Affordable Antarctica Cruise - Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

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

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Set Sail to Antarctica

An affordable, introductory visit to Antarctica.

Antarctica Express

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Departure city

Punta Arenas, Chile or Ushuaia, Arg

Itinerary Type: Air-Cruise

Sailing
Flight Return

Optional extras

Preferred Seating

Ship options

Based on 21/22 & 22/23 seasons 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.

**Note: Our 2021-2022 season, departures begin and end in Punta Arenas as detailed below, however, our 2022-2023 departures begin in Ushuaia and end in Punta Arenas. For full itinerary details, see our brochure.

Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise in Punta Arenas, Chile Our staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers.
Day 2: Puerto Williams and embarkation Fly to Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Board your ship and set sail to Cape Horn.
Days 3: 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.
Day 4: 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 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: End of the Air-Cruise in Punta Arenas, Chile After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

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Map of Antarctica Express Air-Cruise itinerary by Antarctica21

Photo Album: Antarctica Express

Image of slide — Enjoy a day in Antarctica exploring the landscape.

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.

Based on 21/22 & 22/23 seasons and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

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Image of An Antarctic Adventure Ship — Sail as far as the Antarctic Circle in comfortable accommodations.

Image of Strong and Mighty — 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.

Based on 21/22 & 22/23 seasons and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

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Image of New and Modern Polar Vessel — 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.

Hebridean Sky

After a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2016, this classically elegant, all-suite vessel became one of the world’s finest small ships. Experience your Antarctica cruise on board small ship Hebridean Sky.

Based on 21/22 & 22/23 seasons and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

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Image of One of the World's Finest Small Ships — On Hebridean Sky absorb the magnificence of Antarctica.

Image of All-Suite Accommodation — Each of the eight suite categories has premium appointments fitting for the beauty of the destination.

Image of A Stylish Base for Exploration — Experience your Antarctica cruise on small ship. From fine dining to surprising adventures, this is a perfect small-ship for your expedition.

Image of Classic and Elegant Spaces — Walk on the wraparound deck, enjoy a drink in the lounge and have lunch outdoors, all with the 7th Continent in view.

Optional Trip Extras

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

Testimonial

“Antarctica is breathtaking, and Antarctica21 provides an over the top travel experience.”

J.W. , Traveler from USA

TripAdvisor, January 2020

Testimonial

“Antarctica is, without doubt, an amazing place. If you ever get a chance (or 5) to visit, do it. For our cruise, we went with Antarctica21 and it was a great experience.”

Michael, Traveler from USA

TripAdvisor, January 2020

Testimonial

“The Classic Antarctica air-cruise was amazing, thanks in part to our experienced and friendly guides. I especially enjoyed exploring alongside a bird naturalist, a marine mammals biologist, and a polar historian and explorer (who skied to both poles!)”

Mary, Traveler from USA

TripAdvisor, December 2019

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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