Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise Adventure (Magellan Explorer) – 8 Days

Antarctica
Tailor-Made Journeys
Cruise Expeditions
Life Changing Expeditions

8 Days / 7 Nights
Best Season: November - March
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Highlights

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise Adventure (Magellan Explorer) – 8 Days

Explore Antarctica: The Polar Wonder at the End of the World

Is setting foot on Antarctica also on your bucket list? Now is the perfect time to turn that dream into reality. The "Explore Antarctica – 8-Day Adventure" begins with a flight over the Drake Passage, avoiding the long and rough sea crossing, allowing you to reach Antarctica with ease.

Upon arrival, you will witness the rich Antarctic wildlife up close—observe wild penguins, seals, and whales, and feel the raw power of nature. In addition to the fascinating wildlife, you will explore magnificent fjords and breathtaking icebergs, experiencing the serene beauty of glaciers.

With the guidance of a professional expedition team, you will have the rare opportunity to land on the Antarctic continent, setting foot on this pristine and mysterious land. This is a true polar journey—an extraordinary experience that will transform your life.

Antarctica’s Ecological Wonders

Despite its harsh environment, Antarctica nurtures a unique and rich ecosystem. It is home to millions of penguins, including the charming Adélie penguins, the sociable Gentoo penguins, and the majestic King penguins. In addition, the seals and whales of Antarctica are truly awe-inspiring. From seals basking lazily on drifting ice to the magnificent humpback whales breaching the surface, every moment is breathtaking.

Unparalleled Polar Scenery

Antarctica boasts not only spectacular glaciers and towering icebergs but also intricate fjords and tranquil snowy plains. In this vast world of ice and snow, every iceberg is a masterpiece of nature. The intertwining blue and white hues shift with the sunlight, creating mesmerizing light and shadow effects. During the polar daylight, the sunlight shining on the glaciers transforms the entire world into a serene and dreamlike wonderland.

The Great White Continent: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula

On this journey, you will explore the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising through snow-covered fjords and among massive icebergs. Along the way, you will encounter seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, and other incredible wildlife. Each day’s expedition will vary depending on weather and sea conditions, promising a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that fulfills your ultimate travel dreams.

Why Choose an Antarctic Expedition?

Antarctica is the last true wilderness on Earth, a place of purity and pristine beauty unmatched in the modern world. For those who love exploration and adventure, Antarctica is not just a journey—it is a profound spiritual experience. Standing in the vast expanse of this icy realm, feeling the silent awe and the pure power of nature, you will embark on a life-changing polar adventure.

Now is the time to fulfill your dream! Get ready to set foot on the Antarctic continent and explore this miraculous wonder at the end of the world!

About the Vessel: Magellan Explorer

・76 pax Guests for Air-Cruises and 96pax for sea voyages
・Expedition Staff and Crew Members: 60pax
・Ice class: LR PC6
・Length: 90.7 m
・Breadth: 16.2 m
・Draft: 4.3m
・2 Fully Enclosed Lifeboats and 8 life rafts (Total capacity: 320)
・Propulsion: Diesel engines, 3,440 kW
・Cruising speed: 14 knots in open water

Custom-Designed for Antarctic Adventure

Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises to the latest Polar Code specifications. 

The small ship can accommodate up to 76 guests on air-cruises and 96 guests on sea voyages in seven cabin categories. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors.

Look Inside/Porthole Cabin

The Magellan Explorer offers seven categories of accommodations on this ship, all of which offer the travelers a peaceful and private spot to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventure. Magellan Explorer also features a glass-enclosed observation lounge, a spacious dining room, and more.

Featured Ship Amenities

・Observation Lounge
Glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.

・Library
In this quiet space, you can read one of our Antarctic-themed books or enjoy the view unfolding behind the windows.

・Gym
Gym designed and built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, the world’s only fitness company with boutique gyms on all seven continents.

・Dining Room
Spacious dining area with wide windows to keep an eye on the incredible views while enjoying a delightful meal.

・Antarctica Lounge's Bar
Share stories of the day's adventures while enjoying premium Chilean wines and crafted cocktails while enjoying the view.

・Sauna
The perfect spot to rejuvenate your body and warm your spirits after an exhilarating day exploring Antarctica's icy landscapes.

Tour Schedule

DAY 1

Arrival at Punta Arenas Airport, Chile / Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Punta Arenas Airport in Chile, our staff will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Explorers House Base Camp to attend a Pre-Departure Safety Briefing. The briefing will cover important information about your upcoming flight to Antarctica and provide essential travel guidelines for your Antarctic expedition.

After the briefing, enjoy a Welcome Dinner, where you will meet your fellow explorers and savor local delicacies.

Explorers House is an exclusive adventure center located in Punta Arenas, designed to prepare you for your Antarctic journey. Here, you can attend the briefing, review your Antarctic gear checklist, interact with fellow adventurers, and consult with staff regarding any trip-related inquiries. This ensures that you are fully prepared and confident as you embark on your Antarctic expedition.

Meals

Breakfast / -
Lunch / -
Dinner / ○

Accommodation

Hotel Cabo de Hornos

DAY 2

Departure – Fly to Antarctica

In just two short hours, you will fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, marking the start of your Antarctic adventure. The moment you step off the plane, you’ll feel the refreshing Antarctic air.
A brief vehicle transfer will take you past Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, arriving at the shore where you’ll board a Zodiac boat to embark on your expedition vessel.

Meals

Breakfast / ○
Lunch / ○
Dinner / ○

Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

Fly Over the Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is notorious for its rough seas, traditionally requiring two days of sailing to reach Antarctica. However, modern polar expeditions now offer the option to fly over the Drake Passage, allowing travelers to arrive quickly and comfortably at the Antarctic Peninsula while avoiding the long and bumpy sea journey. This approach not only shortens the trip but also ensures you have maximum energy to fully immerse yourself in exploring Antarctica.

DAY 3

Explore Antarctica

During the voyage, you can attend a variety of lectures and presentations prepared by polar experts or relax in the observation lounge, taking in the magnificent Antarctic scenery, spotting wildlife, and sharing stories with your fellow travelers.

Meals

Breakfast / ○
Lunch / ○
Dinner / ○

Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

Explore Fjords and Icebergs

Antarctica boasts not only spectacular glaciers and icebergs but also intricate fjords and peaceful snowy plains. Every iceberg in this vast icy world is a natural masterpiece, with layers of blue and white hues shifting with the sunlight, creating mesmerizing light and shadow effects. During the polar daylight, sunlight reflecting off the glaciers bathes the entire landscape in a serene and dreamlike glow. By taking a zodiac cruise through towering icebergs, you’ll have the rare opportunity to witness these natural wonders up close.

DAY 4

Explore Antarctica

The daily itinerary will be adjusted according to weather and sea conditions. Embracing the unknown surprises of each day is the essence and charm of Antarctic exploration.

Sailing along the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will navigate through icy fjords and towering icebergs while observing the diverse wildlife—seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales thriving in this pristine environment.

Meals

Breakfast / ○
Lunch / ○
Dinner / ○

Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

A21 Magellan Explorer

This custom-built expedition vessel, launched in 2019, was designed for Antarctic air-cruises and meets the latest Polar Code specifications. It offers seven accommodation categories, with most cabins featuring private balconies. The ship includes a spacious observation lounge, a presentation room with advanced audiovisual equipment, a stylish dining room, bar, library, meeting room, gym, sauna, and medical clinic. A forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship's bow, providing close access to marine wildlife.

DAY 5

Explore Antarctica

Every day, we’ll head out on Zodiac excursions and landings guided by the expedition team to explore spectacular landscapes up close. The team will leverage their experience, knowledge of ice conditions, and weather to design the best possible daily routes, ensuring your Antarctic journey is unique and unforgettable.

Meals

Breakfast / ○
Lunch / ○
Dinner / ○

Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

DAY 6

Explore Antarctica

Throughout six days and five nights, you will have the opportunity to explore and land at various points along the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound, Gerlache Strait, and Penola Strait.

Meals

Breakfast / ○
Lunch / ○
Dinner / ○

Accommodation

Magellan Explorer

Penguins: The Adorable Ambassadors of the Ice World

Antarctica is home to several penguin species, with the most common being Adélie, Gentoo, and King penguins. Waddling in groups across the icy plains, their charming movements captivate every visitor. Each summer, penguins gather at their breeding sites to build nests, and during hatching season, thousands of chicks emerge, creating a lively and heartwarming scene. Travelers can observe penguins interacting, caring for their young, and even witness their agile dives into the frigid waters to hunt for fish.

DAY 7

Return to Punta Arenas

We will cruise back to Frei Station, return to King George Island, and board the flight back to Punta Arenas, bidding farewell to Antarctica.
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, a transfer will be arranged to take you back to your hotel. (Meals on this day in Punta Arenas are not included and will be at your own arrangement.)

Meals

Breakfast / ○
Lunch / -
Dinner / -

Accommodation

Hotel Cabo de Hornos

Whales: The Giants of the Southern Ocean

Each summer, the waters surrounding Antarctica become a paradise for whales. Humpback whales, blue whales, and minke whales migrate here to feast on the abundant krill. Travelers may witness humpbacks breaching or observe the awe-inspiring sight of a blue whale surfacing for air. Watching these gentle giants gracefully swim across the icy seas offers a profound appreciation for the magnificence and harmony of Antarctica's ecosystem.

DAY 8

Return with Wonderful Memories

After breakfast, you will be transfered to Punta Arenas Airport. With a heart full of unforgettable memories, you will begin your journey home from Punta Arenas Airport.

Meals

Breakfast / ○
Lunch / -
Dinner / -

Gallery

Tour Price