Express Tour of Antarctica
Trip type
Fly & Cruise
Trip length
6-7 Days
From
$5,995 -$8,995
Ship Comfort
Comfort & Adventure
Express Tour of Antarctica - 6-7 Days - $5,995
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- A six day voyage with one day in Antarctica
- Starts in Ushuaia and finishes in Punta Arenas – ideal for combining Chile & Argentina
- Antarctic operational experience since 2003
- A low expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6
- Choice of 2 ships and 3-4 departure dates per season
- Includes hotel stay with dinner and wine, plus drinks during onboard meals
- Exclusive access to Explorers House – your home-from-home private club & expedition centre while in P. Arenas
Start from Ushuaia and end at Punta Arenas to Antarctica
Landmarks potentially visited on Express Tour of Antarctica
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia and Puerto Williams
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your vessel 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
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.
Day 3: At sea towards King George Island
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 glass-enclosed 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.
Day 4: South Shetland Islands
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.
Day 5: King George Island to Punta Arenas
Upon reaching King George Island you will bid farewell to the ship and take your final Zodiac ride back to shore. Here you will board the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. On 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
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
PLEASE NOTE: While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch.
This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.
Why our customers love Swoop
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
What our customers think of Express Tour of Antarctica
Express Tour of Antarctica trips scored 4.6/5 from 22 reviews
Review:
About The Ship
Your vessel among icebergs
Your vessel in Antarctic waters
Views from a cabin balcony
Relax in the lounge
Views of Antarctica from the dining room
Polar library
Onboard fitness centre
Onboard sauna
Views from the ship's balcony
Lunch on deck, Antarctica
The vessel after dark
Your vessel in Antarctic waters
Your expedition vessel
- The first small ship (under 100 passengers) built specifically for Antarctic expedition travel since 2003
- Limited to a maximum of only 76 passengers per fly & cruise departure or just 96 guests per sailing voyage, Antarctic exploration doesn't get much more personal
- Hugely spacious, well appointed suites, many with floor to ceiling windows and outside balconies
- Adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available to guests (on select departures)
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time, so please contact us for up-to-date details.
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $5995
Additional Notes
Passengers who book to share a Twin Cabin are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas for which there's a mandatory supplement on top of the voyage price of USD $135 (2024/25 season) or USD $170 (2025/26 season).
Preferred seating on your Antarctic flights can be added for USD $245 per person (limited spaces). This guarantees priority boarding and an aisle or window seat, with an empty middle seat, at the front of the aircraft.
While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
This ship has a good number of dedicated single cabins for solo travellers. Please contact us for details. There is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.
Children aged 8 years or more are permitted on this trip if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children between 8 and 12 years of age.
Includes
- Airport/ hotel transfers as indicated
- 1 night hotel accommodation in P. Arenas
- Flight Antarctica/ P. Arenas (or vv)
- Access to Explorers House expedition centre in P. Arenas post-voyage
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation & meals on full board basis
- Complimentary drinks offered during meals
- Welcome dinner including drinks
- All guided shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- IAATO passenger fee
Excludes
- Parka jackets are not provided
- Any flights to/ from voyage start and end points
- Any additional pre/post land services, including meals
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Visa, passport and any vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Personal Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature - laundry, bar tab, etc
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
