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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise - Magellan Explorer
Skip the Drake Passage with this 8-day fly/sail option, taking you straight to the heart of Antarctic action on a small but powerful expedition ship that minimizes crowds and maximizes adventure.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.3*
ECO SCORE
76
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Magellan Explorer
Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home.
- • Spend just 2 hours flying instead of enduring a 2-day sail across the challenging Drake Passage.
• This smaller ship allows for seamless disembarkation for excursions, without the hassle of waiting in line.
• Snowshoe through the vast snowy expanses or kayak along dramatic coastlines with additional optional excursions.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $15,995 per person
Departs nearly weekly
late Nov. – early March;
Please inquire with your preferred dates.
Nov. – March;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Carbon emission reduction through energy efficiency and carbon offsetting
Conservation
Strict biosecurity protocols are in place for all sea voyages and air-cruises
Education
Supports scientific research on board each expedition through Citizen Science programs
Itinerary
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
As you exit the airplane on George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.
Days 3 - 6: Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.
Day 7: Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 8: End of Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Contingency Plan: Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, you should be prepared for that possibility.
Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises to the latest Polar Code specifications.
For our air-cruises, Magellan Explorer has a capacity for 76 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors.
The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship’s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
• Capacity: 76 guests
• Cabins: 39 cabins
• Specialists: Highly credentialed naturalists & guides
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travelers’ Choice Award, Trip Advisor, 2024
Chile’s Best Managed Company, 2019
"The Magellan Explorer offers a boutique hotel experience at sea, with modern, cozy cabins—many boasting balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Capped at just 76 passengers, this intimate yet purpose-built ship allows you to spend less time in line and more time ashore. Exceptional service, modern comfort, and daily lectures make the Magellan Explorer a top choice in the polar fleet."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Rates
Whether you’re short on time or looking for a small ship that takes everyone to shore all together, the Magellan Explorer may be just perfect for you. This fly/sail option lets you bypass the notorious Drake Passage, though be prepared for possible weather-related flight delays. Still, she’s an excellent choice for setting foot on your 7th Continent.
Joy Martinello, Founder
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on Day 1; For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1; One overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica; For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House; Exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and exclusive group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air-cruise; Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage; Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage; Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes; Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses; Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board; Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition; All guided shore excursions; Lectures and entertainment on board; Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material; Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica; Contingency Plan for unplanned weather interruptions; IAATO passenger fee.
NOT INCLUDED:
Anything that is not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” section. For example: Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage; Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included; Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar; Internet connection on board the ship; Personal travel insurance; Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); Gratuities; Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
