Munich → Kerguelen Islands Expedition

Day 1: Departure & Transit to Punta Arenas

Morning: Depart Munich on a morning flight to Santiago, Chile, then connect to Punta Arenas. Enjoy views of the Andes as you climb to 2,600 m.

Afternoon: Arrive in Punta Arenas and transfer to the chartered expedition vessel bound for the Southern Ocean. Attend a safety briefing and meet fellow travelers.

Evening: Set sail across the Drake Passage; spot albatrosses and occasional whales as the ship heads south‑west.

Day 2: Crossing the Southern Ocean

Morning: Continue the crossing; the captain narrates the geology of the Scotia and Antarctic plates.

Afternoon: Keep an eye out for sea‑ice formation and occasional sightings of **southern right whales**.

Evening: Enjoy a lecture on the unique flora and fauna of the Kerguelen archipelago while dining on fresh seafood.

Day 3: Arrival at Port‑aux‑Français

Morning: Dock at **Port‑aux‑Français**, the main settlement; disembark and settle into guest cabins.

Afternoon: Take a guided walk to the **Kerguelen Museum**, learning about the islands' history of exploration and scientific research.

Evening: Sunset over the **Baie du Moulin** followed by a dinner featuring locally sourced seal meat (optional).

Morning: Board a Zodiac to **Baie de l’Oiseau**, home to massive colonies of **king penguins** and **southern giant petrels**.

Afternoon: Guided trek along the cliffs to observe breeding behavior; binoculars provided for close‑up viewing.

Evening: Return to Port‑aux‑Français for a relaxing evening; optional stargazing session under the Antarctic night sky.

Day 5: Hiking Mont Ross & Glacial Lakes

Morning: Embark on a moderate trek to the base of **Mont Ross**, the highest volcanic peak in the archipelago.

Afternoon: Continue to the striking **Lac de la Folie**, a turquoise glacial lake surrounded by tundra.

Evening: Return to the ship for a celebratory dinner, sharing photos and stories from the day’s adventure.

Day 6: Return Voyage

Morning: Depart Port‑aux‑Français and begin the northward crossing of the Southern Ocean.

Afternoon: Attend a debrief on the expedition’s scientific contributions and receive a souvenir photo album.

Evening: Arrive back in Punta Arenas; transfer to the flight for the overnight journey to Munich.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Munich → Punta Arenas (flight & transfers) – 12 h – $1,200
• Expedition vessel crossing (7 days) – 7 days – $4,500
• Port‑aux‑Français accommodation & meals – 5 nights – $1,250
• Kerguelen Museum entry – 2 h – $30
• Baie de l’Oiseau Zodiac tour – 4 h – $150
• Mont Ross guided hike – 6 h – $200
• Travel insurance & permits – – $300
• Total Estimated Cost: $7,430

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day for a deeper exploration of the eastern islands, such as **Île de la Possession** and its marine research station. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Mont Ross hike and fly out from Punta Arenas after Day 4, reducing both time and cost while still experiencing the core wildlife highlights.