Antarctica Express Air-Cruise 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

Travel Program

Up to 8 days

Moderate

Antarctica and the Southern Islands

Overview

Landscape A land that holds 90% of Earth’s ice, Antarctica stuns visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. See peaceful bays dotted with colossal icebergs; cruise along deep fjords and see massive glaciers; be amazed by sharp snowy peaks that jut out of the sea. Adventure Feel the spray of seawater on your cheeks as you cruise in a Zodiac to shore. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers as you hike on Antarctic soil. Join our optional Sea Kayaking and Hiking & Snowshoeing programs and discover more from different vantage points. Wildlife Penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds congregate in Antarctica and South Georgia during the austral summer. Present in large numbers, you can move along in their world and find endless inspiration for photographs. Memories Setting foot on the seventh continent is a privilege and an honor. You will bring home unforgettable tales, and your journey will arouse curiosity and admiration, and create inspiring narratives that will be cherished and recounted for years to come.

What's included in this tour?

For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on Day 1.
For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast and a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House.
Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a variety of dishes.
Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
All guided shore excursions.
Lectures and entertainment on board.
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board Magellan Explorer.
Contingency Plan.
IAATO passenger fee.

What's not included in this tour?

Anything that is not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” section. For example:
Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
Internet connection on board the ship.
Personal travel insurance.
Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
Gratuities.
Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

Itinerary

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 the 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 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 vehicle and transfer 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.