Life. Changing. Antarctica.

Life. Changing. Antarctica: Imagine a place so pristine and remote you can hear snowflakes hitting the water.

The younger sibling to our fully-grown Antarctic Explorer voyage, Antarctic Explorer Express is a condensed version of the longer itinerary. It may seem indulgent to embark on a quick trip to Antarctica, but for travellers who are short on time, a short trip to the Antarctic Peninsula could be just what you are looking for.

Embarking on an expedition to Antarctica is the epitome of pure adventure. There are so many reasons to go, including opportunities to see iconic wildlife – scores of charismatic penguins, seals, whales, sea birds and more!

✓ Go for the wildlife and fall in love with the most magical ice forms and sculptures will give you a lifetime supply of awe

✓ Immersive yourself in the natural surroundings with more time of ship exploring on Zodiacs and guided hikes, and come back to the most beautiful base camp – a purpose-built new ship with all the comforts you need

✓ Choose to fly over the Drake Passage to Antarctica (in one direction) and add on activities including kayaking or snorkelling for an even more immersive experience.

View Antarctica Map

Highlights of an Expedition to Antarctica

Featured Expedition

Antarctic Explorer Express

Expedition From Ushuaia, Argentina to Punta Arenas, Chile

Cruise
9 days
7 Jan - 15 Jan 2027

Our world-class expedition vessel: Douglas Mawson

Destination Highlights
• Witness extraordinary wildlife including fledging penguin chicks
• Zodiac cruise in secluded bays and quiet coves filled with brash ice and photograph enormous glaciers and spectacularly shaped icebergs in various shades of blue
• Keep a close watch for the tail fluke of whales as they take a deep dive, see porpoising penguins ice seals such as Weddell and crabeater seals hauled out on ice floes
• Observe skuas patrolling penguin colonies preying on vulnerable juveniles

Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to your hotel
Day 2: Embarkation
Days 3-4: Drake Passage Crossing
Days 5-7: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 8: Fly King George Island to Punta Arenas
Day 9: Depart Punta Arenas

Contact me for details

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Reserve your optional activities at the time of booking to secure your spot.

*Landings, adventures, and activities are weather-dependent. Activity options vary by itinerary, and additional fees apply for optional activities.

Best Time To Go

Destination Antarctica: Edwin Sargent

For Snorkelling & Diving Guide Edwin Sargent, Antarctica never loses its magic; each return is an encounter with the unknown. It's a place where you can disconnect from the noise of the outside world, immersed in the beauty of the ice, wildlife and the ever-changing landscapes.

New Purpose-Built Small Ships - 130 Passengers Maximum

Our expedition ships—Douglas Mawson— is designed for exploration. This state-of-the-art, purpose-built ships use the latest advances in design and technology, truly revolutionizing the small-ship experience.

Introducing our newest small ship, the Douglas Mawson

Adventure has a new name. Setting sail in 2025, our new state-of-the-art ship, the
Douglas Mawson, features the latest Ulstein X-BOW® design and is designed for global discovery.

INCLUSIONS
• All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1.
• Charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
• Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
• All meals, snacks, tea, coffee soft drink and juice during voyage.
• Beer and house wine with dinner.
• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and nonalcoholic beverages.
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
• Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
• Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
• One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
• Comprehensive pre-departure information.
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
• Wi-Fi.
Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

EXCLUSIONS
• International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Airport arrival or departure taxes.
• Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
• Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
• Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
• Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
• All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages(outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone
charges.
Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.

About Aurora Expeditions

From the start, Aurora Expeditions—an award-winning Australian-owned company—was destined to be different. Our passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends burns just as brightly as it did over 34 years ago, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions, accompanied by an expedition team we believe are the world’s best.

I'd love to tell you more about Aurora Expeditions and their immersive, small-ship expeditions and travel experiences to the world’s wild and most remarkable destinations – Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.