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Incredible ice formations

Antarctica Express Air Cruise

Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Nova
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For those short on time this Antarctic Express Air Cruise optimizes your experience so you can see it all! Embark the Ocean Nova in Ushuaia and set sail for Cape Horn. Depending on the weather, be one of the few to step foot on this rarely-visited island! Begin by crossing the Drake Passage en route for King George Island. While at sea, attend lectures and presentations about the polar region. Keep your eyes open for wildlife such as seabirds, whales, dolphins, and seals. Instead of sailing, enjoy flying across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile where you can continue on to your next destination. 
Chinstrap penguins making some noise!Whale watching in AntarcticaAdmiring Adelie penguinsHeading back to Ocean Nova after our excursionFinding a leopard seal snoozing on iceHiking in Antarctica!Watch for whale blows!Returning to Ocean Nova after an excursionIncredible ice formations
Highlights
  • Visit the legendary Cape Horn; weather permitting step foot on the island
  • Attend presentations and lectures by your expert polar guides
  • Sail through ice-filled bays and between giant icebergs
  • Explore Chile's Frei Stations and Russia's Bellingshausen Station
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark

Begin in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board the Ocean Nova 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. 

Please note: Due to port operations, boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 3 PM and 4 PM. At 4 PM boarding closes. Keep your passport at hand and allow enough time to clear port security and reach the vessel.

Day 2: Cape Horn | Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After crossing Nassau Bay, wake up in front 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 waters named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer.

Day 3: Drake Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.

Day 4: South Shetland Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 catch your first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Take advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight to continue exploring well into the evening.

Day 5: Disembark in King George Island | Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. After exploring the area, bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. This evening's meals are at your leisure and are not included in the program.

Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, which can be read here.

 

Day 6: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flight.

Please note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova Library
Lounge at the Ocean Nova

Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Cabo de Hornos Hotel
The reception desk at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel
The bar area at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,995
Accomodations at the Ocean Nova
Select a Date
Triple
150 sq. ft. 2 lower berths and one upper berth with private facilities and window.
Ocean Nova Twin Cabin
Select a Date
Twin
Most Twin Cabins have 2 lower berths with private facilities and a window. But cabins 307, 308, 309 and 310 have fixed matrimonial bedding.
Ocean Nova Single Cabin
Select a Date
Single
87 sq. ft. 1 lower berth with private facilities and window.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Cabin sharing, where solo travelers are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender is available in Twin Cabins.
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person is required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
- Optional adventure activities are available for an additional rate. Please ask for details and availability.

Fly cruises: Children admitted from 8 years old
  • Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
  • Polar Circle
  • Antarctica Express
Sea voyages: Children admitted from 12 years old
  • Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
  • Falklands (Malvinas) & SG
  • Falklands (Malvinas), SG and Antarctica
  • Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
Optionals
  • Kayaking: Children admitted from 16 years old.
  • Hiking & snowshoeing: Children admitted from 12 years old.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
  • Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition
  • IAATO passenger fee 
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Comprehensive Pre- and Post-voyage Information Materials
     
  • Lectures and entertainment onboard.
     
  • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
  • Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
  • All guided shore excursions.
  • Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
  • Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
  • Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
  • Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
  • Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Beverages purchased at the bar 
  • Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rental.
  • All participants in an Antarctica 21 expedition are required to have a travel insurance policy.  A comprehensive policy is recommended but, at a minimum, Medical Evacuation coverage up to $100,000 USD is required.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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