Antarctica Express Air Cruise
from Ushuaia
6 Days / 5 Nights
Expedition
Antarctica Express Air Cruise
Antarctic Peninsula
Departs from Ushuaia
Antarctica Express Air Cruise Trip Summary
For those in a hurry, or on a smaller budget, but want to experience Antarctica, this is by far the quickest way to get to the White Continent, have some quality time exploring, and then returning equally fast to Punta Arenas. However, note that the start point is from Ushuaia, in southern Patagonia, Argentina.
Our partners, Antarctica21, flight combined with cruise model allows you to arrive to Antarctica in comfort and style. For example, the Antarctica21 air-cruise takes you over the Drake Passage avoiding the discomfort of a potential rough sea crossing. In addition, flying from South America directly to an island in the Antarctica peninsula archipelago is much quicker than navigating this stretch on a ship. In fact, the flight takes just two hours. Therefore, you reach Antarctica on a quick flight, rather than a two-day crossing, and then are quickly immersed in the beauty of the Seventh Continent.
ExperienceChile.Org
In all cases ExperienceChile.Org is a prime partner and here to help you choose and book the adventure best suited to your desires and budget. Also, ExperienceChile.Org will add on some interesting extras, free of charge should you book with us. For example, we will add on a free night in any city on Chile or Argentina at one of our partner hotels, or we may include a private land transfer free of charge. Once we know what cabin type you wish to book we will be able to tell you what our offer is.
And, please do not forget that ExperienceChile.Org can also create a pre Antarctic or post Antarctic Patagonia travel itinerary, or maybe elsewhere in South America, just let us know.
Our email: request@experiencechile.org
Click on pictures to enlarge.
The Itinerary
Antarctica Express Air Cruise
Antarctic Peninsula
Aboard the Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 / Start of the Air-Cruise
The start of your adventure is from Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier when passengers board the ship in the afternoon. Thereafter, the route taken will be along the famous Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Moreover, there will be time to explore the surroundings before setting sail for Cape Horn.
Day 2 / Cape Horn and Drake Passage
After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, passengers will awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, for those who wish, here will be an option to board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Following the time at Cape Horn, the ship will set sail towards Antarctica, and cross the famous Drake 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 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 / 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. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening
Day 5 / Antarctica and Scheduled Return Flight
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-mi) walk takes you through 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.
It is Important to Note
The above itinerary is a guide only. That is to say that the exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions. In addition, to also take advantage of the best opportunities to view wildlife. Therefore, changes are often made by the Captain and / or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions.
In the final analysis, flexibility is the key to success.
Clothes to Bring
Antarctica is generally a cold place. It can be windy, raining and snowing. Therefore you will need to pack clothes that can protect you from the elements as well as keep you warm. However, we will supply you with advice about what clothes to pack during the reservation confirmation process.
EXPERIENCE CHILE OFFER
In addition to the sensible reasons why you should book this Antarctica Express Air Cruise itinerary, if you ask us to handle the reservation we will add to it one of these services, FREE of charge (min 2 people):
1 – Hotel night at one of our partners hotels in Chile or Argentina.
2 – Private transfer, if required, between the airport and hotel, or between the hotel and El Calafate.
Moreover, conditions of the above: ExperienceChile.Org will decide which one of the above offers is most suitable.
If you’d like us to suggest or create an itinerary for you, please EMAIL US.
Antarctica 21 Ship Fleet (3 Ships):
The Ocean Nova
About the Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova is a sturdy and nimble expedition vessel. This ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland. However, it has a strengthened hull that is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. Moreover, the ship was fully refurbished in 2006, and since then has benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements.
For our air-cruises, Ocean Nova has capacity for 67 passengers accommodated in comfortable outside cabins, that is to say that none are without a window. The ship offers three categories of accommodation: dedicated Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins. Above all, the cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with chair, a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with shower.
In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. Also, the ship has a fleet of 7 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
The Ocean Nova Specs
Passengers : 72 max
Staff & Crew: 46
Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed, capacity of 110 (in addition to 4 life rafts, capacity of 100)
Length: 73 m
Breadth: 11 m
Draft: 3.7
Propulsion: Diesel engines, 2,000 horsepower
Ice class: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
Cruising speed: 12 knots in open water
Cabin Specs
| Category | Average size | Details |
| Single cabins | 87 ft2 – 8 m2 | One lower single bed |
| Twin cabins | 106 ft2 – 10 m2 | Two lower beds |
| Triple cabins | 150 ft2 – 14 m2 | Two lower beds and one upper |
The Magellan Explorer
About Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises to the latest Polar Code specifications.
When this ship is occupied for the air-cruises, Magellan Explorer has capacity for 73 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. Most importantly, all cabins, except Porthole cabins, feature private balconies. Moreover, all double cabins, except two, have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. However, most cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed. Also, all cabins have a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors.
The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. Above all, the forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. In addition, the ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
The fitness center aboard Magellan Explorer has been designed and built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, the world’s only fitness company with boutique gyms in all seven continents.
Magellan Explora Specs
Passengers: 100 max
Staff & crew: 60
Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed, capacity of 160 (in addition to 8 life rafts, capacity of 160)
Length: 90.7 m
Breadth: 16.2 m
Draft: 4.3
Propulsion: Diesel engines, 3,440 kW
Ice class: LR PC6
Cruising speed: 14 knots in open water
Cabin Specs
| Category | Approx. Size | Details |
| Single Cabins | 210 ft2 – 19 m2 | Cabin with sitting area and balcony |
| Grand Suites | 480 ft2 – 44 m2 | Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom |
| Penthouse Suites | 360 ft2 – 33 m2 | Suite with sitting room, balcony and bedroom area |
| Deluxe Veranda Cabins | 240 ft2 – 22 m2 | Cabin with sitting area and balcony |
| Veranda Cabins | 210 ft2 – 19 m2 | Cabin with sitting area and balcony |
| Porthole Cabins | 200 ft2 – 18 m² | Cabin with sitting area and porthole |
| Triple Suites | 480 ft2 – 44 m2 | Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area |
Hebridean Sky
The Hebridean Sky Ship
Hebridean Sky, formerly called Sea Explorer, is a small, all-suite expedition vessel. She was built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005. However, in 2016 the ship underwent an extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation that transformed her into one of the finest small-ships in the world.
The Hebridean Sky offers an exclusive and stylish base for adventurous exploration in Antarctica. The public areas include “The Club” lounge, a Library, a presentation lounge with audio-visual facilities, a dining room, an outdoor cafe, a medical clinic, a wraparound deck, and an elevator serving all passenger decks. In addition, the ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats for passengers to disembark and go on local excursions close to wildlife.
Accommodation Details
| Category | Average size | Details |
| Owner’s suite | 370 ft2 -34 mt2 | Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony and bedroom |
| Single suite | 240 ft2 -22 mt2 | Suites with window and sitting area |
| Penthouse suite | 325 ft2 -30 mt2 | Suites with private balcony and sitting area |
| Veranda suite | 260 ft2 -24 mt2 | Suites with private balcony and sitting area |
| Deluxe suite | 240 ft2 -22 mt2 | Suites with bow and side windows, and sitting area |
| Promenade suite | 220 ft2 -20 mt2 | Suites with window and sitting area |
| Window suite | 225 ft2 -21 mt2 | Suites with window and sitting area |
| Triple suite | 225 ft2 -21 mt2 | Suites with window and sitting area |
How to Book Your Antarctica Express Expedition Voyage
In order to experience all that this itinerary has to offer, you can book the 5 – night, all-inclusive stay through ExperienceChile.Org . Remember, you can also benefit from our offer mentioned on this page.
If you’d like us to suggest or create an itinerary for you, please EMAIL US.
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Send Us Your Enquiry
Please supply us with as much information as you can about where you want to go, what you want to do, what you want to experience and how much money you want to spend (or do not want to spend!). How many people, what type of beds (matrimonial, twin, single etc.)
VIP – if you are a VIP in any of the fields such as celebrity and/or political and/or business, and you need “special attention” such as privacy and/or security for your trip please use an alias in the enquiry, but mention that you are VIP and one of the directors will handle your request and keep your real name and details confidential.
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