Antarctica Express Air-Cruise: Magellan Explorer

Antarctic Peninsula

This air-cruise Antarctica expedition takes you to the most spectacular place on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent. Sail southwards from Ushuaia, Argentina via Cape Horn. After a brief exploration of penguin colonies on the South Shetland Islands you fly directly back from King George Island to Punta Arenas in Chile

World's shortest Antarctica expedition - sail there and and fly back!
Just 68 passengers for an intimate experience exploring Antarctica
Expert guides and modern, luxurious ice-class vessel
Highly experienced flight operator takes you direct to King George Island in Antarctica
Chance of a lifetime to visit Antarctica!

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

This air-cruise Antarctica expedition takes you to the most spectacular place on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent. Sail southwards from Ushuaia, Argentina via Cape Horn. After a brief exploration of penguin colonies on the South Shetland Islands you fly directly back from King George Island to Punta Arenas in Chile.

REVISED ITINERARY 2021/22: Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions the 2021/22 itinerary has been readjusted to sail from Puerto Williams, Chile instead of Ushuaia, Argentina. This involves an extra night at the start in Punta Arenas, Chile, with a charter flight Punta Arenas/Puerto Williams to join the ship. An itinerary in brief follows:

Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas - overnight hotel
Day 2: Flight to Puerto Williams and embarkation
Day 3: Cape Horn Drake Passage
Day 4: Drake Passage
Day 5: Drake Passage Antarctica
Day 6: Flight to Punta Arenas overnight at hotel
Day 7: End in Punta Arenas

REGULAR ITINERARY 2023: Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board Magellan Explorer 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. N.B. Due to port operations, boarding in Ushuaia is exclusively between 15:00 hr and 16:00 hr. At 16:00 hr. boarding will close. Please be on time. Keep your passport at hand and allow enough time to clear port security and to reach the vessel. Day 2 - Cape Horn, Chile 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 honour 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 glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, 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 sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening. Day 5 - Antarctica and scheduled return flight Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. 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. NOTE Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned program. However, it must be realized that with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage. For this reason the vessel operator reserves the right to change the itinerary here described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond control without consulting the participants.

Luxury expedition Vessel: Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel. She was built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications to start service in 2019. Magellan Explorer has capacity for 100 passengers 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.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Included

Transfers airport/hotel/airport in Punta Arenas foreseen on the first and last day of the air-cruise.
Flight from King George Island Frei Station to Punta Arenas as indicated in the program.
Ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the program
Hotel night in Punta Arenas on the day of return from Antarctica.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch offering a wide choice of dishes
Daily served dinner offering a choice of three main courses
A selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks served with lunch, dinner, and at the bar
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks 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 air-cruise departures as foreseen for each voyage.

Excluded

Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the Travel Program and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage.
Personal insurance.
Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
Tips (suggested USD 10 per person per day).
Visas or Passport expenses and/or any other arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg per passenger, including hand luggage.

Deposits Reservations require a deposit of $1500 per person at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. 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 calling us (final payment cannot be made online) and may be paid by major credit card (however subject to a 2% surcharge) or bank transfer. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. The following policy applies:

Up to 180 days prior to departure: full refund of the deposit received, less a $1,000 USD per person.
179 and 120 days prior to departure: no refund of the deposit paid.
119 and 90 days prior to departure: refund of 10% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.
89 and 60 days prior to departure: refund of 7.5% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.
59 and 30 days prior to departure: refund of 5% of the amount paid, provided that the final payment has been received.
between 29 and the departure date: no refund whatsoever.

We 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.
Booking a twin cabin for single use. An 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person in twin cabin.
Sharing a twin cabin with another passenger (same gender cabins). No supplement is applied.

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 (details on request).