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Antarctica, An Expedition of a Lifetime!

June 17, 2022

January 31st to February 7th, 2024

Click on the image to see a promotional video.

Point Blue is excited to offer its supporters a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to a place that remains virtually untouched. An entire continent of windswept expanses, snow-shrouded peaks, wildlife in abundance, and ice taking on hues of turquoise and iridescent blue. Setting foot on the 7th continent is a privilege and an honor where you can experience a world of endless inspiration and get a deeper understanding of the effects of climate change on this remote continent.

For this adventure, we have reserved a limited number of berths with Antarctica21. With over 20 years of experience, Antarctica21 was founded by adventurers who believed there was a better way to travel to Antarctica – the air-cruise. Our trip will eliminate the often-rough crossing of Drakes Passage by flying from Punta Arenas, Chile, directly to Antarctica where we board an upscale expedition ship. No rough crossings, seasickness or “wasted” days at sea, just total immersion in your Antarctic adventure. The expedition ship “The Magellan Explorer” is intimate, with capacity for 75 guests, and can access places along the shoreline that larger ships simply can’t reach. With fewer guests you can get on and off faster so your time ashore is focused on savoring every moment. While on board there are opportunities to participate in three citizen science projects: The FjordPhyto Project, Happy Whale, and Polar Tag. Antarctica21 is part of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which ensures safe and environmentally responsible travel by complying with all Antarctica Treaties.

Dr. Grant Ballard, Chief Science Officer, Point Blue. Originally from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, he joined Point Blue as a volunteer at the Palomarin Field Station in 1991 and has worked on several Point Blue projects in many roles since then, from California to Alaska and Antarctica

Dr. Grant Ballard, Chief Science Officer at Point Blue, will be your expert host along with other Antarctica21 scientists and guides. Dr. Ballard leads our research efforts in Antarctica and has spent the past 26 years studying Adélie penguins and the Southern Ocean ecosystem. In addition, Ian Altman and his wife Laura will be our Board hosts who will assure a convivial trip for all.

The expedition will be for 8 days and 7 nights. Guests arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile the first day for a briefing and orientation followed by a welcome dinner. Our adventure begins on the second day with a two-hour flight to King George Island and then a short walk to board the Magellan Explorer (past the Chilean and Russian Field Stations), and we’re off! Day 3-6 are fully devoted to exploring Antarctica. Day 7 return to King George Island for the flight to Punta Arenas. Day 8 after breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home. Please see the attached trip brochure for detailed information and descriptions of excursion options. Trip costs, registration, ship details, cancellation policy, and other information are also outlined.

Point Blue will be approaching its 60th anniversary in 2024. What better way to celebrate our shared passion for nature, while gaining a deeper understanding of the effects of climate change, than with the supporters, partners, and friends who made our work possible in one of the rarest places on earth.

Aboard the Magellan Explorer – 75 Guest Capacity

Trip Details

Click on the image above to view a detailed brochure about the trip, including packing list and photos of accommodations.

Accomodations – Point Blue has a variety of cabins on hold. Further details on Page 22 of the Antarctica21 Trip Brochure.

Point Blue’s Reserved Cabins:

  • Single Cabin – 1 berth – $27,995 for one person
  • Penthouse Suite – 2 berths – $24,995 per person -SOLD OUT
  • Deluxe Veranda Cabin – 2 berths – $20,795 per person
  • Veranda Cabin – 2 berths – $19,795 – per person
  • Porthole Cabin – 2 berths – $16,595 per person
  • Triple Suite – 3 berths – $15,495 per person

Trip Registration – To secure your place please contact Nancy Gamble, Point Blue’s Director of Philanthropy, at ngamble@pointblue.org or 415-342-9776. Nancy will relay your reservation to Sandra Fernandez, Travel Consultant at Antarctica21 and Laura Gerwin, Business Development Manager. They will contact you to review your reservations and secure your deposit. If you are considering trip extensions outside of Antarctica, Laura can be your travel advisor. They will respond to your registration beginning Tuesday, May 31st. Travel insurance is required. It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance within 14 days of making the deposit to protect your investment.

Payment – Antarctica21 will manage payments for guest bookings by credit card via PayPal. They also accept wire transfers. The first deposit of $3,000 USD per person is due at confirmation of cabins. A second deposit of $3,000 USD per person is due on March 15 2023. Balance is due 120 days prior to departure. All payments must be paid in US dollars.

Cancellation Policy – All payments are non-refundable. Prices quoted are based on group participation, and no refunds, partial or otherwise will be made for any reason.

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