Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

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10 Days From

$17995

$17140

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

10 Days Starting in Punta Arenas, Chile and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina

Visiting: Punta Arenas, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

PSD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 176

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $17995 $17140 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$855

NB: Prices correct on 18-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: Fly South, Cruise North" adventure, a thrilling journey that begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and concludes in Ushuaia, Argentina. This unique expedition offers the fastest route to Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage before boarding a polar adventure ship. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, with opportunities to spot iconic wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. Enjoy expert-led presentations on the region's wildlife, history, and geology, and partake in exciting activities like Zodiac excursions and trekking. The intimate setting of the Ocean Explorer and World Explorer ships ensures a personalized experience, with superb food and service. As you cross the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia, continue your wildlife spotting and reflect on the unforgettable landscapes and experiences of this polar wonderland.

Highlights

  • Fly over the Drake Passage for a direct route to Antarctica.

  • Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

  • Marvel at the stunning landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.

  • Experience the immense wilderness of the South Shetland Islands.

  • Take a Polar plunge in the waters at Neko Harbour.

  • Listen to calving glaciers at Petermann Island.

  • Cross the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, spotting wandering albatross and whales.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Punta Arenas, Chile

Location: Punta Arenas

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Your journey begins in Punta Arenas. This port city is situated at the southern tip of Chile, on the north bank of the Strait of Magellan. Once a Chilean penal colony, Punta Arenas has transformed into a vibrant city offering you plenty of attractions including historic sites and museums. Explore the city by day, and then join us for an evening dinner to meet your fellow Antarctic adventurers.

Day 2 : Embarkation Day

Location: Punta Arenas

Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer or World Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you board your chartered flight to Antarctica. The journey over the Drake Passage takes less than four hours, whereas our ship-based travelers take two days to make the journey by sea. Your first glimpse of Antarctica comes into view shortly before the aircraft descends towards King George Island –hope for clear skies so you can appreciate the vastness of this great continent! You have free time to photograph parts of the island and stretch your legs before joining the ship. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy your first trip in a Zodiac and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.

Day 3 - 6 : Antarctic Peninsula And The South Shetland Islands

Location: South Shetland Islands

Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer or World Explorer

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 the white continent 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 7 - 8 : Crossing The Drake Passage To Ushuaia

Location: Ushuaia

Accommodation Name: Ocean Explorer or World Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A rite of passage for any Antarctic adventurer, crossing the Drake signals the end of your journey. No matter the sea conditions, you will benefit from having developed your sea legs over the course of the previous four days. While the journey home has begun, your wildlife spotting continues. Your expedition team will be available on deck and on the ship’s bridge to help you spot the majestic wandering albatross and a number of whale species, such as minke and humpback.



When you’re not looking at photos and reminiscing about the previous days, the expedition team will conclude their series of engaging presentations on subjects such as marine biology, polar history and glaciology.

Day 9 : Disembark And Overnight In Ushuaia, Argentina

Location: Ushuaia

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a final breakfast aboard the ship, say goodbye to your crew as we disembark in Ushuaia. We’ll transfer you to the hotel to check in and then you’ll have a chance to explore the town on your own to shop, sightsee and sample Argentinian cuisine.

Day 10 : End Ushuaia

Location: Ushuaia

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you are welcome to continue your own travels or make your way to the Ushuaia airport for your homeward flights.

What's Included

  • All meals while on the ship

    All meals are included during your time on the ship.

  • Beer and house wine during dinner

    Beer and house wine are provided during dinner.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included throughout the tour.

  • All transport and listed activities

    All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.

  • Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff

    A tour leader and qualified expedition staff will accompany you 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 can be requested at an additional cost.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged independently.

Food

All meals while on the ship included.



Typical meals



The ship’s 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 on this adventure – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Accommodation

The Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North voyage is offered on the Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer which are Polar adventure ships. These are small ice-rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar adventure ships enable any traveller to maximise their experience sensitively in the Poles.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a chartered flight to Antarctica, offering a quick journey over the Drake Passage in less than four hours. Once in Antarctica, the exploration continues aboard Polar adventure ships, with frequent Zodiac excursions to explore the Antarctic region.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of ships are used for the Antarctic Express tour?

    The Antarctic Express tour is conducted on the Ocean Explorer and the World Explorer, which are small ice-rated Polar adventure ships designed for intimate adventures in Polar waters.

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see iconic Antarctic wildlife such as adélie penguins, seals, minke and humpback whales, and possibly the majestic wandering albatross.

  • What activities are included in the Antarctic Express tour?

    The tour includes activities such as frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, and opportunities to take a Polar plunge in the water at Neko Harbour. There are also presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology, and geology from polar experts.

  • What meals are provided during the tour?

    All meals are provided while on the ship, including buffet-style breakfasts, three-course lunches, and dinners with a variety of options including vegetarian and seafood dishes. Beer and house wine are served during dinner.

  • What is the embarkation process for the tour?

    The embarkation process involves boarding a chartered flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile, which takes less than four hours. Upon arrival at King George Island, you will join the ship and begin your exploration of the Antarctic region.

  • What is the experience of crossing the Drake Passage like?

    Crossing the Drake Passage is considered a rite of passage for Antarctic adventurers. During the crossing, you can continue wildlife spotting and attend engaging presentations by the expedition team on marine biology, polar history, and glaciology.

  • 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

Saturday - Monday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 29, 2025
$17995 $17140 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$855 (USD)

Saturday - Monday

Jan 17, 2026 - Jan 26, 2026
$19995 $19045 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$950 (USD)

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Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$18995 (USD)

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