An affordable trip to Antarctica

An air-cruise that combines a visit to Cape Horn and Antarctica.

Set Sail to Antarctica

An affordable, introductory visit to Antarctica.

Antarctica Express

Duration

6 Days/5 Nights

Departure city

Ushuaia, Argentina

Itinerary Type: Air-Cruise

  • Icon of Sailing
    Sailing
  • Icon of Flight Return
    Flight Return

Optional extras

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    Preferred Seating

Ship options

Prices reflect 2021/22 season, and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

Itinerary at a Glance

Our Antarctica Express Air-Cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable Antarctica expedition. This trip offers you the chance to visit Cape Horn, cruise the Drake Passage, land in Antarctica, and fly back.

  • Day 1: Begin your trip in Ushuaia, Argentina Board your ship at the pier in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.
  • Day 2: Visit to Cape Horn After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.
  • Days 3: Sail to Antarctica As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.
  • Day 4: Drake Passage and Antarctica After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening
  • Day 5: Antarctica and Scheduled Return Flight Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-mi) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
  • Day 6: Final Day of your Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
  • Note: This itinerary is offered on both our 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. On some of our Antarctica Express expeditions, the depature operates in reverse. An itinerary description is avilable on request.
Map of Antarctica Express Air-Cruise itinerary by Antarctica21

Photo Album: Antarctica Express

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Enjoy a day in Antarctica exploring the landscape.

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Enjoy the privilege of seeing penguins, whales, seals, and many species of birds in their native habitat on your Antarctica cruise.

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Enjoy a day exploring Antarctica on a Zodiac boat on our most affordable air-cruise.

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Fly from Antarctica back to Punta Arenas, Chile, and avoid one crossing of the Drake Passage.

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Visit legendary Cape Horn during your Antarctica Express Air-Cruise.

Choose Your Ship

The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise is available on all three of our expedition ships. Review which ship is best for your trip.

Ocean Nova

Sturdy and nimble, this ship was built to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland and is ideally suited for Antarctic expeditions.

Prices reflect 2021/22 season, and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

From %min_price% USD pp based on DBL Cabin

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Sail as far as the Antarctic Circle in comfortable accommodations.

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Built for the ice-choked waters of Greenland, this ship can go where most cannot.

Image of An Ideal Base for Explorers

Enjoy a glass-enclosed observation lounge, a spacious dining room, and other welcoming features while on board.

Magellan Explorer

Featuring a modern design and innovative technologies, this expedition vessel was custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises.

Prices reflect 2021/22 season, and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

From %min_price% USD pp based on DBL Cabin

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Magellan Explorer was custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises.

Image of Spacious and Stylish Design

Public spaces that are perfect for relaxing and wildlife watching.

Image of Expert Polar Exploration

Enjoy access to the expansive bridge and learn about polar navigation.

Image of Beautiful & Cozy Cabins

Enjoy views of the unforgettable landscapes from your bed.

Magellan Explorer in Cape Horn. Photography by Ana Maria Lopez.

Testimonies

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Optional Trip Extras

For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience with us.

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Preferred Seating: For an extra level of comfort, travelers can purchase Preferred Seats on their Antarctica Express flight.
2021/22 Preferred Seating Promotion Book upon reservation, price $245 USD
Learn More

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Sea Kayaking Program: See Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak.
Reserve at booking, price: $895 USD per person (for the entire trip).
Learn More

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Hiking and Snowshoeing Program: Gain greater mobility and see more of the Antarctic landscape while hiking and snowshoeing.
Book onboard, price: $85 USD per person/excursion.
Learn More

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Hotel and Transfer Package: This package is available pre-expedition and post-expedition and includes group airport transfers, 1-night hotel accommodation, breakfast and drink voucher.
For pricing, please inquire at time of reservation.

Ready to Start Planning?

Antarctica is like no other place on Earth, and we would love to welcome you there. Complete this short form to receive a customized quote from our team and start planning your Antarctic air-cruise today!

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