Have questions? We're here.
Air transportation

Antarctica Express Air Cruise

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas - Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Magellan Explorer
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Antarctica trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
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. 
Iceberg in AntarcticaA spectacular iceberg off the coast of AntarcticaGull flies over icy waterEmbark on a zodiac adventureIcebergs at sunsetAir transportation
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
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina | Embark

  • 1 Dinner
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 reach the vessel.

Day 2: Cape Horn | Drake Passage

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.

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 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.

Day 4: South Shetland Islands

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.

Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, which can be read here.
 

Day 6: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flight.

Please note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.

Ship/Hotel

Magellan Explorer

Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Cabo de Hornos Hotel
The reception desk at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel
The bar area at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,995 2-3 travelers
Triple Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2 -Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m² -Cabin with sitting area and porthole
Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2 -Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
240 ft2 – 22 m2 -Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2 -Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
Penthouse Suite
360 ft2 – 33 m2 -Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area
Single Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2 - Cabin with sitting area and balcony

Notes

-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Cabin sharing, where solo travelers are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender is available in Porthole and Veranda Cabins. 
-Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.85x the double occupancy rate for Porthole and Veranda Cabins types. Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Suite, and Grand Suite cabins are 2x the double occupancy rate.

Fly cruises: Children admitted from 8 years old
  • Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
  • Polar Circle
  • Antarctica Express
Sea voyages: Children admitted from 12 years old
  • Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
  • Falklands (Malvinas) & SG
  • Falklands (Malvinas), SG and Antarctica
  • Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
Optionals
  • Kayaking: Children admitted from 16 years old.
  • Hiking & snowshoeing: Children admitted from 12 years old.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 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.
     
  • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
  • Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
  • All guided shore excursions.
  • Standard internet service is provided on a complimentary basis. Guests booked in Penthouse Suites on Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer enjoy complimentary premium internet service
  • Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
  • Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
  • Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
  • Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
  • Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
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 
  • All participants in an Antarctica 21 expedition are required to have a travel insurance policy.  A comprehensive policy is recommended but, at a minimum, Medical Evacuation coverage up to $100,000 USD is required.

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

Antarctica Travel Guide

Favorite Antarctica Antarctica All Trips

Top Antarctica Travel Destinations

Antarctica Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Antarctica

Antarctica Trips by Duration

Antarctica Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By