STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACAXPCAC
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
SHIP: Magellan Explorer
Antarctica
24/01/2025, 30/01/2026
Welcome dinner in Punta Arenas, Breakfast at hotels, & all meals on board the ship, including wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, & snacks
Group transfers throughout & return charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
Hotel & Cabin on board a ship
Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island, located in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctica adventure has you experiencing incredible and unfathomable landscapes and wildlife as you sail along ice filled fjords and enjoy the company of penguins, seals and whales alike. Take part in shore landings to get up and personal with these pristine surroundings as you attempt to reach the Polar Circle. Travelling on board the Magellan explorer, you can expect to be very comfortable in such a harsh environment so that you can enjoy what Antarctica has to offer to the fullest before returning to King George Island for your flight back to Punta Arenas.
Staff members will welcome you on arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer to your hotel, then visit the Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise, and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. At Explorers House, enjoy local gastronomy dinner as you meet your fellow adventurers.
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently 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. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, 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. 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. From the glassenclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets 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 expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
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).
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
The Magellan Explorer, is a modern and elegant base from which to explore the polar regions, combining boutique hospitality with top class expedition facilities. It is the ideal platform for air-cruise operations and several international polar expedition experts were involved in the design process. Working with engineers, naval architects and designers, the expedition experience of guests was always kept in mind. Built in Chile, the Magellan Explorer has a capacity of 73 passengers providing an intimate small ship cruising experience. All cabins include feature private batrooms and heaeted floors and all cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. The ship has a fleet of 10 zodiacs to ensure all guests can disembark the ship and enjoy time on the icy landscapes or drift through glacial waters in search of unique wildlife. The ship contains a glass observation lounge and presentation room that boasts state-of-the-art visual and audio equipment for presentations conduct by the expert expedition crew. Onboard you will enjoy fitness facilities including a gym, sauna and well stocked bar.
Ice Class:
Length: 90.7 m (298 ft.)
Breadth: 16.2 m (53 ft.)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:100
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreDeparting | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
24 Jan 2025 | 02 Feb 2025 | 10 |
30 Jan 2026 | 08 Feb 2026 | 10 |
Prices are based on per person, and may be based off quad/triple/ or twin share cabins* (please contact us for more details)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Welcome dinner on day one at the Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
Return charter flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
Accommodation on board during your voyage.
Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Loan of waterproof boots for excursions in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
All guided excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
International or domestic flights, unless specified
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Airport arrival or departure taxes
Vaccination charges
Travel insurance
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to gratuities, select drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges.
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.