King George Island
King George Island
5
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Worldwide Travel
Bangkok, Thailand6,404 contributions
Dec 2022
We flew from Punta Arenas to King George Island with Antartic Airways for a day trip. What a memorable day! There was mandatory briefing required before going, then 2h40 min flight to King George Island where we took a Zodiac boat to visit a glacier, and another stop to see penguins, and later the Russian church, the southern most in the world. Such a truly unique experience and we were lucky to have fantastic weather so it was bearable but I can imagine in different circumstances it would be difficult. This trip was not recommended with a young baby but our daughter is well travelled and had been to Iceland earlier this year so in the end they accepted our reservation. It was definitely a challenge but it turned out to be one of our most memorable trips ever. DAP airlines mentioned that our daughter was probably the youngest to fly to Antartica because there are very few flights from other countries because most are from Chile (New Zealand, South Africa are two others). More than 99.5% of tourists to Antartica go via cruise, not flight, but with a baby we thought a cruise was unworkable so we chose to fly. For regular people, I would say the flight would be best suited for busy executives who do not have much time available for a 2-week cruise. The scenery in Antartica was not as impressive as what we saw in Iceland and Greenland for picture taking, but the remoteness of Antartica means this trip tops them all. Not a cheap expedition but it was worth every penny for us.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catia Santos
Sao Paulo, SP40 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
King George Island is the entry/exit gateway for those arriving in Antarctica. We can arrive by plane via Punta Arenas, Chile to catch a ship and tour the region or the other way around.
Staying on the island is basically for researchers. It looks like one of those intergalactic stars with all the flags and nations coexisting!
Staying on the island is basically for researchers. It looks like one of those intergalactic stars with all the flags and nations coexisting!
Written May 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TINA L
Janesville, WI33 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
I ran a half marathon on King George Island with Marathon Tours and travel. The boat we were on was a Russian research vessel and so only 100 sailors were allowed. It's hard to express how unbelievably beautiful this vacation was and if I had more money I would go back again.
We boarded the boat in Ushuaia, Argentina which was incredibly beautiful. We spent two days crossing the Drake Passage to arrive in the neighborhood of King George. The Drake passage can either be the Drake Lake or the Drake "Shake" We got the lake and all was good. I wore a sea sickness patch and was never so relaxed in my life. We spent those two days getting fit for wet gear, learning about ship, and great schooling on penguins, whales, and seals.
Almost everybody took a turn during the trip in the Sea Kayaks. My turn was paddling through sea lions and next to beautiful glaciers. Others that went out later in the trip paddled around with whales coming to surface right next to them.
Every time we got on a Zodiac we knew it was going to be awe inspiring. Penguins that could care less you were there and just went about their business. Whales that swam right next to your boat. The Zodiac drivers where first class at what they did.
Our Marathon was run on King George Island and as we finished a young male Emperor Penguin wandered on shore to hang out at the finish line. Our guide told us this was very rare and that they don't generally travel that far south. He posed under the banner and everybody got great photos.
The icing on the cake was a trip to Paradise Cove which is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We did the Polar Plunge on the rocky shores of the beach.
Was it cold? Not if you dress correctly. My fingers were the only thing that ever got cold and that was because of all the photos and video I was taking.
The worst part? The two days back on the boat. We hit some rough water in the beginning and everything was good as long as I stayed horizontal. But that only lasted for 12 hours. Calmer waters and I was up and about and sad that the adventure was almost over.
When I told people I was going to Antarctica they thought I was crazy. I feel so lucky that I did this and if I could I would give it 10 stars!
Also you don't have to do the run - they need others to help with the race so many companions came along to cheer us on!
We boarded the boat in Ushuaia, Argentina which was incredibly beautiful. We spent two days crossing the Drake Passage to arrive in the neighborhood of King George. The Drake passage can either be the Drake Lake or the Drake "Shake" We got the lake and all was good. I wore a sea sickness patch and was never so relaxed in my life. We spent those two days getting fit for wet gear, learning about ship, and great schooling on penguins, whales, and seals.
Almost everybody took a turn during the trip in the Sea Kayaks. My turn was paddling through sea lions and next to beautiful glaciers. Others that went out later in the trip paddled around with whales coming to surface right next to them.
Every time we got on a Zodiac we knew it was going to be awe inspiring. Penguins that could care less you were there and just went about their business. Whales that swam right next to your boat. The Zodiac drivers where first class at what they did.
Our Marathon was run on King George Island and as we finished a young male Emperor Penguin wandered on shore to hang out at the finish line. Our guide told us this was very rare and that they don't generally travel that far south. He posed under the banner and everybody got great photos.
The icing on the cake was a trip to Paradise Cove which is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We did the Polar Plunge on the rocky shores of the beach.
Was it cold? Not if you dress correctly. My fingers were the only thing that ever got cold and that was because of all the photos and video I was taking.
The worst part? The two days back on the boat. We hit some rough water in the beginning and everything was good as long as I stayed horizontal. But that only lasted for 12 hours. Calmer waters and I was up and about and sad that the adventure was almost over.
When I told people I was going to Antarctica they thought I was crazy. I feel so lucky that I did this and if I could I would give it 10 stars!
Also you don't have to do the run - they need others to help with the race so many companions came along to cheer us on!
Written May 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkV709
Colorado Springs, CO454 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
My son and I went on this wonderful day excursion tour through a Puntas Arenas travel Agency. Six of us flew into the commercial airstrip from Puntas Arenas and had a wonderful time seeing the penguin rookeries. the elephant seals, Zodiac boat ride to disembark to stand at the base of a glacier, tour the scientific areas ongoing with Chile and a general tour around the reseach site. This is not what you would think of as mainland Antarctica and is in fact an island. If you are out to check the box but see a whole lot during a 5 hour day excursion this is the trip to take. Add a boat cruise around the continent and a look at an early explorers site and you will have done it all. We really enjoyed this tour. Two to three hour flight from Puntas Arenas. Lots of walking, not good for small children or older adults with challenges to walking and a long day. Bring proper clothing and respect the land and animals!
Written February 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott W
Texas136 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
I recently traveled to King George Island with my family on one of DAP's overnight tours. As part of a 3-hour hike, we visited Elefantera Beach, where we were able to see dozens of elephant seals. We also visited nearby Ardley Island, where there's a penguin rookery (there were Adelies, Chinstraps, and Gentoos, but no King or Emperor penguins). However, the highlight of the trip was a trip on a zodiac boat to see Collins Glacier, which was breathtaking. The island is home to about a dozen research bases, as well as the small Chilean "town" of Villa Las Estrellas (which has a post office and about 35 citizens), but it is still possible to get away from human activity and experience undisturbed wildlife pretty easily.
Written January 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamusaba
Florida374 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
One of the typical stops on cruises to Antarctica, Half Moon Bay is on King George Island in the South Shetlands island chain. I recently travelled with Quark to this bay and was dropped off in a zodiac to view a large colony of chinstrap penguins. In January, you can see the penguins on their nests protecting their chicks from ravenous skuas (brown birds of prey that feed on penguin chicks and eggs). The view from the nests offers excellent photo op of the penguins with a backdrop of colored rocks, icebergs and snow covered mountains. It is simply breathtaking .This was a cold winter which extended into January so after you land ashore you have to walk up to the nests in the snow which can be slippery. In these conditions walking sticks are recommended for those who are not accustomed to walking in the snow. You are restricted to where you can go so as not to bother the penguin access to the beach and their own beaten path trails and must be careful to keep a distance of 15 feet at all times. Only 100 people are permitted on shore at any one time so it is important to be on an expedition which can accomodate everyone who wishes to go ashore and visit this site. I highly recommend it.
Written January 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goldsb
Liverpool, UK387 contributions
Jan 2018
King George Island has an air strip with connections to Punta Arenas ( about 2 hours flight). There is a generic meal served on the flight The flight is very weather dependent. You should allow plenty of time ( eg. 1-2 days) for connections. The pilot needs to see the landing strip. The Island is prone to low cloud.
We passed the Chilean and Russian stations en route to our boat, walking from the airstrip. The Russian orthodox church on the hill to the left was you walk to the sea is worth a visit- it has quite a nice wall of icons and paintings- amazing given the location. You can also get Russian souvenirs at the Russian station. The multiple sign posts in Russian with whale bones at the base give you an idea how far you are from large populations.
Penguins are at the sea edge, and if you move around the island there are notable bird sanctuaries. We enjoyed seeing the penguin chicks and the Antarctic shags.
The cruise boats use the harbour as a staging point for transfers to the boats by zodiac. This does mean having to get on board a zodiac off the beach- you need waterproof boots right away.
We passed the Chilean and Russian stations en route to our boat, walking from the airstrip. The Russian orthodox church on the hill to the left was you walk to the sea is worth a visit- it has quite a nice wall of icons and paintings- amazing given the location. You can also get Russian souvenirs at the Russian station. The multiple sign posts in Russian with whale bones at the base give you an idea how far you are from large populations.
Penguins are at the sea edge, and if you move around the island there are notable bird sanctuaries. We enjoyed seeing the penguin chicks and the Antarctic shags.
The cruise boats use the harbour as a staging point for transfers to the boats by zodiac. This does mean having to get on board a zodiac off the beach- you need waterproof boots right away.
Written January 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura M
Washington DC, DC69 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
The tour group really works on this adventure. They contact the various research stations to secure a place to use the bathroom and rest.
You are likely to see several penguins and a few birds. The landscape is unlike any place I have ever seen. There are two churches and the small Russian Orthodox church is worth a look.
You are likely to see several penguins and a few birds. The landscape is unlike any place I have ever seen. There are two churches and the small Russian Orthodox church is worth a look.
Written February 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
virginian9
Newport News, VA1,735 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
Traveled in December 2016 with Quark Expeditions. Took their "Fly the Drake" cruise. Flew from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George to be picked up by zodiac boat to board the Sea Adventurer for a one week cruise. Landing on gravel airstrip at King George and then hiking about 1.5 miles down to the beach was amazing. Lots of military presence/buildings around air-strip. Fascinating to imagine being stationed on King George with your family and braving the Antarctica winters. We were thrilled to reach the water and see our first two penguins frolicking in the water. Almost like they were ambassadors there to great us. Great introduction to Antarctica.
Written January 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravellingNature
New York City, NY219 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
No wonder it can be called the world's largest white desert. The trip to King George Island and the guided tour of the facilities and history and UN resolution concerning Antarctica was informative. Antarctica is an amazing place and the fact that we could visit was trip worth taking because the weather can be so fickle.
Written March 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Please guide me, who to book flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica day trip, is there any tour agency or anyone can book flights without tour agency. i am coming from middle east. i have visa of Chili and Argentina. is any special requirements.
Thanks in advance,
Regards,
Tanveer
Written November 24, 2024
Hi, Please guide me, who to book flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica day trip, is there any tour agency or anyone can book flights without tour agency. i am coming from middle east. i have visa of Chili and Argentina. is any special requirements.
Thanks in advance,
Regards,
Tanveer
Written November 24, 2024
Hi Guys,
I am trying to touch down on Antartica as a tribute to a fallen soldier who was never able. I get unfortunately sea sick, and the fly to cruise excursions are a little out of my price range at 11-12k
I see good reviews on the single day DAP airlines flights. Try not to laugh, I know it’s an Island, but does Going to King George Island count as visiting the final continent?
I’ve been given some advise as to go to Chile and book last minute openings on fly to cruise itineraries, as it could save thousands, but I’m traveling with my mom as well and I’d hate to get her all the way down there, and something not be available. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Written April 22, 2019
Hi, Well you'll see penguins. You won't be able to walk around wherever you like, but you can visit the Russian Orthodox Church and the island is beautiful in an ominous kind of way. That is, if the weather allows the DAP plane to take off. We had to wait 48 hours for ours to do so. And we were not sure when we'd be able to fly back to Punta Arenas; For a plane to land on and take off from the island, one has to have severable favorable conditions, low wind, no low cloud cover, and no fog. So plan on spending several days in Punta Arenas just in case.
Written April 23, 2019
What cruise line or transportation did you use from King George Island to Antarctia? From my understanding ,that which for this area is very limited, King George Island is 120 km(70 miles) from Antarctica and I was hoping to actually go to Antarctica itself if possible. Thank you for any assistance.
Written March 20, 2019
Actually, King George Island is located at the northern top of Antartica, You can get there flying from Punta Arenas on DAP airlines. If you want to go further south, the only way t o get there is on a cruise ship.
Written March 22, 2019
Hi Mark. Thank you for the review of your day trip to King George Island. I'm planning a hiking trip that ends in Punta Arenas and am hoping to add a quick trip over to King George Island. Do you remember the name of the tour company you used? Any other tips you would offer?
Written October 5, 2018
DAP airlines flies frecuently from Punta Arenas to King Goerge Island durin summer time. Should book full day or overnight tour with them though.
Written March 22, 2019
I recently saw your review of King George Island and have a couple of questions. 1. Approximately how much walking (in terms of miles) did you do during your day there? My wife and I have no trouble walking/hiking long distances, but we'll be traveling with our 6-year old daughter and would like to know what to expect. 2. Other than the typical things (clothing, sun glasses, etc.), is there anything that you'd recommend bringing on the visit?
Thanks in advance for any help that you can provide.
Scott
Written April 4, 2018
How long does it take between King George Island and Ushuaia by ship?
Written December 24, 2017
We flew, so I am not sure.
Written December 29, 2017
Does anyone know if the Lindblad Antarctic cruises ever have landings on King George Island?
Thanks
Written November 30, 2017
I am planning on going to Antarctic via Marathon Tours. I am not running the marathon but my cousin is.
What can I expect while she is running? Am I allowed to go to the island then return when she comes in???
Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance...
Written July 26, 2017
Yes you will be included as part of the crew if you want. People who didn't run could be on the course to offer encouragement on the route or help at the finish line. I don't know what these other people are talking about. We flew into Ushauia and got on the boat there. Nobody spends the night on the island - you are ferried to the island on zodiacs.
Written August 3, 2017
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