Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

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10 Days From

$16795

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:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

PSB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 176

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-99

Activities:

Walking

From: $16795 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 11-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and whales.

  • Fly over the Drake Passage for the fastest, most direct route to Antarctica.

  • Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology, and geology by onboard polar experts.

  • Cruise in a Zodiac for water-level views of icebergs and wildlife.

  • Explore the picturesque Beagle Channel, home to a variety of wildlife including seabirds and seals.

  • Experience the immense wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands up close.

  • Take a Polar plunge in the waters at Neko Harbour for an adventurous experience.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Friday

Dec 03, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
$16795 (USD)

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026
$20995 (USD)

Saturday - Monday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026
$19995 (USD)

Book 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.