Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer
Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise offers a fast and affordable way to experience the White Continent. Begin in Ushuaia, then combine expedition cruising with a flight back to Punta Arenas to maximise time exploring Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes. Cruise among icebergs and islands, encounter penguins and seals, and join Zodiac excursions for close-up wildlife viewing. Designed as a compact Antarctic adventure, this voyage delivers an unforgettable introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula and its remarkable ecosystems
Highlights
- Compact Antarctica expedition combining flight and cruise travel.
- Explore the Antarctica's South Shetland Islands.
- Zodiac cruises among towering icebergs and glacier-filled fjords.
- Wildlife encounters with penguins, seals, whales and seabirds.
- Visit legendary Cape Horn and dramatic Southern Ocean landscapes.
- Ideal short Antarctic adventure with boutique expedition ships.
Explorers House Expedition Centre
Your gateway to Antarctica and Patagonia, and the beginning of an experience like no other.
Located in Punta Arenas, Explorers House is an exclusive facility where the expedition team helps you prepare for your expedition. Here, you can attend briefings, reviewing checklists, trying on expedition gear, and learning how to board a Zodiac. Interact with our expert team before your journey and get answers to any questions you may have so you will arrive in Antarctica confident and ready for the adventure ahead. With an area of over 2,000 m² (21,500 ft²), you can use this space like your private club. Relax with a cup of coffee, review a wonderful collection of Antarctic books, and get to know your travel companions as excitement grows over the upcoming adventure builds.
Stewart's Take
Antarctica and back in a week! For those very short on time or with a tight budget this unique program offers a glimpse of Antarctica and will maybe have you back wanting more.
Overview
The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise offers a fast and affordable way to experience the White Continent. Begin in Ushuaia, then combine expedition cruising with a flight back to Punta Arenas to maximise time exploring Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes. Cruise among icebergs and islands, encounter penguins and seals, and join Zodiac excursions for close-up wildlife viewing. Designed as a compact Antarctic adventure, this voyage delivers an unforgettable introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula and its remarkable ecosystems
Itinerary
Sail South & Fly North This Antarctica Express air-cruise was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable expedition that combines a visit to Antarctica and the chance to see the legendary Cape Horn. Day 1 - Ushuaia - End of the World and Start of Your Expedition Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn. Day 2 - Cape Horn and Drake Passage After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honor of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th-century British explorer. Day 3 - Drake Passage As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or the outside decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica. Day 4 - Drake Passage and Antarctica After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Exploration may continue well into the evening taking advantage of the long Antarctic daylight. Day 5 - Antarctica and Scheduled Return Flight Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you board 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 6 - End of the Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight. IMPORTANT TRIP DETAILS Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and changeable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable, and safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage. For this reason, Antarctica21 reserves the right to change the itinerary described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond control without consulting the participants. THE NATURE OF EXPEDITION TRAVEL These expeditions are suitable for adventurous travelers who enjoy full mobility and reasonably good health. Expedition travel to Antarctica requires flexibility and adaptation to ever-changing circumstances. There is no airport or port infrastructure at King George Island or anywhere in the Antarctic Peninsula. ANTARCTIC FLIGHTS AND CONTINGENCY PLAN Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. Occasionally, flight plans have to be adjusted, impacting itineraries. There is a Contingency Plan applicable to your voyage, essential details of which are listed under the Booking Information on this page. Speak to your us if you have any questions.Scrolling is disabled on map, please click to enable.
Vessel
Luxury expedition Vessel: Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is a small, luxurious and thoroughly modern expedition vessel, built in Chile 2019 to the very latest Polar Code specifications. Magellan Explorer has capacity for up to 96 passengers (76 for air-cruise operations) 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 shower. 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 bow of the ship, 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.
Booking Information
Essential Information
Deposits
Reservations require a deposit of $1750 per person at the time you receive a booking confirmation from us. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card, alternatively bank transfer. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment.
Final Payments
Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Final payment can be made by wire/bank transfer, or by major credit card (subject to a 2.5% fee, only for balance payments).
Cancellations
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. The following policy applies: Cancellations received up to 210 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the deposit received, less a $1,000 USD per person processing fee.
Cancellations received between 209 and 120 days prior to departure: there will be no refund of the deposit paid.Cancellations received between 119 and 90 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 10% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.Cancellations received between 89 and 60 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 7.5% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.Cancellations received between 59 and 30 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 5% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.Cancellations received between 29 and the departure date: there will be no refund whatsoever.Travel Insurance
It is a mandatory requirement that you are adequately covered by a travel insurance policy that covers worldwide aero-medical evacuation in the case of a medical emergency during the trips, including emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions and pandemics. We also strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Booking Terms
Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This expedition is operated by Antarctica21 and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
Single travellers can choose between:
Booking a dedicated single cabin.
Limited number of twin cabins available for single use. An 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person in twin cabin.Sharing a twin cabin with another passenger of the same gender. Available only in certain cabin categories (contact us for details). No supplement is applied for the cruise, however passengers who book a cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas and must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected. Please inquire at the time of reservation.Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking, etc.), can only book their aircruise in a Single Cabin or a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.Children
The vessel welcomes children aged 8 and above on its expeditions, provided they meet these requirements: 1.20 meters (3 ft 11 in) tall, weighing 30 kilos (66 pounds) or more, and accompanied by a responsible adult who takes full responsibility for the minor and signs a waiver. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children under 12 years.
Baggage
The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 25 kg (55 lbs) per person, including hand luggage, with each item not exceeding 20 kg (44 lbs). For all air-cruises that start and end in Punta Arenas, excess luggage will be kept in custody and returned to travelers after their time in Antarctica. The baggage weight limit is a technical requirement imposed by the flight operation. Unfortunately, it is not possible to purchase extra allowance.
Loyalty Benefit
A special Loyalty Benefit gives returning travellers on Magellan Explorer or Discoverer a 5% reduction on their next trip. The reduction applies to all repeat travelers with us. We hope to see you again!
CONTINGENCY PLAN
In case that the flight to or from Antarctica cannot take place due to unfavourable weather conditions either at point of origin and/or destination, Antarctica21 will apply the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. While historically most flights have operated on the scheduled day, in some instances weather conditions have required that adjustments to the departure time of Antarctic flights be made to avoid protracted delays. In the unlikely event that the flight to or from Antarctica cannot take place on the scheduled day due to unfavorable weather conditions, we will apply a Contingency Plan. The Contingency Plan is included in the cost of your expedition. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while we adapt to the weather and we keep you informed of developments, whether in Punta Arenas or Antarctica. A change in the flight schedule can impact travel to Antarctica or return to Punta Arenas, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the circumstances. Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers you financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent us from reaching Antarctica.
In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is moved forward
In some cases, it may be necessary to move forward the Antarctic flight to the afternoon or evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. This will result in an early departure from Punta Arenas and early arrival in Antarctica. It is one reason why it is important that guests arrive in Punta Arenas by 2 PM on Day 1 of the itinerary. Travelers who miss the 2 PM arrival deadline will be considered “no-show”.
In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is delayed
The group will remain in Punta Arenas while waiting for an improvement in the weather and for the opportunity to fly to Antarctica. Included are accommodation, meals, and, when possible, based on the circumstances, guided excursions to local attractions. If by 2 PM on Day 4 of the itinerary it is still impossible to depart for Antarctica, the trip will be interrupted, and the cruise fare will be refunded.
In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is moved forward
In those cases when the forecast suggests the likelihood of unfavorable weather conditions in Antarctica persisting for several days, the flight back to Punta Arenas may be moved forward to the previous day to avoid a protracted delay in Antarctica. Accommodation is included upon arrival. All other inclusions will remain per the original itinerary. No refund will be extended.
In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is delayed
The group will remain in Antarctica and wait for the opportunity to fly to Punta Arenas. In the unlikely event that the delay exceeds two days, and the weather forecast indicates the impossibility to fly over several more days, the captain of the vessel may decide to sail back to South America for safety reasons. Included are meals and accommodation on the ship. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, the trip will end at the airport. Travelers are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling of their airline tickets or onward travel plans.
Included
- Ship cruise as indicated in the program.
- Flight from Frei Station to Punta Arenas as indicated in the program.
- One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast, on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
- Group transfers airport/ hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and hotel/ airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship, offering a variety of dishes.
- Three-course 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.
- Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board both vessels.
- A voucher for premium internet access. Conditions apply.
- Contingency Plan as described underneath the itinerary.
- IAATO passenger fee.
Excluded
- 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.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities.
- Visas for Chile, Argentina and/or United Kingdom (for South Georgia), passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
- Application for required entry permit to South Georgia (if applicable to itinerary).
- Anything that is not specifically listed as Included.
Tour Dossier
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer
Cruise to Antarctica and and then fly back on a compact expedition with Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters and spectacular polar scenery
File Creation date: 2026-04-17 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/antarctica-express-air-cruise-magellan-explorer_329
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer
Duration: 6 days
Location: Antarctic Peninsula
Available: November
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
Highlights
- Compact Antarctica expedition combining flight and cruise travel.
- Explore the Antarctica's South Shetland Islands.
- Zodiac cruises among towering icebergs and glacier-filled fjords.
- Wildlife encounters with penguins, seals, whales and seabirds.
- Visit legendary Cape Horn and dramatic Southern Ocean landscapes.
- Ideal short Antarctic adventure with boutique expedition ships.
Itinerary
The Antarctica Express Air-Cruise offers a fast and affordable way to experience the White Continent. Begin in Ushuaia, then combine expedition cruising with a flight back to Punta Arenas to maximise time exploring Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes. Cruise among icebergs and islands, encounter penguins and seals, and join Zodiac excursions for close-up wildlife viewing. Designed as a compact Antarctic adventure, this voyage delivers an unforgettable introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula and its remarkable ecosystems
Ship Information
Luxury expedition Vessel: Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is a small, luxurious and thoroughly modern expedition vessel, built in Chile 2019 to the very latest Polar Code specifications. Magellan Explorer has capacity for up to 96 passengers (76 for air-cruise operations) 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 shower. 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 bow of the ship, 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.
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer
For the latest, up-to-date departure dates and prices please refer to the tour page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/antarctica-express-air-cruise-magellan-explorer_329
- Cancellations received up to 210 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the deposit received, less a $1,000 USD per person processing fee.
- Cancellations received between 209 and 120 days prior to departure: there will be no refund of the deposit paid.
- Cancellations received between 119 and 90 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 10% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.
- Cancellations received between 89 and 60 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 7.5% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.
- Cancellations received between 59 and 30 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 5% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.
- Cancellations received between 29 and the departure date: there will be no refund whatsoever.
- Booking a dedicated single cabin.
- Limited number of twin cabins available for single use. An 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person in twin cabin.
- Sharing a twin cabin with another passenger of the same gender. Available only in certain cabin categories (contact us for details). No supplement is applied for the cruise, however passengers who book a cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas and must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
- Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking, etc.), can only book their aircruise in a Single Cabin or a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.
Included
- Ship cruise as indicated in the program.
- Flight from Frei Station to Punta Arenas as indicated in the program.
- One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast, on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
- Group transfers airport/ hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and hotel/ airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship, offering a variety of dishes.
- Three-course 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.
- Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board both vessels.
- A voucher for premium internet access. Conditions apply.
- Contingency Plan as described underneath the itinerary.
- IAATO passenger fee.
Excluded
- 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.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities.
- Visas for Chile, Argentina and/or United Kingdom (for South Georgia), passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
- Application for required entry permit to South Georgia (if applicable to itinerary).
- Anything that is not specifically listed as Included.
General Terms and Conditions
BOOKING ENQUIRIES:
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