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Polar Circle Air Cruise - Magellan Explorer
This 10-day fly/sail journey whisks you into the sparkling realm of the 7th continent as you search for the Antarctic Polar Circle at 66° South.
SPECIAL OFFER
TBA*
ECO SCORE
76
PASSENGERS
10
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Antarctica: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Magellan Explorer
The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that this operator offers. The main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.
- • 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 $24,995 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Jan. 24 – Feb. 2, 2025
Jan. 30 - Feb. 8, 2026
Jan. – Feb.;
Hover here for specific dates.
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
Staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica
A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and 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 - 8: Exploring Antarctica
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history, and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment.
Enjoy spectacular views, from the glass-enclosed lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each voyage is unique, and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
Day 9: Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight 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 10: 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
Questions?
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
Questions?
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.
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*The Eco Score is based on pre-assessment and information available at this time. In-depth review is currently in progress.