Classic Antarctica | Magellan Explorer | IExpedition

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

  • Overview

    The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is the most popular Antarctica expedition itinerary. Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home. 

    Duration: 8 days
    Passengers: 76 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Disembarkation Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Start of the Air-Cruise

      Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise 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.

    • Day 2 - Scheduled Flight to Antarctica

      George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-km (1.25-miles), passing 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.

    • Day 3/6 - Exploring Antarctica

      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. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
      No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.

    • Day 7 - Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica

      Return to King George Island and 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).

    • Day 8 - End of Air-Cruise

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

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Kayaking

    Our Sea Kayaking program is an exclusive experience under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who takes our guests on a sea journey through icy waters while observing massive glaciers and aquatic wildlife.

    USD$ 895 per person

    Hiking

    A Hiking and Snowshoeing Guide leads a small group of adventurers who wish to explore further while on land as they gain elevation and explore the landscape.

    USD$ 85 per person
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.
    - Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
    - Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
    - Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
    - Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
    - Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
    - Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
    - Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
    - Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
    - Gratuities.
    - Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
    - Personal travel insurance.
    - Internet connection on board the ship.
    - Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
    - 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.
  • Map
    Classic antarctica air cruise
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    M/V Magellan Explorer, a brand new expedition vessel, will join the Antarctica fleet for the 2019-20 season.

    MV Magellan Explorer features 50 passenger suites and cabins in five categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. The cabins are very spacious, ranging in size from 40 m2 (440 sq. ft.) to 20 m2 (220 sq. ft.). All double cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed, offering great flexibility to our guests. 42 cabins feature a large window and a private balcony, while 8 cabins feature a porthole. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area.

    Public areas include a large, forward-facing observation lounge, an observation deck, a dining room that accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting, two meeting rooms, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests to offer expansive views during exploration. Optional adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available.

    Specific measures have been taken to minimize MV Magellan Explorer’s carbon footprint, including state-of-the-art engines that meet MARPOL’s stringent Tier III emission standards. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board.

     

    Amenities & Services

    Public areas include a spacious forward-facing observation lounge and bar that is also used to deliver briefings and educational presentations. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests; together with the outdoor observation deck it offers expansive views and close contact with the natural environment during exploration. The dining room accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting. There is also a meeting room, a library, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. Adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available.

    The Vessel's Features

    The ship is being built to the latest Polar Code specifications and carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class (Lloyd’s Register PC6). For comfortable navigation, the ship features stabilizers; for maneuverability, she features bow and stern thrusters. For safety in navigation, there is an ice-detecting radar. And to reduce the environmental footprint, the vessel is equipped with an energy-recovery system that recycles the heat produced by the engines to warm up the ship and its water supply.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 69
    Crew #: 60
    Ice Class: PC 6
    Speed: 14
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2019
    Length: 90m
    Width: 16
    Draft: 4
    Tonnage: 4900
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
magellan explorer porthole cabin antarctica cruise

Porthole Cabin

16 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
Cabin with sitting area and porthole
USD$ 18,995pp
USD$ 18,995pp
magellan explorer triple suite antarctica cruise

Triple Suite

16 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
USD$ 20,995pp
USD$ 20,995pp
magellan explorer veranda suite antarctica cruise

Veranda Cabin

16 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
Cabin with sitting area and balcony
USD$ 23,495pp
USD$ 23,495pp
magellan explorer deluxe veranda suite antarctica cruise

Deluxe Veranda Cabin

16 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
Cabin with sitting area and balcony
USD$ 25,495pp
USD$ 25,495pp
magellan explorer grand suite antarctica cruise

Suite

16 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony and bedroom
USD$ 28,995pp
USD$ 28,995pp
magellan explorer single veranda suite antarctica cruise

Single Cabin

16 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
Cabin with sitting area and balcony
USD$ 30,495pp
USD$ 30,495pp
magellan explorer penthouse suite antarctica cruise

Penthouse Suite

16 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
Suite with sitting room, balcony and bedroom area
USD$ 30,495pp
USD$ 30,495pp