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Express Tour of Antarctica

A cost-effective Antarctic adventure. This itinerary is also ideal for those with limited time wanting to combine Antarctica with time exploring Patagonia. Sailing one way and flying back, you get to combine two iconic places: Antarctica and Cape Horn. Note, you'll only spend one day in Antarctica itself.

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Express Tour of Antarctica

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Trip type

Fly & Cruise

Trip length

6-7 Days

From

$4,995 -$8,995

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

Express Tour of Antarctica - 6-7 - $4,995

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • A six day voyage with one day in Antarctica
  • Starts in Ushuaia and finishes in Punta Arenas – ideal for combining Chile & Argentina
  • Choice of 2 ships and 3-4 departure dates per season
  • Complimentary hotel stay with dinner and Chilean wine

Start from Ushuaia and end at Punta Arenas to Antarctica

Landmarks potentially visited on Express Tour of Antarctica

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia and Puerto Williams

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your vessel 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

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 honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.


Day 3: At sea towards King George Island

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 sea birds, 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 the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, 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 5: King George Island to Punta Arenas

Upon reaching King George Island you will bid farewell to the ship and take your final Zodiac ride back to shore. Here you will board the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. On 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: Punta Arenas

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.


Additional Notes: 

Passengers who book to share a Twin Cabin are accommodated in a single room in Punta Arenas for which there is a mandatory supplement of USD $115.

Preferred seating on your Antarctic flights can be added for USD $245 per person (limited spaces). This guarantees priority boarding and an aisle or window seat, with an empty middle seat, at the front of the aircraft. 


Note: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Furthermore, it's important to understand that the charter flight(s) to/ from Antarctica are particularly prone to weather, which requires a flexible flight schedule.

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What our customers think of Express Tour of Antarctica

Express Tour of Antarctica trips scored 4.5/5 from 17 reviews

The whole trip! Learning about everything about Antarctica and Drake passage. I also enjoy the landscape once we’re on land

Travelled: January 2023

Khanh -

I don't know how to summarize what was the most magical adventure that I have ever experienced. The Hebridean Sky was a gem of a ship, and I felt like royalty. The service on the ship, the extensive knowledge of the crew, expedition leaders and scientists were were superb. We were incredibly blessed with 2 full days of glorious sunshine and unprecedented weather conditions which allowed us more landings than most of the cruises usually get to do. The landscapes and wildlife were spectacular. I met new lifelong friends that I will travel with again in the future. Favorite moment- Finding a chunk of 30,000 year old "Black Ice" and getting to taste it, and later on, it was the ice used in our cocktails!

Travelled: February 2021

Kristen Hilt -

Most scary memorable moment was going through the Drake Passage since there was a storm it was pretty rocky going through. The most exciting moment was actually stepping foot on Antarctica and being greeted by penguins.

Travelled: December 2022

Akilah -

Every second of it.

Travelled: January 2022

Mike S. -

Actually setting foot on land. Half More on Island Antarctica. The experience of going through the Drake Passage was a close second

Travelled: February 2023

Rick -

Trip was great but there are too many other places to explore. Wildlife cooperated! Staff and other guests were great. Accommodations and food were excellent

Travelled: February 2021

Sara -

Being able to step onto land!!! It felt surreal to see the world from this point of view. We felt so grateful for all the time and effort that the crew put in to ensure we respected the wildlife and experienced Antarctica

Travelled: January 2023

Madison -

Great cruise service, hospitable expedition leaders, and met lots of cool like-minded individuals. The most magical moment was visiting Paulet Island and seeing hundreds of thousands of penguins. I was a bit disappointed, however, that we weren't able to do the polar plunge despite great weather every day.

Travelled: February 2021

Liz Chon -

Loved how close we could see the animals. Wish we had two days of shore excursions instead of one day.

Travelled: February 2021

Kristin Knoll -

Drake Passage was really rough. We definitely had the Drake Shake. I really enjoyed the smaller group size. It was very intimate and you really got to know your fellow passengers and the staff.

Travelled: February 2023

Tiana -

I loved hiking to the peak of Half Moon Island. It views were absolutely breathtaking

Travelled: January 2023

Nicole -

We loved seeing the penguins!!!

Travelled: January 2023

Larry -

Touching land and setting foot on the Shetland Islands - I will NEVER forget how surreal it was.

Travelled: January 2023

Anonymous -

We had a bathrobe party when crossing the Antarctic threshold, it was awesome to be have a togetherness with the passengers (and crew)!

Travelled: December 2022

Anonymous -

Ohiggins Chilean research base

Travelled: January 2020

Seth -

Everything was awesome!

Travelled: January 2020

Ryan -

Penguins Icy Very good N/a How rough sea was

Travelled: February 2021

James Crowder -

Review:

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

2023

2024

2025

Additional Notes

Passengers who book to share a Twin Cabin are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas for which they must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement of USD $135.


Preferred seating on your Antarctic flights can be added for USD $245 per person (limited spaces). This guarantees priority boarding and an aisle or window seat, with an empty middle seat, at the front of the aircraft. 

Single Supplement And Child Policy

For those travelling solo and want their own cabin, this ship has a good number of dedicated single cabins, please contact us for details. However, there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.

Children aged 8 years or more are admitted if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 8 - 12 years of age.

Includes

  • Airport/ hotel transfers as indicated
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in P. Arenas
  • Flight Antarctica/ P. Arenas (or vv)
  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation & meals on full board basis
  • Complimentary drinks offered during meals
  • Welcome dinner including drinks
  • All guided shore excursions and zodiac activities
  • Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
  • Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
  • Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • IAATO passenger fee

Excludes

  • Parka jackets are not provided
  • Any flights to/ from voyage start and end points
  • Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
  • Transfers not specified in the itinerary
  • Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Personal Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature - laundry, bar tab, etc
  • Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
  • Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)

Questions about this Voyage?