Watch out for Antarctic icebergs!

Antarctica Express AirCruise: Magellan Discoverer

Antarctic Peninsula

This air-cruise Antarctica expedition takes you to the most spectacular place on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and remotest continent. Leaving from Punta Arenas, fly over Cape Horn and the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. See penguin colonies, towering icebergs, and extraordinary landscapes as you explore the South Shetlands. Then sail across the mythical waters of the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, Argentina

Highlights

  • World's shortest Antarctica expedition - fly there and and sail back!
  • Just 76 passengers for an intimate experience exploring Antarctica
  • Expert guides and modern, comfortable ice-class vessel
  • Highly experienced flight operator takes you direct to King George Island in Antarctica
  • Chance of a lifetime to visit Antarctica!
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Jan 10 2019
 
The sense of adventure was at all times present. Nothing else like this.

Stewart's Take

Antarctica and back in just 7 days! 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. Leaving from Punta Arenas, fly over Cape Horn and the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. See penguin colonies, towering icebergs, and extraordinary landscapes as you explore the South Shetlands. Then sail across the mythical waters of the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Punta Arenas, Chile: Start of the Air-Cruise The expedition staff welcome you at the Punta Arenas airport and organize transportation to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a briefing at Explorers House that provides important information about your voyage 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 Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, where you transfer to your expedition vessel and begin your Antarctic Adventure. Day 3 – Exploring Antarctica Marvel at the overwhelming beauty of Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands. Sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for a memorable shore visit to a penguin colony and taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight to explore well into the evening. Day 4-5 – Drake Passage As we head north through the Drake Passage, 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. Day 6 - Cape Horn and Port Williams Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on legendary Cape Horn! We plan to explore this famous and rarely visited island before continuing our journey. Sail along the Beagle Channel towards Port Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Ushuaia, Argentina. Day 7 – Ushuaia, Argentina: End of the Air-Cruise Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends.

Vessel

Luxury expedition Vessel: Magellan Discoverer

Magellan Discoverer expedition vessel

Crafted as a sister ship to Magellan Explorer, this State-Of-The-Art Polar Vessel features an innovative and elegant design paired with environmental sustainability at heart. This new vessel is set to embark on voyages in the 2026-27 Antarctic season. 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 is being built at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, the same shipyard that built Magellan Explorer. Magellan Discoverer features a cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and active stabilizers that enable a smoother, quieter journey through the icy wonders. Like Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer meets the stringent PC6 ice class specifications and flaunts a similar boutique, yacht-like aesthetic.

For Antarctic air-cruises, Magellan Discoverer will welcome up to 76 guests in 40 ​cabins across three passenger decks. Like Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer complies with the stringent Tier III emission standard and champions environmental responsibility, with its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and heat recovery systems. The vessel features a spacious dining area, versatile meeting rooms, a stylish observation lounge and bar, a well-equipped gym, and an inviting gift shop. The accessible bow draws guests closer to the awe-inspiring waters they sail.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Booking Information

Essential Information

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).

Included

  • Transfers airport/hotel/airport in Punta Arenas foreseen on the first day of the air-cruise.
  • Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island Frei Station as indicated in the program.
  • Ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the program
  • Hotel night in Punta Arenas.
  • 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. Exceeding luggage will be kept in custody and will be returned to passengers upon their return from Antarctica at Punta Arenas airport.
Booking Request
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