Antarctic Explorer Express | Sylvia Earle Expedition Ship

Antarctic Explorer Express

Antarctic Explorer Express, the shorter version of the Antarctic Explorer journey offers a condensed schedule. It may seem extravagant to travel quickly to Antarctica but it is a great option for those with little time. These expeditions cater to those who are looking for a quick trip across the Drake Passage. They include a short stay on the Antarctic Peninsula and a flight in one direction. Zodiac tours are a great way to explore the coastlines and you may even encounter curious whales.

Day by day

Day 1: Ushuaia

A representative will greet you upon your arrival and assist in arranging transportation for your expedition group to the pre-voyage accommodation. Please make your way directly to your hotel if you are already in Ushuaia. Check-in begins at 3:00pm. Stop by the Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort's Luis Fernando Martial, 1650 lobby between 3pm and 7pm to collect your luggage tags, and to confirm that you are interested in taking part in the Beagle Channel Cruise and Isla de Los Lobos Cruise scheduled the next day. You will receive information about your cruise, as well as answers to any questions you might have. The desk staff can also provide details on where you can purchase last-minute goods or find out more information regarding dining.

A welcome package will be available at the check-in for expeditioners who arrive after 7:00pm. Please visit our hospitality desk the next day between 8 am and 10 am.

All meals are on your own today.

You will be assigned either the Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort Hotel or Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation

Enjoy your breakfast in the morning and then complete the checkout process. Attaching cabin tags with the name of your flight and your cabin number is essential. Bring your cabin luggage either at the time of check-out or before. The luggage is stored securely and transferred directly to the port. It will then be placed into your cabin prior to boarding the ship. All valuables and other personal items should be kept with you at all times.

You can explore Ushuaia in the morning at your leisure.

If you are interested in taking the catamaran afternoon cruise, we ask that you meet in the lobby of the hotel at 12:45pm to prepare for the transfer from the hotel to the port. The ferry will depart at 1pm. We will sail along the Beagle Channel towards the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. We'll observe sea lions basking in the sun on the rocks of the Bridges Archipelago. Other birds we will see include skuas (rock cormorants), petrels (albatrosses), and cauquenes. This cruise provides breathtaking views of both the city and surrounding mountains, as well as informative stories on the people and communities.

You can also enjoy the day at leisure and then meet your driver in the lobby of the hotel around 3 pm to be transferred to the dock to start the process.

You'll be able to spend some time in your cabin after you arrive before you attend mandatory safety briefings. We'll all gather together on the deck as the ship leaves the port to begin this exciting adventure, with breathtaking views of Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego.

You'll get the chance to meet your fellow adventurers, the expedition crew and friendly team, at a welcoming dinner marking the start of the exciting Antarctica journey.

Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage

Day 5, 6 & 7: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 8: King George Island

Day 9: Punta Arenas

Brown Bluff | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing

King George Island | South Shetland Islands | Antarctica

+12

Neko Harbour | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing

Highlights

Observe skuas hunting in penguin colonies.

Watch for diving whales, agile penguins, and resting seals.

See young penguins and amazing wildlife.

Take Zodiac rides to photograph glaciers and unique icebergs.

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.