Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Experience the White Continent through this most complete and popular Antarctic experience, while providing a quick and intimate access to this remote continent. Our two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas, the international gateway to Chilean Patagonia, directly to Antarctica, where you then board your expedition ship. No stormy crossing. No seasickness. Just quick, total immersion in your Antarctic adventure.

You will spend a total of 4 days exploring the South Shetland Islands and western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, always sailing along the fjords and icebergs. Each day, you will disembark by Zodiac on an excursion to explore the landscape and wildlife. You may also slip into a kayak to immerse yourself into the blue and white beauty of the quiet sea or head on a guided snow-shoe hike for a more rigorous adventure.

Enjoy your stay in full comfort on the new elegant ship, Magellan Explorer, offering a true 5-star experience with its boutique hospitality and outstanding expeditions. The ship offers a maximum of 73 passengers on board, providing direct access to areas along the Antarctic shore that larger ships simply can’t reach as well as enhancing traveler’s experiences with wildlife.

On this journey, the team includes at least 12 expert polar guides and their number one priority is ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. With frequent departures, this voyage can be done on the following vessels: Magellan Explorer, Hebridean Sky or Ocean Nova.

Refer to the downloadable brochure above for vessel and departure details.

Itinerary Details

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile just before 2 PM, where you will be welcomed by The Antartica XXI staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your voyage 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 of food and drinks.

Overnight at Cabo de Hornos Hotel, Punta Arenas (Dinner)

Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air will fill 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.

Overnight aboard Magellan Explorer or alternative vessel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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. You are guaranteed to get close to the dramatic coastlines and shore landings are a must, as you set food several times on the Antarctic continent. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. 

Complete your Antarctic experience by kayaking with your expert guide. You will have the option to kayak every day, weather permitting, or even twice a day, and come face to face with whales, penguins and seals. Paddling among the ice, narrow fjords and majestic icebergs is not to be missed.

No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel and many other magnificent places.

Overnight aboard Magellan Explorer or alternative vessel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

On your scheduled return flight to King George Island, 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).

Overnight at Cabo de Hornos Hotel, Punta Arenas (Breakfast)

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

(Breakfast)

• 7 nights accommodation as per program (based on double/twin occupancy; single and triple occupancy is available)

• All transfers and transport as per the program (Day 1, 2, 7 & 8)

• Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and vice versa

• All guided shore excursions

• Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica

• Breakfast and welcome Dinner in Punta Arenas

• Hotel in Punta Arenas - Cabo de Hornos Hotel

• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board, offering a wide choice of dishes

• Daily served dinner on board offering a choice of three main courses

• Snacks and soft drinks on board

• IAATO passenger fee

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international flights not described above, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• Voyage provided on the following vessels:

  • Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova and Hebridean Sky

• There are a lot of questions to ask yourself when planning a trip to Antarctica. The one we hear most often is – when is the best time to travel to Antarctica? Summer in Antarctica is a narrow window of time between November and March, so your trip really depends on when you can travel and where your interests lie. Each summer month in Antarctica offers traveler’s a unique perspective and, of course, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • November – The early season of the Antarctic summer is when Penguins are numerous, just in time for mating season. It is a busy time for these birds as they build their nests, search for partners and start their families. Also, the continent is just coming out of winter, so ice and snow are still abundant. If you want to see some bigger icebergs, this is a great time to visit.

  • December – This is the most popular season to visit Antarctica. There are plenty of Penguin chicks to spot and seals are active as it is their mating season. It’s important to remember to plan early for this month as it is booked quickly as many people look forward to seeing the seventh continent during this time of year.

  • January – During this month you can expect “warmer” weather as it is the peak of the summer season in Antarctica. The average temperature in the Antarctica Peninsula area during the austral summer is about 0º C (32º F). You will see baby penguin chicks being fed by their parents who just returned from the sea with food. This time of year also has about 20 hours of sunlight giving you plenty of time to explore during your trip.

  • February – As we get later into the season, you can expect whales to start appearing in the waters of Antarctica. It’s also a wonderful time of year for photographers as the light in February is optimal for landscape photography. 

  • March – End of the summer season is here. Penguin chicks are older and ready to venture into the cold waters. All the wildlife is active at this time of year, so seals and whales are also expected to be nearby. It’s also a time where there are less people traveling to Antarctica, so you will not see many other ships during your time here.

• As you will be arriving into and out of Punta Arenas, we strongly encourage an extension trip to southern Patagonia, as Punta Arenas is the gateway to the heart of Patagonia and the iconic granite towers, Torres del Paine. We recommend a total of 4 nights to explore this region. If time permits, further exploration of Argentina Patagonia can be arranged by crossing the Chilean Border and lodging in El Calafate or El Chalten region.

• For the itinerary above, the expedition vessel Magellan Explorer is featured, which is the newest vessel custom built for the Antarctic air-cruises. This does equate to a higher price point in comparison to the other vessels, Ocean Nova and Hebridean Sky, which are just as great, but not as modern as the Magellan Explorer. Please consult with your Travel Designer if you would like to receive a proposal on the latter vessels.

• For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience in the Antarctica. These suggestions come with a supplemental cost: Sea Kayaking and Hiking & Snowshoeing Program.