Antarctic Air-Cruises
Fly direct from Chile to Antarctica, save time and skip the Drake Passage!
Skip the Drake Passage and gain more time exploring Antarctica. With these air-cruise expeditions, you’ll fly to King George Island, board a ship waiting for you in Antarctica, and cruise the region at your leisure. These hybrid fly-cruise options combine the best of aviation and polar voyaging. Once in Antarctica, the same expedition vessel proceeds with the itinerary as usual — exploring the Peninsula, ice-filled fjords, wildlife landings, and flexible routing based on conditions.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise: Magellan Discoverer
December - January
8 days
An unique 8 day Fly/Cruise adventure to Antarctica. Fly direct to Antarctica and then sail on the luxurious Hebridean Sky, with just 71 passengers
Antarctica Express AirCruise: Magellan Discoverer
March
7 days
A 7 day Fly/Cruise to Antarctica for those short on time or budget! Fly directly to Antarctica then sail back on the luxury Magellan Discoverer
Antarctica South Georgia Air-Cruise
November
17 days
Travel in the footsteps of Shackleton to the extremes of the Southern Hemisphere! Visit the Antarctic and South Georgia aboard Magellan Explorer
Why Choose an Air-Cruise?
- Save Time & Maximise Exploration: Because you skip the long Drake Passage transit, you spend more of your trip on active exploration. More landings, more wildlife, more time in Antarctica itself.
- Less Sea Sickness Risk: The Drake Passage is notorious for rough seas. Air-cruise removes that as a hurdle — ideal for travelers sensitive to motion.
- Flexible Itineraries & Comfort: These expeditions often offer elegant comfort, shorter packages, and alternatives like express return flights. Many use boutique vessels to match safety with comfort.
Alternative Air-Cruise Routes & Itineraries
Many trips fly both ways to and from Antarctica. However some may fly into Antarctica, cruise the Peninsula, then sail back northwards to Ushuaia. Or in reverse, combining flight and sea. (e.g. “Fly South, Cruise North” itineraries). Shorter Duration Options are available for travelers with limited time, Express Air-Cruise versions (6–8 days) offer a condensed version of Antarctica via air-cruise — sailing to select highlights, then flying back. Some air-cruise programs extend to the Polar Circle, combining flight + deeper exploration beyond the Peninsula. Longer air-cruise adventures may include extensions to South Georgia or the Falkland Islands, blending fly & cruise legs across sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions.
Ships used in Air-Cruise Programs
Typical vessels in air-cruise programs include Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer, Ocean Explorer and others suited for expedition cruising in Antarctica.
Flight Operators & Logistics
These flights are operated by specialized charter operators used to Antarctic runways (King George Island). The logistics include strict weather contingency plans, pre- and post-flight transfers, and coordination with expedition vessels.
What You’ll See & Do
- See penguins, Whales & Seals: Gentoo, Adélie, Chinstrap penguins, plus occasional whales (humpback, minke) and seals are common highlights.
- Iceberg Navigation & Fjords: Explore channels filled with ice, sculpted glaciers, calving fronts, and dramatic ice walls.
- Zodiac Landings & Shore Visits: You’ll make flexible landings via Zodiac craft — visiting research stations, penguin colonies, and scenic bays. The ship and guides adapt daily based on conditions.
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