Aurora Expeditions Antarctic expedition arrives in Puerto Williams

Leading Antarctic expedition company, Aurora Expeditions, has celebrated the arrival of its first Antarctic expedition into the small Chilean port town of Puerto Williams. This is the first time the company has used the port for its Antarctic operations, with another seven of the company’s Antarctic expeditions scheduled to use the port as a starting or ending point this season.

Speaking in Puerto Williams on Wednesday, Aurora Expeditions CEO, Lisa Bolton, addressed Chilean Government and Navy members, as well as Aurora Expeditions’ passengers and Puerto Williams locals, saying that this expedition represents a historical and symbolic moment, not only for Aurora Expeditions and the local community of Puerto Williams, but also for the greater Antarctic tourism industry.

“Thanks to the support of so many organisations, including the Chilean Government and Chilean Navy, Aurora Expeditions are now able to offer our passengers a wonderful alternative Antarctic gateway as well as share with them another of our planet’s remote wilderness regions.” said Bolton.

“We are also proud to be supporting the development of tourism in the region, to be assisting in the improvement of infrastructure, as well as providing resources to effectively and sustainably protect the island’s natural assets.”

Chile’s Regional Director of Tourism for Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Carla Ivelic, also acknowledged last month the important economic impact the developments will have on the Puerto Williams community, given tourism is currently worth approximately eight per cent of the region’s GDP.

Already listed as one of the top 10 emerging places for adventure travellers by USA Today in 2013, Puerto Williams was added to Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctic program to provide a unique nature experience for their passengers as well provide the Antarctic industry with an alternative port and gateway.

Aurora Expeditions’ passengers aboard yesterday’s inaugural expedition into Puerto Williams were taken on a tour to explore the town and other parts of Isla Navarino, before enjoying a 45-minute scenic flight over the spectacular granite spires of the Dientes de Navarino Mountains and completing their expedition in Punta Arenas, Chile.

Aurora Expeditions will continue to use Puerto Williams as an alternative port across their 2015-16 Antarctic expedition program. For the full program visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or call +61 2 9252 1033.