Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Programmes: Polar Expeditions
Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Easy
10 Days: Land Only
Ages: 18+
Trip Code: PSB

Trip Overview

Cross the Drake Passage to explore the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula

Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you pass, en route to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may overwhelm at first, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid traveling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts – harsh, rugged mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes and populous, gregarious penguins.

At a Glance

7 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Ushuaia, 1 night hotel in Punta Arenas
Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions

Highlights

Spot iconic Antarctic wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica
Enjoy presentations on wildlife, history, glaciology and geology by our onboard polar experts
Cruise in a Zodiac to get water-level views of icebergs, wildlife and more

Is This Trip for You?

Travelling conditions: The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers’ wishes and interests wherever possible. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and Polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable with a wet/mud room to hang gear and store boots for the next adventure.

On the Zodiac cruises, you sit still most of the time with the potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind – if you are not dressed appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, most landings are wet, which means the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to slide into the ankle-deep shore break before walking up onto dry land (wellington boots are issued to all passengers). There are, of course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes fairly deep snow. Back on board the ship after each adventure, you can have a sauna and/or a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or something stronger from the bar.

Adventure options:

Sea kayaking: Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our sea kayaking is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent and will be conducted only during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider the paddling excursion.
Paddling excursion: If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding than sea kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-top kayaks – perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience. Rotating groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help connect you with the Polar sea.

Polar itineraries: All Polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only – it is possible that, among other things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and ice, intelligence from previous sailings, changes in local landing regulations or the expert opinion of the crew may lead to adjustments to the published route.

Booking conditions: As with all Polar adventures and voyages, the booking conditions for this trip differ from our standard conditions. The required deposit is 25% per person of your selected travel arrangements (minimum £1,000 per person or equivalent in booking currency) and the balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid at least 133 days before your departure date. The deposit is non-refundable, and at 133 days before departure date, our cancellation penalties are 100% of the cost.

Group

The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement, enjoying the relaxed, intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction with our partner, Quark Expeditions, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally, some of these may be younger than Exodus’ stated minimum age for this trip. We work with many fine expedition leaders and Polar experts, bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history, geology, ornithology and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating crew have many years of experience in Polar regions and are committed to ensuring a safe and memorable journey. Each day, your cabin will be serviced by the housekeeping crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive restaurant staff. There is also a resident medical officer.

Adult min age: 18

Max group size: 176

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Punta Arenas, Chile
End City: Punta Arenas, Chile

Land Only Itinerary

This quaint city at the southernmost tip of South America is your gateway to Antarctica. The city itself provides a wide range of shops, cafés, gear shops and restaurants to explore before your voyage. Outside the city, snow-capped mountains and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park offer ample adventure activities if you enjoy exploring nature.

Embark in the afternoon, with a journey through the picturesque Beagle Channel. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and be out on deck, as the channel is home to a wide variety of wildlife including seabirds and seals. Rainbows are common here too, creating a great photographic opportunity to kick off the start to your Antarctic adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As we approach the white continent, don’t be surprised if you are overcome by excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through the human eye.

Our first sightings will be from the ship itself. The captain and expedition team keep their eyes out for whales and seabirds, and will alert us to any sightings. Our team of expert lecturers also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are our daily excursions to land. Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica. Each landing is different and weather dependent, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities. We may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night in Antarctica, each day offers exciting opportunities.

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 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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As the ship turns north, say goodbye to the penguins, as well as many of your shipmates. With only the Drake Passage ahead, you’ll disembark and enjoy a bit of time on King George Island before flying off to Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you’re in Punta Arenas, we transfer you from the airport to your hotel, where you’re free to explore and enjoy a final dinner out.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Polar Adventure Ships

This voyage is offered on the World Explorer and the Ocean Explorer, which are Polar Adventure Ships.

Polar Adventure Ships 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, kayaking 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 maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.

World Explorer

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Not only is it among our fastest ships, but it is also one of our finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation.

Learn more about the World Explorer including ship facts, deck plans, detailed cabin information, a gallery and all of the features and amenities that enhance your experience on board.

Ocean Explorer

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

The Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration, this 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology.

Learn more about the Ocean Explorer including ship facts, deck plans, detailed cabin information, a gallery and all of the features and amenities that enhance your experience on board.

Food & Drink

All meals while on the ship included.

Typical meals

The ships 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 – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Transport

During the expedition, you visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.

Weather & Seasonality

Late spring and early summer (October-November): The start of the season and the most adventurous time to travel. You’ll encounter truly breathtaking, exquisitely sculpted icebergs emerging from their frozen hibernation. Many of these blue bergs house courting, nesting and brooding penguins.

High summer: (December-February): Close to the solstice, you’ll experience almost perpetual daylight. These are the mildest months when the first adelie and gentoo penguin chicks are hatched. As the water warms, the whale sightings also improve.

Late summer (February-March): This is the time for some incredible encounters with whales, especially minkes and humpbacks. The receding ice allows for further exploration and penguin colonies are very active with adults feeding their chicks.

Weather Charts

Antarctica

Joining Instructions

Your trip normally starts at the hotel in Ushuaia in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions – sent approximately two weeks before departure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Punta Arenas, Chile
Location end: Punta Arenas, Chile

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Boots: Rubber boots are essential for a Polar expedition, but to eliminate these from your packing list we will loan you a pair for the duration of the voyage.
Parkas: A complementary Quark parka will be provided on the ship.
Trousers (pants): Waterproof trousers are essential for Zodiac travel as well as activities on shore.
Gloves: To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a minimum of two pairs of gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be worn underneath warm outer gloves.
Hat and scarf: Pack a warm, woollen hat or cap that covers your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection.
Socks: For maximum warmth, we suggest you wear two pairs of socks to wear inside the rubber boots.
Outer clothing: Pack woollen or fleece jumpers and tops, plus several turtlenecks for layering.
Underclothing: Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will keep you warm without adding bulk.
Backpack: To keep your hands free for shooting photograph, bring a water resistant or waterproof backpack.
Shoes Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.

Optional Equipment

Swimwear
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Camera, extra batteries, film or memory cards
Protective sunscreen
Electric converter with adapter plug set
Small medical kit containing prescription medicines and over-the-counter medication for basic ailments such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches and seasickness
Snow poles or trekking poles

Practical Information

Visa

Antarctica

It’s your responsibility to obtain any visas required for this trip. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and destination, so please check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. As a guide, some local governments provide information on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Argentina

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Argentina. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/argentina
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html

Please note, if you are crossing the border into Argentina from Chile on your trip, we will need to know your profession to provide when entering Argentina.

Chile

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Chile. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Please note, a PDI tourist card will be given to you by migration at Santiago airport, upon arrival to Chile, and asked for upon departure from Chile (please retain this important slip of paper). The PDI certifies that you are a visitor and must be given back to migration upon departure from Chile.

Vaccinations and Health

Antarctica

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies (bat lyssaviruses). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Argentina

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever (strongly recommended if you intend to visit the Iguazu Falls due to a recent outbreak in the Misiones province). Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

Bilharzia is known to occur in some lakes or rivers in Argentina; follow advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.

Dengue and zika, both mosquito‐borne viral diseases, are known risks in Argentina. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore, the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Chile

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.

Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Local Time

Argentina's time zone: America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires (UTC -03:00)

Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -03:00)

Electricity

on ships 220v 50Hz

Money

Antarctica's currency: US dollars are accepted as the primary currency on board all polar vessels.

Argentina's currency: Argentine peso (ARS)

Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)

ATM Availability

There are ATMs in Punta Arenas dispensing Chilean currency. Credit cards are widely accepted and can be used to settle your account on the ship.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars.

At the conclusion of your voyage, you are presented with an account. This includes any drinks from the bar, laundry or shop purchases for which you have signed. You may pay for this in US dollars cash or credit card (Visa or Mastercard only).

Please note: on the last evening, once your ship account has been settled, credit card payments are no longer accepted. It is therefore advisable to bring at least some US dollars cash if you wish to purchase drinks from the bar or any items from the on-board shop at this time.

Tipping

The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter, but it is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide approximately US$15-US$20 per day per passenger would be appreciated for the crew and the same amount for the expedition staff).

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Important Information

Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.

How to Book

Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:

Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.

After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.

Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.

Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.

Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

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