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Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
An affordable air-cruise to Antarctica with a possible visit to Cape Horn.
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Itinerary Overview
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
Explore the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula aboard our small expedition ships, immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and unforgettable moments at the world’s edge.
Starting from
$4,995 USD
/ per person
Promotions Available
Itinerary type
Antarctic Air-Cruise
Dates
November, March
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Departure City
Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas Chile
Ship Options
Magellan Explorer Magellan Discoverer
Optional Extras
Hotel & Transfer Package
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01
00
Expedition Highlights
Sail among breathtaking icebergs and through ice-filled fjords.
Spot penguins, seals, and whales in their natural Antarctic habitat.
Explore the dramatic landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Experience exciting landings on remote Antarctic shores by Zodiac.
Join daily guided excursions led by expert polar guides.
Cruise through secluded fjords, surrounded by pristine natural beauty.
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
Itinerary at a Glance
Our Antarctica Express air-cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable expedition that combines a visit to Antarctica and the chance to see the legendary Cape Horn.
Regular Itinerary
Reverse Itinerary
2028-29 Season
Itinerary Description: Sail South & Fly North (2026-27 and 2027-28 Season)
Start in
Ushuaia, Argentina
End in
Punta Arenas, Chile
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 & 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 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 may 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 transfer vehicle and pass 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 6
End of the air-cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Expand Itinerary
Collapse Itinerary
Itinerary Description: Fly South & Sail North (2026-27 and 2027-28 Season)
Start at
Punta Arenas, Chile
End in
Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 1
Start of the air-cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel. Before 2 PM, you are expected at Explorers House for your check-in, for a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2
Scheduled flight to Antarctica
The adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, where you board the expedition vessel to start your Antarctic exploration.
Day 3
Exploring Antarctica
Explore the stunning beauty of the South Shetland Islands. Sail through ice-filled bays, observing sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales. Board a Zodiac for a memorable shore visit to a penguin colony and take advantage of the extended daylight for evening exploration.
Day 4-5
Drake Passage
Sail north through the Drake Passage while enjoying lectures and presentations. Watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or outside decks, spotting magnificent sea birds, like albatrosses and petrels, as well as various whale species.
Day 6
Cape Horn and Puerto Williams
Weather permitting, board a Zodiac to explore the legendary Cape Horn. Then, continue the journey along the Beagle Channel to Puerto Williams, Chile, the world's southernmost town. Explore the area before sailing to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Day 6
End of the air-cruise
Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina, marking the end of your journey.
Expand Itinerary
Collapse Itinerary
Itinerary Description (2028-29 Season)
Start at
Punta Arenas, Chile
End in
Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 1
Start of the air-cruise
In the morning, check in at Explorers House in Punta Arenas and meet your fellow travelers. Fly to Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world, where you board your boutique expedition vessel. In the late afternoon, set sail along the Beagle Channel, and take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you navigate south toward the Drake Passage.
Day 2-3
Sail the 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
Cross the Drake Passage and reach 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. After 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
Enf of the air-cruise
After breakfast, a transfer takes you to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
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Boutique Expedition Vessels
Choose your ship
The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise is available on all our small vessels. Review which ship is best for your trip.
Magellan Discoverer
Magellan Explorer
A Cutting-Edge Ship Designed Exclusively for Antarctic Exploration
Max. 88 Guests | 67 Staff & Crew Members
Magellan Discoverer meets the stringent PC6 ice class specifications and flaunts a similar boutique, yacht-like aesthetic. For Antarctic air-cruises, Magellan Discoverer will welcome up to 88 guests in 40 cabins across three passenger decks.