Flying over the chaotic Drake Passage represents an enormous advantage of optimizing the time needed to travel to a remote place like Antarctica. It allows you to enjoy the best part of great experience, whilst avoiding all the discomfort and unease deriving by the boat crossing of the mythical Drake Passage. This invaluable improvement also means an extra two precious days added to your holiday – thanks to a comfortable flight of only 2 hours, travellers are now afforded the time to explore other fascinating places in South America or simply to return home. Leaving from Ushuaia, this itinerary takes you through the Beagle Channel and to legendary Cape Horn. From there you can cross the mythical waters of the Drake Passage and spend a day in one of the most spectacular places on earth - Antarctica. 

  • Day 01

    Start of the Air-Cruise

    Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Embark 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. 

  • Day 02

    Cape Horn and 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 step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer. 

  • Day 03

    Drake Passage

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

  • Day 04

    Drake Passage and Antarctica

    After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Be sure to keep your camera ready as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue in the evening. 

  • Day 05

    Antarctica and scheduled return flight

    Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. 

     

  • Day 06

    End of the Air-Cruise

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

     

Details

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Cruise Line: Antarctica XXI

Cruise Ship: Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable expedition vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland. She was fully refurbished in 2006 and has since benefitted from annual upgrades and improvements.Her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica.
Passengers: 72
Crew: 46
Refurbished: 2006

BAE-146 Aircraft
Manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runaway requirements which make it particularly suited for this kind of destinations. It is operated by Aerovias DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience of flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.
Model: BAE 146-200
Engines: 4 turbofans Honeywell ALF 502R-5
Capacity: 71 passengers (16 in preferred seats)
Wingspan: 86 ft. 5 in. (26.34 m)
Cruise Speed: 465 mph (750 km/h)
Service Ceiling: 31,200 ft (9,500 m)

Route details
From Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Dates (5 nights)

  • 29 November - 4 December, 2022 
  • 14 January - 19 January, 2023

Included

  • Flights according to the itinerary
  • Cruise
  • Accommodation with full board
  • All drinks onboard
  • Shore excursions
  • Lectures and onboard entertainment
  • Loan of boots for landing in Antarctica
  • Transfer from/to airport/hotel according to the itinerary
  • Comprehensive pre- and post- departure information

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