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South Pole Adventure

from £50333 excluding flights

  • 5 nights
  • Dec
Home Destinations Polar Antarctica South Pole Adventure

Highlights

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Stand at the iconic South Pole under 24-hour daylight

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Fly over the Great White Continent by Ilyushin jet aircraft

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Stay at a Union Glacier basecamp in the Antarctic Interior

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Choose from a range of adventurous activities

Why this trip...

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

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Inclusive

Meals and activities are included in this holiday - see what's included for details

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Like-minded travellers

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Overview

Departing from Punta Arenas in Chile, this tour provides a unique opportunity to visit the most remote location on the planet – the South Pole – a place synonymous with the heroism and sacrifice of the golden age of exploration. Staying at a base camp in the heart of Antarctica, you’ll have the chance to explore the epic landscapes on a range of activities and experience living in the world’s last true wilderness.

This journey allows travellers to fly to the South Pole, which is one of the most evocative geographic locations in the world and perhaps the ultimate destination for those with an explorers’ sense of adventure.

Fly by Ilyushin jet aircraft from Punta Arenas, Chile across the Drake Passage, beyond the Peninsula and over Ellsworth Land to a base camp at Union Glacier. Land on a blue-ice runway located at a location of 79º south, which is just 1,100kms from the South Pole.

From this base in the foothills of the Ellsworth mountain range, immerse yourself in the enormity and desolate beauty of Antarctica’s interior as you await the opportunity to fly to the Pole itself aboard a specially equipped ski aircraft, a DHC-6 Twin Otter. The day of your flight to the South Pole is not pre-determined as it depends on weather conditions and logistics.

Your stay at Union Glacier can be as energetic or relaxed as you wish with activities on offer generally only limited by enthusiasm and imagination. Active pursuits include cross-country skiing, hiking, climbing, camping trips and snow-machine assisted tours taking you out into the scenic peaks nearby.

They are complemented by more leisurely indoor activities including lectures about Antarctica and exploration. Photographers are sure to appreciate the unusual wind-sculpted snow features, ice pools, dramatic peaks, spectacular open skies and cloud formations, as well as the golden light cast by the austral summer.

Good to know

Suited to those in good health with an average level of fitness, this itinerary is adventurous without being strenuous. The South Pole is at an effective elevation of about 12,000 ft (3,700m) and expect some light walking at altitude.

Itinerary

Fly by Ilyushin jet aircraft from Punta Arenas across the Drake Passage, beyond the Peninsula and over Ellsworth Land to a base camp at Union Glacier. The flight time is approximately 4.5 hours. Union Glacier camp is located 8km from the runway at the base of Mount Rossman. On landing, you will be directed to a heated passenger terminal where you will pick up a shuttle service to the camp. On arrival at camp you will settle in and enjoy a welcome meal.

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During your stay in Antarctica, you’ll have multiple days to explore Union Glacier. A typical day in Antarctica begins with breakfast, followed by a meeting with a guide. Your guide will let you know the range of activities that are available and will want to hear about your interests in order to tailor the daily programme to you. Meanwhile, meteorologists will carefully monitor the weather conditions and find the best day for your South Pole Flight.

The flight to the South Pole takes approx 6 hours and will take place on the first day that weather and logistics permit. The remaining days will be spent participating in optional activities from Union Glacier. Perhaps your day will be spent on a visit to Elephant’s Head for photography and hiking, ice climbing at Charles Windscoop, or simply enjoying the tranquillity and majesty of this incredible continent.

Your flight to the Pole affords views over a vast expanse of high polar plateau punctuated by the occasional field of crevasses. Landing at the Pole for your 3-4 hour visit you’ll experience temperatures ranging from -25 to -35°C. On arrival you will visit the USA’s Amundsen-Scott research station and will stand at the Geographic South Pole.

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Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive in Union Glacier on the scheduled departure day for the final leg of your Antarctic journey, back over the ice to Punta Arenas.

  • All polar itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Daily activities and schedules will be dependent on weather conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!

Prices and Departures

Price from £50333 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

Voyage prices shown are standard but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

  • Return flights between Punta Arenas and Union Glacier Camp
  • Return flights between Union Glacier Camp and the South Pole
  • Accommodation in expedition tents
  • All meals
  • Activities at the camp
  • Transfers between Punta Arenas and airport for Antarctic flights
  • Pre-departure briefing in Punta Arenas
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2024/25 Departures

Departure Duration Twin Price (pp)
30 Dec 2024 6 days £50,333

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