DURATION
6 Days / 5 Nights
PRICING
WHEN
Multiple Departures
DESTINATION
ANTARCTICA
TYPE
PER CABIN
Antarctica Express Air Cruise
Antarctica is probably the most unique and thrilling site on the entire planet. It is also home to a wide number of animal species that fight every day to survive in this surreal environment. Our Antarctica Express expedition takes you through the most prolific areas, where you will get a close-up view of the most iconic areas and wildlife in small expedition vessels that are more like private yachts, offering direct access to areas along the Antarctic shore that larger ships simply can’t reach.
We have been working in Antarctica for several years, and we can confirm that Air cruises are the most efficient and effective way to explore this continent, especially in a short itinerary like this one. Our Air Cruises allows you to get faster to Antarctica, without passing through the thrilling and challenging Drake Passage. This way, we ensure that this trip is perfect for all age travelers.
Trip Highlights
-
Best food on board guaranteed.
-
Avoid the rough Waters of the Drake Passage by flying over, guaranteing the most comfortable experience while visiting the Antarctic.
-
Travel with the most experienced and prepared group of expedition leaders in Antactica.
-
Explore the picturesque and remote áreas of Antactica in the most complete itinerary in the market.
-
Enjoy views of the outstanding animal species that inhabit this otherworly place.
Find your ideal Antarctica cruise
Ships Description
Magellan Explorer
A contemporary exploration ship specially designed for our air cruises to Antarctica, the Magellan Explorer. The ship was launched in 2019 after being built in Chile to the most recent Polar Code criteria.
Magellan Explorer offers seven different types of accommodations, including single rooms, for our air voyages. Except for Porthole Cabins, every accommodation has a private balcony. Except for four, all double cabins include two twin beds that may be combined to form a king-size bed. Every cabin has a closet, a heating system that is independently regulated, a sitting space, and a private bathroom with a shower.
The ship has a glass-enclosed observation lounge, a presentation room with cutting-edge audio-visual technology, a large dining room with stylish furnishings, a fully equipped bar, a library, a conference room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical center. Visitors can approach the ship’s bow via the observation deck that faces forward and provides close proximity to aquatic life. Ten Zodiac boats that are perfect for wildlife viewing and disembarking are available on the cruise.
The world’s first fitness firm with boutique gyms on all seven continents, Anytime Fitness, hired experts to design and construct the fitness center aboard Magellan Explorer.
Tecnical Specifications
- Breadth: 16.2 m
- Draft: 4.3 m
- Propulsion: Diesel engines, 3,440 kW
- Ice Class: LR PC6
- Cruising Speed: 14 knots in open water
- Passengers: 76 maximum on air-cruises
- Expedition Staff & Crew: 60
- Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed, capacity of 160 (in addition to 8 life rafts, the capacity of 160)
- Length: 90.7 m
Deck Plans
Ocean Nova
The Ocean Nova is a fantastic vessel for missions to Antarctica. It is an expedition ship that was built in Denmark in 1992 to navigate the ice-covered waterways of Greenland. It is a strong and agile ship. Its reinforced shell makes it perfect for Antarctic expedition travel. The ship had a complete renovation in 2006 and has subsequently benefited from yearly modifications and enhancements.
Ocean Nova can accommodate 67 persons on our air excursions, all of whom will have access to cozy outdoor accommodations. Three types of accommodations are available on board the ship: single, twin, and triple cabins. Picture windows, writing desks with chairs, wardrobes, independently regulated heating systems, and private bathrooms with showers are all standard amenities in each cabin.
Ocean Nova contains a large eating area, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary in addition to an observation lounge and presentation room that are enclosed in glass. Seven Zodiac boats that are available on the cruise are perfect for wildlife viewing and disembarking.
Tecnical Specifications
- Breadth: 11.0 m
- Draft: 3.7 m
- Propulsion: Diesel engines, 2,000-horsepower
- Ice Class: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
- Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water
- Passengers: 67 maximum on air-cruises
- Expedition Staff & Crew: 46
- Lifeboats: 2, fully enclosed, capacity of 110 (in addition to 4 life rafts, the capacity of 100)
- Length: 73.0 m
Deck Plans
Itinerary
Day 1
Start of the air-cruise
Your voyage starts at the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina. The world’s most southern settlement, Puerto Williams, Chile, is reached by sailing along the Beagle Channel after you board your ship in the afternoon. Prior to setting sail for Cape Horn, explore the area.
Day 2
Cape Horn and Drake Passage
You awaken with a clear glimpse of the fabled Cape Horn after traversing Nassau Bay overnight. Depending on the weather, hop aboard a Zodiac and become one of the select few fortunate travelers to set foot on this renowned and little-visited island. Reboard the ship and go to the fabled Drake Passage, which Sir Francis Drake, the illustrious British explorer of the 16th century, had dubbed in his honor.
Day 3
Drake Passage
Attend an interesting schedule of lectures and presentations as you cruise through the Drake Passage on your way to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. From the lounge or the outside decks, observe animals while being accompanied by knowledgeable guides. On their migration south to Antarctica, majestic seabirds like albatrosses and petrels as well as other whale species may be seen.
Day 4
Drake Passage and Antarctica
After passing over the Antarctic Convergence, the surroundings significantly alter. This is the moment to look for the first icebergs and the first glimpse of Antarctic land, so have your camera ready. While traveling to the South Shetland Islands, enjoy the companionship of seagulls, penguins, seals, and whales as you cruise through ice-filled coves. Take a Zodiac for your first unforgettable shore excursion to a colony of penguins. Using the prolonged Antarctic daylight, exploration will last well into the night.
Day 5
Antarctica and scheduled return flight
Arriving at King George Island, get off the boat in Fildes Bay. You must traverse the Chilean Frei Station and the Russian Bellingshausen Station on a 2-km (1.25-mile) walk to get to the airplane. Once you get on the plane to return to Punta Arenas, say goodbye to Antarctica. Transfer to your hotel for the night after arrival. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not \ included in the package).
Day 6
End of the air-cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Prices
DURATION
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
PRICE FROM
$ 6415.00
Single Supplement
Request a quote
CONTACT US
*Domestic Air prices are estimated and may change due to cost variation by the airlines.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
In-house support services are provided by New Paths Expeditions.
Complete pre-departure documents.
Hotel accommodation the day before embarking on the vessel.
For air cruises starting in Punta Arenas, Antarctica21 exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on Day 1.
For air cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
One overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
For air cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House.
Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air cruise.
Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Dinner is served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner on board.
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
All guided shore excursions.
Lectures and entertainment on board.
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
Contingency Plan as described on page 39.
IAATO passenger fee.
Exclusions
Anything that is not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” section. For example:
Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
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.
Wildlife
Antarctica is one of the world’s driest, coldest, and darkest locations. It is a frozen desert of breathtaking beauty and isolation.
Yet, wildlife is thriving even in this huge wasteland. Practically everyone who embarks on an Antarctica cruise does so with the express intention of taking in the region’s diverse array of animals.
Some of the most well-known creatures on the planet, such as Emperor Penguins, Leopard seals, Orcas, Albatrosses, and Blue whales, can be found in the world’s coldest region.
Antarctica experiences a massive influx of marine animals during the summer that is unmatched by anyplace else on the planet.
You cannot sit two feet from a penguin or experience a whale’s blow hole spray anywhere else in the world. Visitor experiences with wildlife on cruises to Antarctica are unmatched.
Departures 2023 & 2024
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise - November 29, to December 4, 2023 - Ocean Nova - PRICE FROM $ 5,995.00
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise - January 11, to January 16, 2024 - Magellan Explorer - PRICE FROM $ 6915.00
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise - January 14, to January 19, 2024 - Ocean Nova - PRICE FROM $ 6415.00
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise - November 23, to November 28, 2024 - Magellan Explorer - PRICE FROM $ 6915.00
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise - November 29, to December 4, 2024 - Ocean Nova $ 6415.00
Extensions
Buenos Aires Pre-Extension
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires
Day 2: Full exploration of Buenos Aires and Gala Tango Clases
Day 3: Fly to Ushuaia to embark your vessel
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly to Ushuaia and embark your vessel
START YOUR ADVENTURE HERE:
Recommended Expeditions
Colombia 2024
Duration | 12 days
Explore the most iconic and unique national parks and cities in Colombia in a perfectly balanced between natural and cultural wonders.
Morocco 2024
Duration | 14 days
Explore Morocco on a quest to the Sahara Through Imperial Cities and to Coastal Essaouira
Madagascar 2024
Duration | 12 days
The most complete itinerary to explore the Island of endemics, Madagascar. One of the greatest wildlife expeditions on earth. A wildlife photographer’s dream!
Papua New Guinea 2024
Duration | 14 days
The Land of Unexpected: Papua New Guinea. Designed to provide you with the maximum exposure not only to the natural wonders of the island but also to the culture of the indigenous peoples.