Two black and white penguins stand on shore as a futuristic and modern looking white Antarctica cruise ship navigates the ocean past them.
Black-and-white whale tail just above Antarctic waters on a sunny day.
Antarctic travelers Zodiac cruising with guide standing and steering the inflatable boat & mountains in the background on a sunny day.
A man rides a yellow all terrain vehicle across Antarctic tundra, beyond him a white charter plane sits on a landing strip in Antarctica.
Gentoo penguin sitting atop a rocky nest with babies peeking out spotted during an Antarctica small ship expedition.
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica Express Air Cruise

Explore Antarctica with the best of both worlds, by sailing there and flying back in a single week, starting in Ushuaia, Argentina, and ending in Punta Arenas, Chile (or reverse). Sail along the Beagle Channel, down to Cape Horn, and then across the famous Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica. Capitalize on Antarctica’s long days with Zodiac rides, onboard lectures and wildlife viewing alongside expert naturalist guides. For travelers who only have a week to explore the great White Continent, this is the perfect small ship cruise.

In Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands, spend a full day photographing icebergs, identifying sea birds, walking amid a penguin colony, spotting seals and whale watching. Activities go well into the evening to get the most out of your time here. This expedition expertly merges education, experience and science. Participate in interactive workshops, open discussions, photography workshops and Citizen Science programs that collect data in support of scientists around the world. Collect phytoplankton samples, document migrating whales, gather photos of wildlife with polar tags and conduct seabird surveys.

Sail to King George Island at Fildes Bay and then take a 2-hour flight back to Punta Arenas, skipping the usual second sailing across the Drake Passage. The flight back is aboard a BAE 146, AVRO RJ 85 or AVRO RJ 100 jet. Each aircraft features high wings and engineering for very short runway requirements, perfect for landing in Antarctica.

Passage is aboard the 67-guest Ocean Nova or the 76-guest Magellan Explorer. AdventureSmith recommends Magellan Explorer, as her 73 guest count makes her one of the smallest ships in Antarctica, allows for ample space on board for ultimate comfort and off-board passenger expedition experience. For these reasons and more, Magellan Explorer is an ideal ship for luxury Antarctica cruises.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica, including even more cruises with flights to Antarctica.



Itinerary

Antarctica Express Air Cruise Itinerary

The Antarctica Express Air Cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, sails around Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. It ends with a charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas, Chile.

Route map for Antarctica Express Air Cruise, sail there and fly back
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Day 1
Embark Ushuaia, Argentina

The journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board the 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.

Accommodations

Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Cape Horn & Drake Passage

After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, 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.

Accommodations

Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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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. Perhaps spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.

Accommodations

Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Drake Passage & 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 seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for the first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Take advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight.

Accommodations

Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Disembark King George Island & Fly to Punta Arenas

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. You then board a vehicle and transfer to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica and board the air flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for the night. Meals in Punta Arenas are at one’s leisure and not included.

Accommodations

Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar

Meals

breakfast

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Day 6
Depart Punta Arenas, Chile

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

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.

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; internet connection on board the ship; 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.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Nov 23 - Nov 28, 2024
Magellan Explorer • 6 days
From $5995USD
Per Person
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Nov 29 - Dec 04, 2024
Ocean Nova • 6 days
From $4995USD
Per Person
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Jan 14 - Jan 19, 2025
Ocean Nova • 6 days
From $4995USD
Per Person
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Nov 18 - Nov 23, 2025
Magellan Explorer • 6 days
From $5995USD
Per Person
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Nov 29 - Dec 04, 2025
Ocean Nova • 6 days
From $4995USD
Per Person
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Jan 14 - Jan 19, 2026
Ocean Nova • 6 days
From $4995USD
Per Person
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Cruise One Way
Fly One Way
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ocean Nova

The 67-guest Ocean Nova is a comfortably compact and nimble expedition vessel cruising the Antarctic. Options to fly over the Drake Passage and then board the Ocean Nova make her itineraries appealing.

Expedition Ship
Magellan Explorer

The 76- to 96-guest Magellan Explorer is a brand new expedition ship built specifically for Antarctica fly cruises. This polar class 6 vessel features stylish design with technical advances for smooth and safe expeditions.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

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Fjords of Tierra del Fuego - Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

The 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise aboard the 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Explore Glacier Alley, Darwin Mountains, Magellanic penguins in Tucker Islet, elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay, plus Wulaia Bay, Cape Horn and more.

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Spend 5 days cruising Patagonia aboard 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and visit remote fjords, penguin colonies on Magdalena Island and the rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound.

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Antarctica Express Air Cruise

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