ANTARCTICA EXPRESS AIR-CRUISE
6 Days / 5 Nights
ANTARCTICA XXI
Flying over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, ANTARCTICA XXI invites you to a unique experience that will take you to one of the most remote places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable continent - Antarctica.
Combining a short flight between Punta Arenas and the Chilean Station Frei with a ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula, ANTARCTICA XXI has made it possible for many adventurers to accomplish their desire to travel to this remote continent and experience the extraordinary emotion of going where others still dream about.
ANTARCTICA XXI is a Chilean company totally dedicated to travel to the White Continent. Initiator of the fly & cruise concept, since its foundation in 2003 it was the first company in the world to operate Antarctic air-cruises. Over one decade of experience has allowed us to develop a profound know how of this innovative travel style, unique in its kind and unbeatable for its advantages. Our success is the result of our excellent knowledge and respect of Antarctica environment and a highly operational organization. By combining these elements with a clear commitment of delivering an authentic experience and a first class service to its travellers, ANTARCTICA XXI remains the lead operator in organizing Antarctic air-cruises.
Our Antarctica Express Air-Cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable Antarctica expedition. This trip offers you the chance to visit Cape Horn, cruise the Drake Passage, land in Antarctica, and fly back.
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your 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.
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 16th-century British explorer.
Days 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 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. Exploration will continue well into the evening taking advantage of the long Antarctic daylight.
Day 5: Antarctica and scheduled return flight Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-mile) 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.
Air-Cruise Inclusions
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Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
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Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
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Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
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Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
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Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
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Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
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Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
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Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
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All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
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**PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGES, DEPENDING ON WEATHER CONDITIONS. FOR FURTHER DETAILS, WE RECOMMEND YOU CONSULT THE FULL INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN THE SECTION RESOURCES/DOCUMENTS
