Antarctica21

Polar Circle Air-Cruise An in-depth expedition to explore farther south along the Antarctic Peninsula

Start date:

05 Feb 2027

Return date:

14 Feb 2027

Duration:

10

days

Embarkation:

Punta Arenas

Disembarkation:

Punta Arenas

Ship:

Magellan Discoverer

Activities offered:

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Trip Details

Begin in Punta Arenas with a welcome dinner and mandatory briefing before flying to King George Island in Antarctica. Board your expedition vessel and explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula via Zodiac landings, hikes, and lectures. Sail through dramatic ice-filled fjords, with the goal of reaching the Antarctic Circle, visiting sites like Gerlache Strait and Crystal Sound. Return by flight to Punta Arenas for an overnight stay. Conclude the journey with a transfer to the airport after breakfast.

Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise

You must arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, whether you join us at the airport for a transfer to our hotel, or you meet us directly at the hotel. Visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.

Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica

A smooth two-hour flight takes you 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. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

Days 3 – 8: Exploring Antarctica

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, 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. Our 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.Enjoy spectacular views, from the glass-enclosed lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans 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 voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each voyage is unique, and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Day 9: Scheduled return flight from Antarctica

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).

Day 10: End of Air-Cruise

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

Inclusions

  • For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1.
  • For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast and a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
  • 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.
  • For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House.
  • Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
  • Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
  • Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
  • Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a variety of dishes.
  • 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 for landing in Antarctica.
  • Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board Magellan Explorer.
  • Contingency Plan as described on page 39.
  • IAATO passenger fee.

Exclusions

  • Anything that is not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” section.
  • 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.
  • Internet connection on board the ship.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Gratuities.
  • Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

A deposit shall be paid to confirm a booking made 120 days prior to the departure date or earlier. The balance shall be paid no later than 120 days before the departure date. If a reservation is made less than 120 days prior to the departure date, the total cost of the tour is due at once

CABIN DETAILS

Rates Per Person

Single Veranda Cabin

Single Veranda Cabin

A smaller cabin with a sitting area and a private balcony. 

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

1

Size

26 m² / 280 ft²

View

Private balcony

U$ 42,995
Deluxe Veranda Cabin

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

A larger cabin with a king-size or twin bed configuration, ensuite bathroom with shower, and a private balcony. 

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

2

Size

26 m² / 280 ft²

View

Private Balcony

%original-price%
U$ 34,995
Grand Veranda Cabin

Grand Veranda Cabin

A more spacious suite with a separate living area, sofa bed, and walk-in closet. 

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

2

Size

38 m² / 409 ft²

View

Private Balcony

%original-price%
U$ 42,995
Triple Veranda Cabin

Triple Veranda Cabin

A suite designed for groups of three, two-room suite with sitting area and balcony.

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

3

Size

52 m² / 560 ft²

View

Private Balcony

%original-price%
(Sold Out)
Family Veranda Cabin

Family Veranda Cabin

Two interconnecting cabins with shared access, suitable for families with sitting area and balcony.

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

4

Size

2 m² / 560 ft²

View

Private balcony

%original-price%
U$ 34,995
Single Veranda Cabin

Single Veranda Cabin

A smaller cabin with a sitting area and a private balcony. 

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

1

Size

26 m² / 280 ft²

View

Private balcony

U$ 42,995
Deluxe Veranda Cabin

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

A larger cabin with a king-size or twin bed configuration, ensuite bathroom with shower, and a private balcony. 

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

2

Size

26 m² / 280 ft²

View

Private Balcony

%original-price%
U$ 34,995
Grand Veranda Cabin

Grand Veranda Cabin

A more spacious suite with a separate living area, sofa bed, and walk-in closet. 

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

2

Size

38 m² / 409 ft²

View

Private Balcony

%original-price%
U$ 42,995
Triple Veranda Cabin

Triple Veranda Cabin

A suite designed for groups of three, two-room suite with sitting area and balcony.

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

3

Size

52 m² / 560 ft²

View

Private Balcony

%original-price%
(Sold Out)
Family Veranda Cabin

Family Veranda Cabin

Two interconnecting cabins with shared access, suitable for families with sitting area and balcony.

Please note: All stateroom images of the Magellan Discoverer are artist’s impressions, and final designs may vary.

Passengers

4

Size

2 m² / 560 ft²

View

Private balcony

%original-price%
U$ 34,995

MORE INFORMATION

Adventure Options

U$ 995 per person

The sea kayaking program is an optional small-group experience limited to a maximum of 20 participants per expedition who will go on excursions in two separate groups of 10 guests each, on an alternating basis. Each group of 10 guests enjoy 1-2 excursions throughout the voyage, under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master.

During your trip in Antarctica, your Kayak Master will work with the Expedition Team to look for the best kayaking opportunities based on suitable and safe weather conditions. A dedicated safety Zodiac will support the group. Each kayaking excursion will be approximately one and a half hours. T he Kayak Master will strive to offer some time at the landing site so you can also explore on land. To take part in the kayaking program, you must have previous experience, know how to swim, and be able to communicate in English. The minimum age for participation is 15 years. Space is limited.

kayaking in antarctica with Antarctica21

Explorers House is an exclusive facility in Punta Arenas where our team helps you prepare for your expedition. Here, you can attend briefings, interact with our expert team before your journey, review checklists, and get answers to any questions you may have, so you will be ready and confident when you arrive in Antarctica.

With an area of over 2,000 square meters (21,500 sq ft), you can use this facility 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 over the upcoming adventure builds. Explorers House was designed by renowned architects and was built using green building practices. It features a commercial solar panel system to produce electricity and heat.

Opportunities for understanding and gaining knowledge are weaved throughout your journey, with multiple touch points through this program. Our expedition team offers engaging presentations on board the ship and interpretation in the field. Additionally, there are several one-on-one moments throughout your journey, where conversations with team members build upon the experiences of the day, leading to contextualized understanding.

Thanks to the small-scale of our operation, those moments happen frequently: in the lounge, in the dining room, on deck, during a Zodiac cruise and on countless other opportunities. Finally, we offer interactive workshops where you can participate and learn: open discussions, photography workshops, citizen science programs that collect data in support of scientists around the world, and more. Through A21CONNECT, Antarctica, a distant and mysterious region, is revealed in action.

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Ship Details

Magellan Discoverer is a promise of innovative design and environmental stewardship, crafted as a sister ship to the esteemed Magellan Explorer. While mirroring its sibling in elegance and style, Magellan Discoverer charts its own course with remarkable enhancements.

Magellan Discoverer will be built at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, the same shipyard that built Magellan Explorer.

Type

Small ship

Capacity

76

Year Built

2026

Environmental Responsibility

In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, Magellan Discoverer is equipped with heat recovery systems and complies with the stringent Tier III emission standards. It also introduces a wet science lab to support scientific research in Antarctica.

Design and Features

Mirroring the elegance and style of its sibling Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer brings its own set of remarkable enhancements. For our Antarctic air-cruises, the vessel will accommodate up to 76 guests in 40 cabins across three passenger decks, maintaining our boutique, yacht-like experience. Each cabin, including eight Grand Veranda Suites, two Family Suites, two Triple Veranda Cabins, twenty-two Deluxe Veranda Cabins, and six Single Veranda Cabins, offers a choice of either a king-size bed or two twin beds, comfortable sitting areas, and private balconies.

Advanced Technology for Enhanced Experience

The ship features a hybrid-electric propulsion system with powerful MAN main engines and innovative Azipods® provided by ABB, paired with a Corvus battery-based Energy Storage System. This ensures a smoother and quieter journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Antarctica fully.

A New Era of Antarctic Exploration

Magellan Discoverer is not just a new vessel; it’s a vessel of promise and innovation, crafted as a sister ship to the esteemed Magellan Explorer. It reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving the premium segment of the Antarctic travel market.

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FAQ

Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.

Yes!!! Once we arrive in Antarctica it will be the ultimate goal of the Captain, Expedition Leader, and the Expedition Team to make sure we get off the ship as much as possible. You’ll participate in landings, zodiac cruises, and any additional activities you’ve signed up for. Check the “Detailed trip itinerary” for more details on each outing.

The price shown is the “all-in” price after all taxes, fees, port fees, and permits required; which are handled by the tour operator. The only main additional costs will be mandatory travel insurance, optional gratuity, and additional activities.

Not necessarily, no! Our trips are usually made up of around 50% solo travelers! Prices are always per person, per bed. If you’re a solo traveler, we will match you with a same-gender roommate from our group to share your cabin with. There is also the option for solo cabin availability on certain trips. Please send us a message about solo cabins if that’s your preference.

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Trip Request Form

Explore the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the polar regions with the best travel options tailored to your preferences.

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