An affordable, introductory visit to Antarctica and Cape Horn.

The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable visit to the White Continent. This expedition offers you the chance to visit Cape Horn, cruise the Drake Passage, land in Antarctica, and fly back.

The trip can easily be combined with a visit to Patagonia for a fuller travel experience in southern latitudes. It can also be used to connect Ushuaia and Punta Arenas in itineraries that visit both the Argentinean and Chilean sides of Patagonia.

This is a very short visit to Antarctica combining Fly & Cruise, so you only cross the Drake Passage once.

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Board your ship at the pier 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. Please make your own way to the Port, transfer is not included.

Day 2: Cape Horn and 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 16^th 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: Punta Arenas, Chile

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