Included
1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica; group transfers between airport and hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica and group transfers between hotel and airport on last day of the air-cruise; flight from Frei Station on King George Island to Punta Arenas; ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the itinerary; daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes; daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses; wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship; coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition; all guided shore excursions as indicated in itinerary; lectures and entertainment on board; comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material; loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica; Contingency Plan as described below; IAATO passenger fee; standard internet connection on board the ship (premium service for Penthouse Suite guests).
Exclusions
Accommodation, meals (specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included), excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan; beverages purchased at the ship’s bar; personal travel insurance; extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); gratuities; visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – full refund except for $1,000
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 90% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 92.5 % of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 95% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
If full payment has not yet been received at 120 days prior, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid amount is due immediately.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Antarctica Express Air Cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH), and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia by 2:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary, boarding in Ushuaia is between 3:00pm and 4:00pm directly at the pier. Boarding will close at 4pm. Travelers who miss their arrival deadline will be considered “no-show.” They will not be able to participate in the expedition and will receive no refund. Depart from Punta Arenas anytime on the final day of your trip, however, AdventureSmith strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following a delay of the return flight from Antarctica. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Upon arrival at Frei Base airfield on King George Island, a bus will bring travelers to the Zodiacs for ship embarkation (note: travelers may be required to walk approximately 1 mile, 20-30 minutes; if you think that you will not be able to walk this distance, then please inform your Adventure Specialist). Checked luggage will be transferred to the vessel by staff..
The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 lb.) per passenger, including hand luggage(2024-25); or 25kg (55 lb.) checked luggage(2025-26): 20kg (44 lb.) checked luggage and 5kg (11 lb.) hand luggage. For Antarctica Express Air Cruises, excess luggage is not allowed as the start and end points are different. The baggage weight limit is a technical requirement imposed by the flight operation. Unfortunately, it is not possible to purchase extra allowance. Note that at certain points during the expedition you will be required to handle your own luggage. Seats are not assigned on the charter flight between Antarctica and Chile.
Activities
Various activities are included in your Antarctica Express Air Cruise (weather conditions dependent), such as Zodiac rides, onboard lectures, programs by expert naturalist guides, and photography instruction. Contact AdventureSmith for more details about these adventure activities.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Single cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at an 85% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select Porthole and Veranda Cabins (Magellan Explorer) or Twin Cabins (Ocean Nova), upon availability; all other categories incur a 100% supplement. Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender is also an option (same cabin categories apply). Passengers who book a Twin Cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas and must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on departure selected.
Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their Air Cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.
Families & Children
Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 11 years of age; also for family groups of 6 or more travelers (special booking conditions apply).
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 USD per person. In addition to the emergency evacuation insurance, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions and the wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, be prepared for that possibility. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Contingency Plan
In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, a Contingency Plan, included in the cost of your expedition, will apply. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while adapting to the weather. A change in the flight schedule can impact travel to Antarctica or the return back, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the circumstances. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent you from reaching Antarctica. Please read the full Contingency Plan and contact your Adventure Specialist for more details.
