DURATION
6 DAYS
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
EASY
Antarctica Express
Departing from Ushuaia, your Antarctic journey begins aboard our meticulously appointed expedition vessel. As we navigate the historic Beagle Channel towards Cape Horn, you’ll find yourself traversing one of the world’s most exclusive maritime routes.
The crossing of the Drake Passage offers a rare privilege – following a course that few travellers experience, where the Southern Ocean reveals its distinctive character. Here, in these remarkable waters, the legacy of polar exploration meets contemporary luxury travel.
Antarctica herself presents an unparalleled destination. Your landing at Fildes Bay provides privileged access to this carefully preserved continent, where you’ll explore the grounds of Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Station Bellingshausen – both vital centres of modern polar research.
Our curated programme features insights from leading polar specialists, whilst the vessel’s thoughtfully designed observation areas provide ideal vantage points for witnessing the region’s remarkable wildlife. Expect encounters with elegant albatrosses, petrels, and possibly various whale species during their southern migration – each sighting offering a moment of genuine discovery.
Travel Advisory: While we maintain a carefully considered itinerary, the dynamic nature of polar conditions may necessitate refinements to our programme, always with an emphasis on maximising your experience of this extraordinary environment.
Day 1
Start of the Air-Cruise
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. 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 honour 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 from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.
Days 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 sea birds, 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.
Days 5
Antarctica and scheduled return flight
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. 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.
Note: The December 31, 2017 – January 6, 2019 departure (AE03-HEB) on board Hebridean Sky is a day longer and operates in reverse, with start in Punta Arenas and end in Ushuaia. An itinerary description is available on request.
