Air Cruise Antarctica Express
Ship-Airplane: From Ushuaia in cruise, returning to Punta Arenas by aircraft.
The shortest aero-cruise to Antarctica (ship-plane). Depart from Ushuaia by cruise and return by plane from King George Island, the largest island in the South Shetland Islands, to the city of Punta Arenas. These departures are made from the Ocean Nova, Hebridean Sky and Magellan Explorer ships, in all the departures one night is added in Punta Arenas at the end of the trip. In the departures of the Hebridean Sky there are 2 dates that depart in the opposite direction (plane-ship) from Punta Arenas by plane and returning to the South American continent by boat to the port of Ushuaia. The rest of the dates in the three cruises are ship-plane trips, Ushuaia to Punta Arenas.
We set sail from the dock of the port of Ushuaia, we will navigate the Beagle Channel towards the Drake Passage with the aim to reach Cape Horn and from there we will go to the White Continent: Antarctica. Before we will visit Puerto Williams. Then we go to Nassau Bay to enter the area of Cape Horn. Then we follow the path to South Shetland Islands, sailing through the Antartic Ocean. This trip starts by boat from Ushuaia and returns by plane to Punta Arenas. This is the shorter journey to visit Antarctica.
6 Days - 5 Nights
Day 1 - We set sail from Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego
We leave Ushuaia on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and began to sail through the Beagle Channel towards Cape Horn, we must go through the rough waters of the Drake Passage, before we will visit Puerto Williams, the southernmost town in the world, which is located on Navarino Island. Puerto Williams is located on the shores of the Beagle Channel, near the access to the Atlantic Ocean. It is the southernmost administrative population, but the southernmost town without considering the antarctic bases is Puerto Toro, which is located on the same island.
Day 2 - We leave Nassau to discover Cape Horn
We crossed Nassau Bay to wake up at the famous Cape Horn. Depending on weather conditions we can disembark in order to get to know the lighthouse and harbor station. After discovering this beautiful site, we set the route that leads to Antarctica, we must cross the Drake Passage. Cape Horn is the southernmost end of the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, considered the southernmost tip of South America, it defines the northern edge of Francis Drake Passage that divides the White Continent from the American Continent and joints the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Currently is still one of the challenges for yachtsmen, due to the constant winds, the presence of icebergs and the strong movement of the water.
Day 3 - Sailing the Drake Passage
We will sail nearby the Drake Passage to get to King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, the other islands are Nelson, Robert, Greenwich and Livingston. On the way we can sight wildlife, from birds like albatrosses or petrels to dazzle us with the presence of humpback whales and minke. The South Shetland Islands are a group of islands on the Antarctic Ocean, and are among the Drake Passage and Bransfield Strait. Covering almost 3,700 square kilometers. Mount Foster, with 2100 meters high is located in the Smith Island.
Day 4 - Into the Antarctic Ocean
We will cross the Antarctic Convergence or Frontal Region of Antarctica, to enter the Antartic Ocean. We begin to see the first ice or icebergs before reaching the South Shetland Islands. We will navigate in boats to see a penguin colony. In this area are separated the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean with the waters with temperate temperature of the subantarctic sector.
Day 5 - From King George Island to Punta Arenas
We arrive at King George Island, where we will disembark at Fildes Bay. We will visit the Chilean military base President Eduardo Frei Montalva and the Russian military base Bellingshausen. Then we will take the plane to fly to Punta Arenas. Those passengers wishing to stay in Punta Arenas must notice in advance, the night of Day 5 in Punta Arenas is included. Dinner is not included.
Day 6 - Punta Arenas
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport of the city of Punta Arenas. End of services.
Map of Route
Services
Services included
- Transfer hotel-airport on the sixth day.
- Flight Punta Arenas - King George Island, South Shetland (return).
- Accommodation night the fifth day in Punta Arenas. Dinner is not included.
- Maritime transport and accommodation in the chosen cabin.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks included during the entire travel program.
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
- All scheduled shore excursions.
- The lectures and talks given on board the ship.
- Rubber boots for water in the planned landings.
Services not included
- Visa or passport expenses.
- Taxes.
- Transfers, accommodation and meals are not included in the travel program, considered as additional.
- Personal insurance, excess luggage, extra expenses such as phone calls, Internet use, cleaning of clothes, etc.
- Drinks purchased at the ship's bar.
- Tips.
Weight allowed on flights
On flights up to and from Antarctica, the maximum weight allowed to be carried per person is 20 kilos, including hand luggage. Any excess baggage can be retained and left in custody at Punta Arenas.
Itinerary
Flight schedules and navigation itineraries in Antarctica may change according to climatic conditions on the white continent. The weather variation is very unpredictable, and safety is always an important aspect of all trips to Antarctica. The naval company reserves the right to change the navigation route in consultation due to climatic setbacks or any other force majeure factor. If it is not possible to fly to or from Antarctica due to weather conditions, either at the point of origin and / or destination, the company will implement the Contingency Plan established for each trip.