Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North
Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North
Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North
10 Days Starting in Ushuaia, Argentina and ending in Punta Arenas, Chile
Visiting: Ushuaia, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Punta Arenas
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PSB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 176
Age range:
18-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North" adventure, a thrilling journey through the icy wonders of Antarctica. Begin your expedition in Ushuaia, Argentina, and set sail through the wildlife-rich Beagle Channel. Cross the legendary Drake Passage, where expert guides will introduce you to the region's fascinating geology, history, and wildlife. Experience the awe-inspiring Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, where you'll encounter majestic icebergs, playful penguins, and graceful whales. Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. The adventure concludes with a flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas, Chile. Throughout the journey, savor delicious meals and beverages aboard the Ocean Explorer or World Explorer, and benefit from the expertise of seasoned expedition staff. This unforgettable polar adventure promises endless photographic opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Ushuaia, Argentina
Location: Ushuaia
This quaint city at the southernmost tip of South America is your gateway to Antarctica. The city itself provides a wide range of shops, cafés, gear shops and restaurants to explore before your voyage. Outside the city, snow-capped mountains and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park offer ample adventure activities if you enjoy exploring nature.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day
Location: Beagle Channel
Accommodation Name: Polar Adventure Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark in the afternoon, with a journey through the picturesque Beagle Channel. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and be out on deck, as the channel is home to a wide variety of wildlife including seabirds and seals. Rainbows are common here too, creating a great photographic opportunity to kick off the start to your Antarctic adventure.
Day 3 - 4 : Cross The Drake Passage
Location: Drake Passage
Accommodation Name: Polar Adventure Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As we approach the white continent, don’t be surprised if you are overcome by excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.
Our first sightings will be from the ship itself. The captain and expedition team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, and will alert us to any sightings. Our team of expert lecturers also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.
Even more exciting are our daily excursions to land. Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and weather dependent, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities. We may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night in Antarctica, each day offers exciting opportunities.
Day 5 - 8 : Antarctic Peninsula And The South Shetland Islands
Location: South Shetland Islands
Accommodation Name: Polar Adventure Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Icebergs are the first attractions that welcome you to Antarctica. Massive floating bergs become more common as you get closer to land and you catch your first glimpse of the Peninsula, with its grand snow-covered mountains. In addition to spotting icebergs, you’ll likely spot adélie penguins chilling on ice floes and minke or humpback whales feeding and swimming in the frigid waters.
As soon as possible, the Zodiacs will be readied for your first landing in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Experiencing this immense wilderness up close for the first time can be a numbing experience. The silence is great, the vastness is even greater. Thankfully the noisy locals – penguins and seals – are there to remind you that this wonderful landscape isn’t just a dream.
Your expedition team will monitor the ice and weather conditions to determine which landing sites can be visited. With many sites to choose from, each expedition presents new opportunities for exploring by Zodiac and land. Swimming in Antarctica is perhaps the most adventurous option to tempt you, by taking a Polar plunge in the water at Neko Harbour!
A typical day in this wildlife wonderland will be spent listening to calving glaciers at Petermann Island, watching penguins waddle around a beach, or taking a hike atop a hill for a panoramic view of Port Lockroy. Whatever you prefer, the photographic opportunities are endless.
Day 9 : Disembarkation And Fly To Punta Arenas
Location: Punta Arenas
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Punta Arenas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
As the ship turns north, say goodbye to the penguins, as well as many of your shipmates. With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark and enjoy a bit of time on King George Island before flying off to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner out.
Day 10 : End Punta Arenas
Location: Punta Arenas
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you are welcome to continue your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.
What's Included
-
All meals while on the ship
All meals are provided while on the ship.
-
Beer and house wine during dinner
Beer and house wine are included during dinner.
-
All accommodation
All accommodation is included in the tour.
-
All transport and listed activities
All transport and listed activities are included in the tour.
-
Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
A tour leader and qualified expedition staff are provided throughout the journey.
What's Not Included
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
-
Single accommodation (available on request)
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
-
Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Accommodation
The Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North voyage is offered on the Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer, which are Polar adventure ships. These small ice-rated vessels are well qualified for Polar waters, offering intimate adventures with flexible itineraries and superb food and staff.
Food
All meals while on the ship included.
Typical meals
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
Lunch: Three-course set meal or the occasional buffet or barbecue.
Dinner: Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or anti-pasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a cruise on Polar adventure ships and a flight over the Drake Passage, providing the fastest and most direct way to Antarctica. The journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, with Zodiac excursions for water-level views of icebergs and wildlife.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this Antarctic tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see iconic Antarctic wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. The expedition team will also keep an eye out for seabirds and other marine life.
-
What activities are included in the Antarctic Express tour?
The tour includes activities such as Zodiac excursions for water-level views of icebergs and wildlife, trekking, and many hours on deck for wildlife spotting. There are also opportunities for land excursions to see penguins and seals up close, and possibly a Polar plunge in the water at Neko Harbour.
-
What kind of presentations can I expect during the cruise?
Onboard polar experts will provide presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology, and geology, offering in-depth explanations of the region's unique features.
-
What is the accommodation like on the Antarctic Express tour?
Accommodation is provided on the Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer, which are small ice-rated Polar adventure ships. These ships offer intimate adventures with flexible itineraries, frequent Zodiac excursions, and superb food and staff.
-
Are meals included during the tour?
Yes, all meals while on the ship are included. The ship's galley offers a variety of international menus, including vegetarian options, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
-
What is the itinerary for the Antarctic Express tour?
The tour starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, and includes embarking through the Beagle Channel, crossing the Drake Passage, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, and disembarking on King George Island before flying to Punta Arenas, Chile.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Friday
Dec 03, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026Saturday - Monday
Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.