Antarctica Air Cruise & Wildlife Tour January 2026
Endemic Explorer: Crafting Private Antarctic Journeys—Fast, Convenient, and Designed Exclusively for You
Discover Antarctica in Just Six Days – Effortless, Immersive, with Expert Guides
6 Days
Tour LENGTH
January 14-19
2026
$ 5995*
Ownwards
Sail to Antarctica and return by air on this 6-day Express Air-Cruise. The journey begins in Ushuaia with a sea crossing of the Drake Passage, offering a chance to experience the Southern Ocean and its changing moods. After reaching the South Shetland Islands, you will explore ice-filled bays and remote shorelines by Zodiac, with opportunities to observe Gentoo penguins, Weddell seals, and dramatic polar scenery. The return leg is by flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas, avoiding the full return sea crossing. The ship includes daily landings, informative talks, and comfortable onboard facilities. This route is suitable for those with limited time who still wish to experience the main highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Prices start at approximately USD $5,000.
Fly over the Southern Ocean to Antarctica—fast, scenic, and unforgettable.
Make Zodiac landings on ice-filled bays and pristine, remote Antarctic shores.
See Gentoo penguins, whales, and seals in their untouched natural habitat.
Cross the legendary Drake Passage by sea, then return by air.
Enjoy lectures by experts on polar wildlife, geology, and expedition history onboard.
Relax in boutique luxury with panoramic lounges, fine dining, and personalised service.
Wildlife of Antarctica: As Endemic Explorer Sees It
Experience the Seventh Continent in Just Six Days — A Seamless Blend of Wildlife, Ice, and Luxury
All our private tours are highly customizable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together
Day 1 – Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrival: Ushuaia, Argentina
First day in the sea
Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, set between the Andes and the Beagle Channel. In the afternoon, board your expedition vessel and complete embarkation formalities. The ship sets sail along the Beagle Channel, heading toward Puerto Williams on Navarino Island, Chile. Settle into your cabin, meet the crew, and attend a short briefing on the voyage. Spend your first evening at sea getting familiar with the ship and the route ahead.
Day 2 – Cape Horn & Drake Passage
Drake Passage
Possibility of a landing at Cape Horn
Weather permitting, make a Zodiac landing at Cape Horn, one of the southernmost headlands in the world and long considered a key point in maritime history. If conditions allow, step ashore for a brief visit before continuing the journey. The ship then enters the Drake Passage and begins the crossing toward Antarctica. Spend time on deck or in observation lounges watching for birdlife, including Black-browed albatross and giant petrels. With some luck, you may also spot humpback whales surfacing in the distance as the ship heads deeper into the Southern Ocean.
Day 3 – At Sea, Drake Passage
The Dark Passage Crossing
Possibility of a landing at Cape Horn
Continue crossing the Drake Passage, a stretch known for its shifting seas and abundant birdlife. Take part in scheduled talks on Antarctic wildlife, glaciology, and the region’s early exploration history. Spend time on the outer decks scanning for seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels, often seen gliding close to the waves. Whales are sometimes spotted breaching or feeding in these deep waters. As the ship nears the Antarctic Convergence, the temperature begins to fall and the ocean takes on a different character. Icebergs start to appear on the horizon, marking the transition into polar waters and the start of the Antarctic experience.
Day 4 – South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Welcome to Antarctica
Zodiac landing and penguins
Cruise through the ice-filled bays of the South Shetland Islands, where landings are made by Zodiac, weather and sea conditions permitting. Visit a penguin colony where Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins nest in large numbers, and observe their behaviour at close range. Scan the shorelines and floating ice for Leopard and Weddell seals hauled out to rest. The landscape is dominated by towering ice formations, offering good opportunities for photography. With extended daylight hours during the Antarctic summer, landings and exploration may continue well into the evening.
Day 5 – King George Island & Flight to Punta Arenas
Take off from Antarctica
Departure from Antarctica
Land at Fildes Bay on King George Island and disembark from the ship for the final stage of your journey. After a short transfer by vehicle, board your aircraft for the return flight to South America. Take off from the Antarctic Peninsula and fly over the Southern Ocean—a moment that marks the end of your time in polar waters. Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, and transfer to a comfortable hotel for an overnight stay, included as part of the programme.
Day 6 – Punta Arenas, Chile
Airport Transfer
After breakfast, your expedition officially ends. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying the indelible memory of your time on the 7th Continent.
Wildlife
Wildlife You May Encounter:
Penguins: Gentoo, Chinstrap, Adelie
Seals: Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater
Whales: Humpback, Orca, Minke
Seabirds: Snow Petrel, Antarctic Tern, Black-browed Albatross, Giant Petrel, Skua, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
Tour Cost
Per person, based on triple-share. Double and single cabin options are available.
Tour Cost : USD 5995 Ownards
Ship Features & Onboard
Experience Expedition vessels with max 76 guests. All cabins with private bathrooms, most with balconies. Panoramic observation lounge, bar, library, and dining room. Zodiac fleet for shore landings. Expert-led lectures and briefings. Optional kayaking and snowshoeing (space-limited). Onboard clinic, gym, and wellness spaces.
General Terms & Conditions
Deposit: USD $1,500 per person at booking. Balance Due: 120 days before departure.
Children: Minimum age 8 Must be 1.20 m tall and 30 kg or more 5% discount for children under 12.
Cancellation Policy 210+ days before departure: Full refund minus $1,000 admin fee.
209–120 days: No refund of deposit
119–60 days: 5–10% of the final amount refunded
<60 days: No refund
Special Notes
Inclusions
Shipboard accommodation & all meals., One-night hotel in Punta Arenas., Transfers, guided excursions, educational programs, Loan of waterproof boots.
Exclusions
International airfare, Meals in Punta Arenas (except breakfast) Bar drinks, insurance, souvenirs, visas, gratuities
Travel Details
International Arrival: Ushuaia Airport (USH), Argentina.
Departure: Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ), Chile.
Tour Map
Extras & Tools
Read, Watch, or Listen About the Tour
