Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
Explore the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula aboard our small expedition ships, immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and unforgettable moments at the world’s edge.
Magellan Explorer
Magellan Discoverer
Expedition Highlights
Sail among breathtaking icebergs and through ice-filled fjords.
Spot penguins, seals, and whales in their natural Antarctic habitat.
Explore the dramatic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Experience exciting landings on remote Antarctic shores by Zodiac.
Join daily guided excursions led by expert polar guides.
Cruise through secluded fjords, surrounded by pristine natural beauty.
Itinerary at a Glance
Our Antarctica Express air-cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable expedition that combines a visit to Antarctica and the chance to see the legendary Cape Horn.
Day 1
Start of the Air-Cruise
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your ship 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
Cape Horn & Drake Passage
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 honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer.
Day 3
Drake Passage
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 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. Exploration may continue well into the evening taking advantage of the long Antarctic daylight.
Day 5
Antarctica and scheduled return flight
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass 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
End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
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Day 1
Start of the Air-Cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel. Before 2 PM, you are expected at Explorers House for your check-in, for a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2
Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
The adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, where you board the expedition vessel to start your Antarctic exploration.
Day 3
Exploring Antarctica
Explore the stunning beauty of the South Shetland Islands. Sail through ice-filled bays, observing sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales. Board a Zodiac for a memorable shore visit to a penguin colony and take advantage of the extended daylight for evening exploration.
Day 4-5
Drake Passage
Sail north through the Drake Passage while enjoying lectures and presentations. Watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or outside decks, spotting magnificent sea birds, like albatrosses and petrels, as well as various whale species.
Day 6
Cape Horn and Puerto Williams
Weather permitting, board a Zodiac to explore the legendary Cape Horn. Then, continue the journey along the Beagle Channel to Puerto Williams, Chile, the world's southernmost town. Explore the area before sailing to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Day 6
End of the Air-Cruise
Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina, marking the end of your journey.
Choose your ship
The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise is available on all our small vessels. Review which ship is best for your trip.
A Cutting-Edge Ship Designed Exclusively for Antarctic Exploration
Magellan Discoverer meets the stringent PC6 ice class specifications and flaunts a similar boutique, yacht-like aesthetic. For Antarctic air-cruises, Magellan Discoverer will welcome up to 76 guests in 40 cabins across three passenger decks. The vessel features a spacious dining area, versatile meeting rooms, a stylish observation lounge and bar, a well-equipped gym, and an inviting gift shop. The accessible bow draws guests closer to the awe-inspiring waters they sail. For complete air-cruise pricing details review our 2026-27 Air-Cruise Brochure.
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A State-of-the-Art Polar Vessel with Modern Design
This custom-built expedition vessel, launched in 2019, was designed for Antarctic air-cruises and meets the latest Polar Code specifications. It offers seven accommodation categories, with most cabins featuring private balconies.
The ship includes a spacious observation lounge, a presentation room with advanced audiovisual equipment, a stylish dining room, bar, library, meeting room, gym, sauna, and medical clinic. A forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship's bow, providing close access to marine wildlife.
For complete air-cruise pricing details review our brochure.
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A Small Vessel Built for Adventure
Ocean Nova is a sturdy and nimble expedition vessel, with an ice-strengthened hull that is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The ship offers three accommodation categories: Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins.
In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge, it also features a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The vessel has a fleet of seven Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
For complete Air-Cruise pricing details review our brochure.
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Antarctic Air-Cruise inclusions
Pre- and Post-Voyage Info
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Group Transfers
Group transfers in Punta Arenas, between the hotel and airport, as described in the itinerary description.
One Night Stay in Punta Arenas
One night stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day five, which is the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Flight & Cruise Cruise
Ship cruise and one-way flight between King George Island, Antarctica, and Punta Arenas, Chile, as indicated in the program description.
Daily Meals & Beverages
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch, and à la carte dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Gear and Contingency Plan
Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
Guided Excursions and Activities
All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
Exclusive Access to Explorers House
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Optional Extras
For your air-cruise, you can choose among a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience with us.
Upcoming Departures
Our Antarctica Express air-cruises are available across multiple seasons and onboard our three polar vessels.
See our brochures for more details
Download our trip collections available for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
Traveler Reviews
''Expedition leader and staff more than exceeded my expectations – so qualified, intelligent, passionate and patient. By the end of our few days, they felt like old friends. I’ll really miss them and the environment they created for me and my family.''
Lucy M - Traveler from USA
Experience the Extraordinary
From dramatic landscapes to close wildlife encounters, every journey to the White Continent is unique. Let's start planning yours together.
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