Comfort & Adventure

Express Tour of Antarctica

4.6/5 From 23 Reviews

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Express Tour of Antarctica

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A cost-effective Antarctic adventure. This itinerary is also ideal for those with limited time wanting to combine Antarctica with time exploring Patagonia. Sailing one way and flying back, you get to combine two iconic places: Antarctica and Cape Horn. Note, you'll only spend one day in Antarctica itself.

Trip Summary

  • A six day voyage with one day in Antarctica
  • Starts in Ushuaia and finishes in Punta Arenas – ideal for combining Chile & Argentina
  • Antarctic operational experience since 2003
  • A low expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6 
  • Choice of 2 ships and 3-4 departure dates per season
  • Includes hotel stay with dinner and wine, plus drinks during onboard meals
  • Exclusive access to Explorers House – your home-from-home private club & expedition centre while in P. Arenas

Trip Overview

Route
Trip length
6-7 Days
Ship Comfort
Comfort & Adventure
Ship
Magellan Explorer
Total guests
76

From

$5,995 - $9,995

Operator's Itinerary

Start from Ushuaia and end at Punta Arenas to Antarctica

Landmarks potentially visited on Express Tour of Antarctica

NOTE: While choosing to fly to/from Antarctica is the most expedient option, it's also more weather dependent than travelling by ship across the Drake Passage. Charter flights to/from Antarctica operate on a very flexible schedule to accommodate the changeable weather conditions. As a result, flight timings may be brought forward or delayed to ensure safe operating conditions. To discuss in more detail, please get in touch. This itinerary is for guidance only, as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions as well as taking advantage of impromptu wildlife opportunities.

Why our customers love Swoop

The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises

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Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

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We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

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We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

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What our customers think of Express Tour of Antarctica

10/10 - Everything went well, I loved the whole trip.

Travelled: January 2024

Susan Richey - USA

10/10 - Everything was great - even the weather.

Travelled: January 2024

Theodore I King II - USA

10/10 - I had a great time on the cruise. Right from the experience team to the deck staff and the kitchen staff everyone was so amazing and welcoming that I didn't wanted to come back home! Plus, made some good friends that I met on the cruise ship.

Travelled: January 2024

Ankita Gupta - India

10/10 - You gave me the chance to experience one of the least visited and most amazing continents.

Travelled: November 2023

Daniel Hopping - USA

10/10 - Best experience ever

Travelled: January 2023

Nicole Wallace - USA

10/10 - The price was great compared to some of the other tours we saw. I felt it was just enough time to give me a taste of this experience. The smaller group size made it easy and comfortable to interact with the staff.

Travelled: January 2023

Tiana Devoe-Price - USA

Most memorable moment? Actually setting foot on land. Half Moon Island, Antarctica. The experience of going through the Drake Passage was a close second.

Travelled: January 2023

Rick De Feo - USA

I am a life long traveler and this was my last continent. It was everything I hoped it would be

Travelled: January 2023

Rick De Feo - USA

The expedition team were personable, knowledgeable, and dedicated. It was clear that they had a passion for what they did. This came through in their lectures, excursions, and conversations.

Travelled: January 2023

Madison Augustyn - USA

Most memorable moment: Being able to step onto land!!! It felt surreal to see the world from this point of view. We felt so grateful for all the time and effort that the crew put in to ensure we respected the wildlife and experienced Antarctica.

Travelled: January 2023

Madison Augustyn - USA

We saw whales (minke, orca, and humpback) seals (Weddell, elephant) and penguins (gentoo and chinstrap).

Travelled: January 2023

Madison Augustyn - USA

The excursion staff are very knowledgeable and enjoyable to be with. Cruise staff work very hard. Food was amazing! I liked the sit down dinner with menu instead of buffet style.

Travelled: January 2023

Khanh Nguyen - USA

I loved all of the lectures. All of it was new to me. Everyone did an amazing job with lectures and getting to know all of the guests. Captain Bob certainly was the best. He did an amazing job explaining about the trip so that everyone knows what to expect every day. Everyone is so friendly.

Travelled: January 2023

Khanh Nguyen - USA

10/10- Express Tour was very efficient. We did not have to cross Drake Passage twice. The plane ride back is very pleasing also.

Travelled: January 2023

Khanh Nguyen - USA

10 - For those that want to do a quick trip to Antarctica it was the best of both worlds to see the scenery and nature along the way and then not have to go back through the Drake Passage to go back.

Travelled: November 2022

Akilah Hugine - USA

10/10 - It was so unique! I got to sail, and fly! And it gave me time to hike Patagonia as it was a relatively quick trip!

Travelled: November 2022

Isaac Nelson - USA

Touching land and setting foot on the Shetland Islands - I will NEVER forget how surreal it was.

Travelled: November 2022

Isaac Nelson - USA

The staff did an amazing job providing lectures and information about Antarctica. Everyone was absolutely awesome and I could tell they really loved passing out the knowledge to others. BRAVO to all.

Travelled: January 2022

Mike Sader - USA

I saw the whales and penguins on one outing. The photos came out amazing.

Travelled: January 2022

Mike Sader - USA

I don't know how to summarize what was the most magical adventure that I have ever experienced. The service on the ship, the extensive knowledge of the crew, expedition leaders and scientists were were superb. The landscapes and wildlife were spectacular.

Travelled: February 2019

Kristen Hilt - United States Of America

The most magical moment was visiting Paulet Island and seeing hundreds of thousands of penguins.

Travelled: December 2018

Liz Chon - Greece

It was everything and more! I had such an amazing experience. I loved every moment of it! Great cruise service, hospitable expedition leaders, and met lots of cool like-minded individuals.

Travelled: December 2018

Liz Chon - Greece

The highlight was stepping onto Antarctica. The landscapes were awesome, the whales and penguins were fascinating. The staff and ship crew members were outstanding, they accommodated each passenger individually.

Travelled: January 2017

Mary and John - New York

This was a trip I want to return on as soon as possible. I would have loved more time in Antarctica, but even with the short time it was the perfect size and timed trip. Certainly made the visit to the 7th continent special.

Travelled: December 2016

Boyce & Elizabeth - Mississippi

Review:

Express Tour of Antarctica Customer Reviews

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