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Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
Express Air-Cruise
The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer. Our main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.
STARTING AT
US$ 5,995 (Ocean Nova)
US$ 6,795 (Magellan Explorer)
About
6 Days / 5 Nights
Expect stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the chance to explore one of the last true wildernesses on Earth.
Trip Description
Day
01
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
02
Cape Horn and Drake Passage
After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of the 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 ail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the grea 16th-century British explorer.
Day
03
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
04
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
05
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
06
End of the air-cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
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Vessels & Aircrafts
Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises. The ship was constructed in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and launched in 2019.
Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova is a sturdy and nimble expedition vessel. This ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland. Fully renovated in 2006, it has an ice-strengthened hull that is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica.
Aircrafts
For our Antarctica flights, we use three similar aircraft: the BAE 146-200, the AVRO RJ 85, and the AVRO RJ 100. These aircraft were manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). They are high-wing aircraft with short runway requirements, which means they are particularly suited for our destinations. They are operated by Aerovías DAP, which has more than 25 years of experience flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.
