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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

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 14 reviews

This was a trip I want to return on as soon as possible. I would have loved more time in Antarctica, but even with the short time it was the perfect size and timed trip. Certainly made the visit to the 7th continent special.

Travelled: December 2016

Boyce & Elizabeth - Mississippi

It was everything and more! I had such an amazing experience. I loved every moment of it! Great cruise service, hospitable expedition leaders, and met lots of cool like-minded individuals.

Travelled: December 2018

Liz Chon - Greece

I loved all of the lectures. All of it was new to me. Everyone did an amazing job with lectures and getting to know all of the guests. Captain Bob certainly was the best. He did an amazing job explaining about the trip so that everyone knows what to expect every day. Everyone is so friendly.

Travelled: January 2023

Khanh Nguyen - USA

The staff did an amazing job providing lectures and information about Antarctica. Everyone was absolutely awesome and I could tell they really loved passing out the knowledge to others. BRAVO to all.

Travelled: January 2022

Mike Sader - USA

10 - For those that want to do a quick trip to Antarctica it was the best of both worlds to see the scenery and nature along the way and then not have to go back through the Drake Passage to go back.

Travelled: November 2022

Akilah Hugine - USA

10/10 - It was so unique! I got to sail, and fly! And it gave me time to hike Patagonia as it was a relatively quick trip!

Travelled: November 2022

Isaac Nelson - USA

The excursion staff are very knowledgeable and enjoyable to be with. Cruise staff work very hard. Food was amazing! I liked the sit down dinner with menu instead of buffet style.

Travelled: January 2023

Khanh Nguyen - USA

The most magical moment was visiting Paulet Island and seeing hundreds of thousands of penguins.

Travelled: December 2018

Liz Chon - Greece

10/10- Express Tour was very efficient. We did not have to cross Drake Passage twice. The plane ride back is very pleasing also.

Travelled: January 2023

Khanh Nguyen - USA

The expedition team were personable, knowledgeable, and dedicated. It was clear that they had a passion for what they did. This came through in their lectures, excursions, and conversations.

Travelled: January 2023

Madison Augustyn - USA

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

Travelled: November 2022

Isaac Nelson - USA

The highlight was stepping onto Antarctica. The landscapes were awesome, the whales and penguins were fascinating. The staff and ship crew members were outstanding, they accommodated each passenger individually.

Travelled: January 2017

Mary and John - New York

We saw whales (minke, orca, and humpback) seals (Weddell, elephant) and penguins (gentoo and chinstrap).

Travelled: January 2023

Madison Augustyn - USA

I don't know how to summarize what was the most magical adventure that I have ever experienced. The service on the ship, the extensive knowledge of the crew, expedition leaders and scientists were were superb. The landscapes and wildlife were spectacular.

Travelled: February 2019

Kristen Hilt - United States Of America

I saw the whales and penguins on one outing. The photos came out amazing.

Travelled: January 2022

Mike Sader - USA

Most memorable moment: 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 Augustyn - USA

Review:

About The Ship

  • The first small-ship (under 100 passengers) built specifically for Antarctic expedition travel since 2003
  • Limited to a maximum of only 76 passengers per departure, Antarctic exploration doesn't get much more personal.
  • Hugely spacious, well appointed suites, many with floor to ceiling windows and outside balconies
  • Adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, will be available to guests

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

Please note for departures from November 2024 - March 2025 Grand Suite cabins will be renamed as Suites.


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 $160.


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?