount of birdlife: skuas and southern giant petrels are regular summer residents, attracted by the warm climate (warm being a relative term, average temperature is between 1.5 and -6.5˚C). The island was named after King George III after British explorer discovered it in 1819. Since then the island has been claimed by both Chile (1940) and Argentina (1943), but remains part of British Antarctic Territory.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 10: Post-Cruise Hotel Night in Punta Arenas

Today, make your own way to the airport for your flight home, or enjoy the day exploring Punta Arenas.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 09 Jan 2026
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
09 Jan 2026 - 18 Jan 2026 AUD$23900ppExpand to view prices
Vista SuiteAUD$23900ppContact us
Veranda SuiteAUD$27900ppContact us
Deluxe Veranda SuiteAUD$29300ppContact us
Medallion SuiteAUD$41900ppContact us
Silver SuiteAUD$46100ppContact us
Royal Suite AUD$50700ppContact us
Grand Suite AUD$55800ppContact us
Owner's SuiteAUD$61400ppContact us
15 Jan 2026 - 24 Jan 2026 AUD$23900ppExpand to view prices
21 Jan 2026 - 30 Jan 2026 AUD$23900ppExpand to view prices
27 Jan 2026 - 05 Feb 2026 AUD$23900ppExpand to view prices

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Vista Suite

22-30m², twin bed or queen size bed, large picture window, sitting area, private bathroom, shower, bathroom amenities, walk-in wardrobe, safe, radio/alarm with iPod docking station, direct dial telephone, refridgerator, minibar, premium mattress and pillow selection, bathrobe, slippers, vanity table, hairdryer, writing desk, WIFI, TV.

Vista Suite
Vista Suite
Veranda Suite

27m², twin bed or queen size bed, veranda, floor-to-ceiling window, sitting area, private bathroom, shower, bathroom amenities, walk-in wardrobe, safe, radio/alarm with iPod docking station, direct dial telephone, refridgerator, minibar, premium mattress and pillow selection, bathrobe, slippers, vanity table, hairdryer, writing desk, WIFI, TV.

Veranda Suite
Veranda Suite
Deluxe Veranda Suite

27m², twin bed or queen size bed, furnished teak veranda, floor-to-ceiling window, sitting area, private bathroom, shower, bathroom amenities, walk-in wardrobe, safe, radio/alarm with iPod docking station, direct dial telephone, refridgerator, minibar, premium mattress and pillow selection, bathrobe, slippers, vanity table, hairdryer, writing desk, WIFI, TV.

Deluxe Veranda Suite
Deluxe Veranda Suite
Medallion Suite

41-62m², twin bed or queen size bed, window, sitting area, private bathroom, shower, bathroom amenities, walk-in wardrobe, safe, radio/alarm with iPod docking station, direct dial telephone, refridgerator, minibar, premium mattress and pillow selection, bathrobe, slippers, vanity table, hairdryer, writing desk, WIFI, TV.

(suites 741: 62m², without veranda and separate dining area.
suites 801-804: 41m², with veranda,
suites 527, 627, 723: 48m², with veranda)

Medallion Suite
Medallion Suite
Silver Suite

54m², twin bed or queen bed, sofa bed, window, separate dining area, private marble bathroom, full-sized bath, bathroom amenities, walk-in wardrobe, safe, bose audio system, radio/alarm with iPod docking station, espresso machine, direct dial telephone, refridgerator, minibar, premium mattress and pillow selection, bathrobe, slippers, vanity table, hairdryer, writing desk, WIFI, TV.

Silver Suite
Silver Suite
Royal Suite

69-96m², available as 1 bedroom configuration with twin bed or queen bed or 2 bedroom with additional twin beds or queen bed and extra bathroom, floor-to-ceiling window, living room, separate living area, private marble bathroom, full-sized bath, bathroom amenities, walk-in wardrobe, safe, bose audio system, radio/alarm with iPod docking station, espresso machine, direct dial telephone, refridgerator, minibar, premium mattress and pillow selection, bathrobe, slippers, vanity table, hairdryer, writing desk, WIFI, TV.

Royal Suite
Royal Suite
Grand Suite

95-122m², available as 1 bedroom configuration with twin bed or queen bed or 2 bedroom with additional twin beds or queen bed and extra bathroom, veranda, floor-to-ceiling window, living room, separate living area, private marble bathroom, full-sized bath, bathroom amenities, walk-in wardrobe, safe, bose audio system, radio/alarm with iPod docking station, espresso machine, direct dial telephone, refridgerator, minibar, premium mattress and pillow selection, bathrobe, slippers, vanity table, hairdryer, writing desk, WIFI, TV.

Grand Suite
Grand Suite
Owner's Suite

55-77m², available as 1 bedroom configuration with twin bed or queen bed or 2 bedroom with additional twin beds or queen bed and extra bathroom, veranda, floor-to-ceiling window, living room, separate living area, private marble bathroom, full-sized bath, bathroom amenities, walk-in wardrobe, safe, bose audio system, radio/alarm with iPod docking station, espresso machine, direct dial telephone, refridgerator, minibar, premium mattress and pillow selection, bathrobe, slippers, vanity table, hairdryer, writing desk, WIFI, TV.

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite

Silver Wind Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Built: 1995
  • Refurbished: 2018
  • Registry: Bahamas
  • Crew: 222
  • Officers: International
  • Guests: 254
  • Tonnage:17,400
  • Length: 514.14 Feet/156.7 Metres
  • Width: 70.62 Feet/21.5 Metres
  • Speed: 18 Knots

Whats included?

  • 2 pre cruise hotel nights:
    • One pre-cruise hotel night stay in Santiago on “Day 1”
    • One pre-cruise hotel night stay in Punta Arenas on “Day 2” (during which guests will be briefed and will receive or exchange the complimentary gear provided for the expedition)
  • One post-cruise hotel night stay in Punta Arenas on “Day 10”
  • Butler services in every suite
  • Nearly one crew member for every guest
  • 24-hour dining service
  • Complimentary transportation into town in most ports
  • Choice of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
  • Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Spa and Fitness Center
  • Unlimited free WiFi
  • Onboard gratuities
  • This package includes roundtrip flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas and from Punta Arenas to Antarctica.

What’s not included?

  • Airport entrance/departure taxes
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Additional hotel nights
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Travel Protection Plan
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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