Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
Start in Ushuaia, Argentina & End in Punta Arenas, Chile
5 Nights FROM US$4,795 per person
About the Antarctica Expedition Air-Cruise
Antarctica 21
The itinerary involves a start on a ship for the outward sector and then a return on a plane. Therefore we have the Cruise – Flight combintion.
Most of the expedition options to the Antarctic involve around two weeks on a ship, in order to get there and back. However, we can offer the Antarctica Express option, which is only 5 Nights and 6 Days, as well as costing a lot less than the other, longer options. For example, the ship departs from Ushuaia, where it wil navigate through the famous Beagle Channel, and on to Puerto Williams, the southern-most village in the world and on Chilean territory. Most importantly, it then continues on to legendary Cape Horn. Moreover, from here the ship navigates the mythical waters of the Drake Passage and on to the Antarctic. After your Antarctica experience you will then board a flight to Punta Arenas, in Chile. This is great if you wish to go on and see Torres del Paine or, indeed, any other part of Chile.
The departures for this trip are for the season 2020-2021 are:
Two departures aboard the the Ocean Nova with prices per person between USD4,795 – USD6,995, however, this depends on cabin type.
One sailing aboard the Magellan Explorer with prices per person between USD4,995 – USD8,595, however, thes rates depend on cabin type.
Two departures aboard the Hebridean Sjy, with prices per person between USD4,995 – USD8,575, howdever, these rates depend on cabin type.
To arrange your expedition, email us…
Antarctica 21 Itinerary from Ushuaia
The Antarctic Express Itinerary
5 Nights / 6 Days
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina – End: Punta Arenas, Chile
As part of your itinerary we will include, free of charge, a night prior to emarkation in a hotel in Ushuaia.
Our Antarctica Express Air-Cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable visit to the White Continent. Therefore, this expedition offers you the chance to visit Cape Horn, cruise the Drake Passage, land in Antarctica, and then fly back.
Day 1: Your trip starts at Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your ship at the pier in the afternoon and settle into your cabin. The navigation will sail along the famous Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, which is the southernmost town in the world. However, here in Puerto Williams you can disembark and explore the village. Most importantly, you need to get back on board so we can set sail to Cape Horn.
Day 2: Overnight crossing of Nassau Bay. Today, you will be able to visit “the Cape”. Moreover, when you awake you will have a full view of the legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, you can board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. However, once back on board, we will set sail towards Antarctica, and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.
Antarctica
Day 3: We sail to Antarctica. During our navigation through the Drake Passage, en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, you will be able to attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. Most importantly, in the company of expert guides. However, from the outter decks you can watch out for wildlife. Moreover, 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. Above all, keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Consequently, upon reaching the South Shetland Islands, we will sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Here, you will have the opportunity to board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Therefore, taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight. Consequently, exploration can continue well into the evening
Departure from Antarctica
Day 5: Antarctica and Scheduled Return Flight. Upon reaching King George Island, you will disembark at Fildes Bay. Most importantly, this is followed by a 2km (1.25-mi) walk, which will take you through the scientific bases. For example, Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, and then on to the aircraft. Here, you will need to 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: Final Day of your Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
However, your adventure can continue if you ask us, ExperienceChile.Org, to add on an itinerary to Torres del Paine or any other destination in Chile.
Note: This itinerary is offered on both our 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons.
On some of our Antarctica Express expeditions, the depature operates in reverse. An itinerary description is avilable on request.
Expedition Cruise & Flight Map
Experience Chile Offer
The ExperienceChile.Org Offer
ExperienceChile.Org will add on to any offer the Antarctica 21 is including (see below), either a free night in a hotel, such as Ushuaia or Punta Arenas; or even Santiago, or a flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago.
Email US for info request@experiencechile.org
Antarctica 21 Offer
Best of the South Promotion, includes Cape Horn, The Falklands & Patagonia
We offer you a great price for our 2020-21 Ushuaia, Cape Horn, and the Falklands expeditions, with a complimentary two-night stay at the fantastic The Singular Patagonia hotel.
Should you NOT take the ExperienceChile.Org offer mentioned above, we will, instead, add a second night at The Singular Patagonia hotel free of charge if you book the program below.
*Restrictions apply
Details of the Fleet (3 Ships):
The Ocean Nova
The Ocean Nova Ship
Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable expedition vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland. However, the ship was fully refurbished in 2006, and has since benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements. Her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica.
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. The ship has a fleet of seven Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Accommodation Details:
| Category | Average size | Details |
| Single cabins | 87 ft2 – 8 mt2 | One lower single bed |
| Twin cabins | 106 ft2 – 10 mt2 | Two lower beds |
| Triple cabins | 150 ft2 – 14 mt2 | Comprises: Two lower beds and one upper bed |
Magellan Explorer (NEW)
The Magellan Explorer Ship
Magellan Explorer is a new, 2020, and modern expedition vessel custom build for our Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications.
For our air-cruises, Magellan Explorer has capacity for 73 passengers accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. The bed configuration in the all the double cabins, except two, is twin beds that can also be configured into one, king-size bed. Moreover, all the other cabins are equipped with two, twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed. Most importantly, all the cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a seating area, and a private bathroom with shower.
The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. Moreover, it has a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. Considerable thought went into the design of this ship, considering that it was to be used for Antarctic expedition trips. As a result, the forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. Also, the ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Accommodation Details
| Category | Average size | Details |
| Triple Suite |
440 ft2 -40 mt2 | 2 twin beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area |
| Porthole Cabin |
220 ft2 -20 mt2 | 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed |
| Veranda Cabin |
220 ft2 -20 mt2 | 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed, private balcony with sitting area |
| Deluxe Veranda Cabin |
220 ft2 -20 mt2 | 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area |
| Penthouse Suite |
330 ft2 -30 mt2 | 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area |
| Grand Suite |
440 ft2 -40 mt2 | 2 twin beds or 1 king-size sofa bed, 2 private balconies with sitting area |
| Single Cabin |
220 ft2 -20 mt2 | 1 king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area |
Technical Details
| PASSENGERS: | 100 maximum* |
|---|---|
| * Up to 73 guests for Air-Cruise operations: | |
| EXPEDITION STAFF & CREW: | 60 |
| LENGTH: | 90.7 m (298 ft.) |
| BREADTH: | 16.2 m (53 ft.) |
| PROPULSION: | 2x MAN main engines, total 3,440 kW |
| ICE CLASS: | LR PC6 |
| DRAFT: | 4.3 m (14 ft.) |
| CRUISING SPEED: | 14 knots |
| GROSS TONNAGE: | 4,900 |
| FLAG: | Bahamas |
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 |
Magellan Explorer
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.
Remember, our speciality is to create a travel itinerary custom-built to your needs.
