Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
Sail the Drake one way and fly the other. A compact introduction to the South Shetland Islands, with the possibility of a Cape Horn landing on the sailing leg.
Photography: Antarctica21 · *March 2027 is listed as 4-10 March; confirm the departure-specific programme.
Why we picked it
This is an introduction to Antarctica for travellers who can make room for a short expedition, but not a longer Peninsula voyage. Combining one flight with one sea crossing preserves the experience of sailing the Drake while shortening the overall journey.
Travellers with limited time who want a small expedition ship and are comfortable with one open-ocean crossing.
The chance to combine the South Shetland Islands with a Zodiac landing at Cape Horn, when conditions allow.
Antarctic time is brief. Choose a longer voyage if several days of landings and exploration are your priority.
The Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other Antarctic options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our polar guiding experience helps you understand the crossing, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Your trip overview brings together recommended flight routes, buffer days, travel and packing tips. You can also book a hotel and transfer package through us.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
One crossing by sea. One by air.
The direction changes with the departure. The standard sail-south programme below follows Antarctica21’s published itinerary; all landings and flight timings depend on conditions.
Sail South & Fly North
Ushuaia, Argentina → Punta Arenas, Chile
Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel
Embark in Ushuaia in the afternoon. Sail towards Puerto Williams, with time to explore the surroundings before continuing towards Cape Horn.
Cape Horn and the Drake Passage
If weather permits, go ashore by Zodiac at Cape Horn. Then begin the sea crossing towards Antarctica.
At sea towards Antarctica
Lectures, seabird watching and time on deck accompany the crossing. Conditions can be lively, so prepare for the Drake even though you only sail it once.
Arrive in the South Shetland Islands
Approach Antarctic waters and, conditions permitting, explore by Zodiac and visit a penguin colony. Arrival timing affects the time available ashore; extended daylight may allow evening exploration.
King George Island to Punta Arenas
Disembark at Fildes Bay and transfer to the airstrip for the scheduled flight to Chile. A hotel night is included in Punta Arenas. Meals there are at your own expense.
Onward from Punta Arenas
Breakfast and the scheduled airport transfer complete the standard programme. Leave sensible flexibility around onward travel.
Fly South & Sail North: how the reverse route differs
Begin in Punta Arenas with hotel arrangements, a mandatory Explorers House briefing before 2pm and a welcome dinner. The published outline then flies to King George Island, explores the South Shetland Islands and crosses the Drake northwards before a possible Cape Horn visit and arrival in Ushuaia.
March 2027 departure: Antarctica21 lists 4-10 March 2027 for DIS20-AE. This spans seven calendar days, while the general itinerary is described as six days. We confirm the final daily schedule, hotel inclusions and arrival arrangements for that specific sailing before you book.
The EA insight
Think of this as a brief Antarctic encounter, with the sea crossing part of the experience. It is not equivalent to four or five expedition days along the wider Peninsula. Cape Horn is a possibility, never a promised landing.
Compare the actual cabin fare
Departure dates were checked against Antarctica21 on 15 September 2026. The cabin fares below were displayed in the operator’s booking system for two adults sharing. All prices are USD per person.
| Departure | Ship & direction |
|---|---|
| 4-10 Mar 2027 DIS20-AE | Magellan Discoverer Fly South & Sail North |
| 17-22 Nov 2027 MAG05-AE | Magellan Explorer Sail South & Fly North |
| 17-22 Nov 2026 MAG06-AE | Magellan Explorer Sail South & Fly North |
We confirm the current departure, cabin category and fare for your party. Solo occupancy and shared cabins require a separate quote.
Sources: Antarctica21 itinerary and advertised departure fares · Official booking availability.
The lowest fare is not always the relevant fare
We compare the cabin, bed arrangement, deck position and total price for your travelling party, then confirm the current offer and availability.
Request a cabin quoteTwo ships, different cabin choices
The departure determines the vessel. Both carry up to 88 guests on air-cruises, but their cabins, public spaces and propulsion differ.
Magellan Explorer
A purpose-built polar expedition ship with an observation lounge, library, dining room, gym and sauna. All cabins have a sitting area, individual heating and a private bathroom with heated floors.
Cabin starting points: Deluxe Veranda cabins are approximately 22 m²; Penthouse Suites are 33 m²; Deluxe Suites are 44 m². All three categories have a balcony. A sitting area does not necessarily mean a separate bedroom, so we check the layout for your needs.
Magellan Discoverer
Introduced for the 2026-27 season, with hybrid-electric diesel propulsion, a panoramic lounge, library, gym and sauna. All cabins have a private balcony and a king-size bed convertible to twin beds.
Cabin starting points: Deluxe Veranda cabins are approximately 26 m² and Grand Veranda Suites 38 m². Family and Triple Veranda Suites are 52 m² and described by the operator as two-room suites. We confirm the exact sleeping arrangement before recommending one.
Images illustrate the named ship. Confirm the category, layout and deck location of the cabin offered in your quote.
The essentials, clearly set out
Included by Antarctica21
- Ship cruise and one-way flight between King George Island and Punta Arenas
- Guided shore excursions, lectures and onboard entertainment
- Daily meals and listed beverages on board, including wine and beer
- Waterproof boot loan for Antarctic landings
- IAATO passenger fee and the operator’s contingency plan
- Group transfers described in the itinerary
- One Punta Arenas hotel night with breakfast in the standard sail-south programme
- Special access to Explorers House in Punta Arenas
Allow for separately
- International flights and travel to the start point
- Extra hotel nights outside the included programme
- Travel insurance and gratuities
- Meals in Punta Arenas unless specifically included in your programme
- Optional hotel and transfer packages
Kayaking and hiking packages are not listed as optional extras for this Express itinerary. Confirm any requested activity and the reverse route’s hotel arrangements before booking.
Build flexibility into your journey
Flights to and from King George Island depend on a suitable weather window. Flying one direction saves time when the programme runs to schedule, but a delay can affect either end of the journey.
Plan to reach the starting city with time to spare. On the reverse route, Antarctica21’s published briefing requires check-in at Explorers House before 2pm on the first day.
Avoid a tight connection from the Antarctic flight to an onward international flight. We help you plan sensible time around the expedition.
Review the operator’s contingency terms, baggage allowance and insurance requirements for your exact departure.
See the ships in motion
Explore the onboard spaces with Antarctica21’s own films. These introduce the ships; they do not promise the landing sites or activities available on your Express departure.
An official look at life aboard Magellan Explorer.
Watch on YouTube · Film: Antarctica21Official introduction using artist renderings of the ship and interiors.
Watch on YouTube · Film: Antarctica21A closer look at the experience
Observation spaces, time on deck and Zodiac operations are part of life on these small ships. Photography and renderings are supplied by Antarctica21; Discoverer renderings are labelled below.
Photography and renderings: Antarctica21. Official marketing collection. Expedition images are illustrative; landing sites and conditions vary.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your dates, cabin preferences and what you want from Antarctica. We’ll help you compare the options.