For those short on time this Antarctic Express Air Cruise optimizes your experience so you can see it all! Embark on the Magellan Explorer 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 to 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.
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
Begin in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board the Magellan Explorer 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 on hand and allow enough time to clear port security and to reach the vessel.
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.
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 seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to 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 catch your 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. 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
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. 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.
Day 6: Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,995
Select a Date
Triple Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
Select a Date
Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m²
-Cabin with sitting area and porthole
Select a Date
Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Select a Date
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
240 ft2 – 22 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite
360 ft2 – 33 m2
-Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area
Select a Date
Grand Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
Select a Date
Single Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
- Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Initial deposit is $1500 plus the adventure activities must be paid in full at the time of booking., and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
4 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
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.
Transfers Airport/Hotel on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica, and Transfers Hotel/Airport on Last Day of the Air-Cruise Program
Group Transfers from Airport to Hotel on Day 1
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.
Kayaking Option (Must be booked in advance)
Hiking & Snowshoeing Option (Booked and paid on board)
Preferred Seating on the Antarctic Flight: Click this link for details.
- Flex 60 Package: Up to 60 days prior to departure, change reservation once without penalty or cancel reservation and receive a full refund. (Cost is 10% of cruise fare)
- Flex 30 Package: Up to 30 days prior to departure, change their reservation once without penalty or cancel their reservation and receive a full refund. (Cost is 15% of cruise fare)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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