Antarctica Express
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Departure city
Ushuaia, Argentina
Itinerary Type: Air-Cruise
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Sailing -
Flight Return
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: 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 and 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.
- Days 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 will 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.
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Group transfers in Punta Arenas, between the hotel and airport, as described in the itinerary description.
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.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Ship cruise and one-way flight between King George Island, Antarctica, and Punta Arenas, Chile, as indicated in the program description.
Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
2025-26 Season Brochure Revealed
As specialists in small-ship Antarctic expeditions, we provide you with boutique on board accommodations and intimate adventure experiences for an unmatched exploration of the last continent.
Photo Album: Antarctica Express
Enjoy a day in Antarctica exploring the landscape.
Enjoy the privilege of seeing penguins, whales, seals, and many species of birds in their native habitat on your Antarctica cruise.
Enjoy a day exploring Antarctica on a Zodiac boat on our most affordable air-cruise.
Fly from Antarctica back to Punta Arenas, Chile, and avoid one crossing of the Drake Passage.
Get a chance to 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.
Discover our newest collection of fly and sail expeditions to Antarctica on board Ocean Nova
Your ideal base for small-ship exploration in Antarctica
Magellan Explorer
Featuring a modern design and innovative technologies, this expedition vessel was custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises.
Explore the Last Continent on board Magellan Explorer, our small ship custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises.
For the 2026-27 season, we’re offering 39 new air-cruises on our small boutique ships!
Enjoy views of the unforgettable landscapes from your bed.
Magellan Discoverer
Crafted as a sister ship to Magellan Explorer, it features an innovative and elegant design paired with environmental sustainability at heart.
Official sailing the Antarctic seas during the 2026-27 season. Crafted as a sister ship to Magellan Explorer, it features an innovative and elegant design paired with environmental sustainability at heart.
You can now book your Antarctic trip of a lifetime on Magellan Discoverer!
Optional Trip Extras
For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience with us. Review our Trip Packages, Extra Services & Promotions page for more information. On the Antarctica Express Air-Cruise, you can add the following optional packages and activities to add to your booking:
- Hotel and Transfer Package
Arrive to Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile in just under 2 hours.
Hotel and Transfer Package: This package is available pre-expedition and post-expedition and includes group airport transfers, 1-night hotel accommodation, breakfast, and a drink voucher.
For pricing, please inquire at the time of reservation.
Ready to Start Planning?
Antarctica is like no other place on Earth and we invite you to explore it with us. Complete this short form to receive a customized quote from our team and start planning your Antarctic air-cruise today!
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