Antarctica Express Cruise: Fly the Drake

Begin in Ushuaia, sailing the Beagle Channel to Puerto Williams, Chile’s southernmost town.
Step ashore at legendary Cape Horn before crossing the historic Drake Passage towards Antarctica.
Spot albatross, petrels and whales from deck as expert guides share Antarctic insights.
Cruise among icebergs and penguin colonies in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica’s spectacular gateway.
Disembark on King George Island and fly to Punta Arenas, completing your Antarctic adventure.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,245 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,245 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Safari & Wildlife

Vacations that showcase the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Boutique Cruises

Curated experiences by water on small vessels.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Safari & Wildlife

Vacations that showcase the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Boutique Cruises

Curated experiences by water on small vessels.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Sail from Ushuaia

DAY

Cape Horn and the Drake Passage

DAY

Crossing the Drake Passage

DAY

Exploring the South Shetland Islands

DAY

Exploring King George Island

DAY

Depart from Punta Arenas

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Sail from Ushuaia

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.

Multi Day Tour

Start of the Air-Cruise

Meal

Dinner

Your Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom build for Antarctic air-cruises. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications and began service in 2019. Magellan Explorer has capacity for 69 passengers accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins.

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DAY

Cape Horn and the Drake Passage

After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to set foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer.

Multi Day Tour

Cape Horn and Drake Passage

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

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DAY

Crossing the Drake Passage

As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.

Multi Day Tour

Drake Passage

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

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DAY

Exploring the South Shetland Islands

After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Exploration will continue well into the evening, taking advantage of the long Antarctic daylight.

Multi Day Tour

Drake Passage and Antarctica

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

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DAY

Exploring King George Island

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) walk takes you through Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. Please note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and are not included in the program.

Multi Day Tour

Antarctica and scheduled return flight

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Cabo De Hornos

Cabo de Hornos is located in the center of Punta Arenas, next to the Plaza Munoz Gamero. The accommodation features 110 modern rooms including free Wi-Fi, TV, a private bathroom and laundry service. From each room, passengers have an amazing view of the Strait of Magellan or the historical town of Punta Arenas. In addition, guests can enjoy exquisite cuisine at the gourmet restaurant and end the day with a premium Chilean wine in front of the fireplace. The combination of the hotel's central location in town and the closeness to nature will make the traveler's stay unforgettable.

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DAY

Depart from Punta Arenas

After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Multi Day Tour

End of the Air-Cruise

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Antarctica Peninsula

The Drake Passage

Adelie penguins

Ice Caves

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

Punta ArenasPartly Cloudy

10°C / 51°F

15mm / 0.6"

AntarcticaPartly Cloudy

17°C / 63°F

30mm / 1.2"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,245 Reviews

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What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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Antarctica feels like visiting another planet; endless white landscapes, towering icebergs, and wildlife thriving in one of Earth’s harshest environments. It’s pure, untouched beauty that humbles you.

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Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

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While there are no cultural festivals, witnessing the penguin chick hatching season (December–January) is a natural spectacle that feels like a celebration of life.

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Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

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What I loved most about visiting Antarctica is how pristine and untouched it still is. The landscape's calm and peacefulness are truly unlike anywhere else, and being surrounded by unspoiled wildlife made the experience unforgettable.

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