Inaugural Air-Cruise: Magellan Discoverer
Patagonia and Antarctica
Unique expedition combining the majestic Patagonian glaciers and Antarctica, with a convenient flight back to Punta Arenas, saving one crossing of the Drake Passage. Participate in the very first voyage of the stunning, cutting-edge vessel, Magellan Discoverer
Highlights
- Unique combination of sailing to Antarctica the flying back
- Maiden voyage on a new, luxury ship
- Just 76 passengers for an intimate experience exploring Antarctica
- Expert guides and thrilling excursions in Antarctica
- Highly experienced flight operaion takes you back from King George Island in Antarctica to Chile
- Memorable journey, experience of a lifetime
Stewart's Take
Be the first onboard Magellan Discoverer!
Overview
Unique expedition combining the majestic Patagonian glaciers and Antarctica, with a convenient flight back to Punta Arenas, saving one crossing of the Drake Passage. Participate in the very first voyage of the stunning, cutting-edge vessel, Magellan Discoverer.Itinerary
DAY 1 — Depart Punta Arenas, Chile. Sail along the Strait of Magellan towards Cape Froward, the southernmost tip of the American landmass, and continue south. DAY 2 — Explore Southern Patagonia. Escorted by Peale's dolphins, the ship will navigate along the Glacier Alley, offering an opportunity for a Zodiac excursion at the Garibaldi Glacier. DAY 3 — Beagle Channel. After spending some free time in Ushuaia, the ship sets sail along the Beagle channel towards Antarctica. DAY 4–5 — Drake Passage. Sail the Drake Passage and reach the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. DAY 6–8 — Explore Antarctica. Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience on each landing. DAY 9 — Scheduled return flight from Antarctica. Return to King George Island and board 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 10 — End of the air-cruise. After breakfast, a transfer takes you to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.Vessel
Luxury expedition Vessel: Magellan Discoverer

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.
Booking Information
Essential Information
Payments
Reservations require a non-refundable deposit of US$2500 per person at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. The $895 extra fee for kayaking is due in full at time of reservation. 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 by bank transfer (balance payments may be made by credit card subject to a 2% surcharge). All prices shown are per person on a shared basis and based on USD. Payments may be made in other currencies on request and subject to exchange rate variations.
Cancellations
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Since all payments are non- refundable, for cancellation received more than 120 days prior to departure = loss of deposit. After final payment there will be no refund whatsoever. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to protect you if you need to cancel. In the case of cancellation of the kayaking option 120 days or more prior to departure, we will refund 50% of the participation fee. After this time, there will be no refund.
Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for this expedition and must be obtained prior to departure. We strongly recommend that your insurance cover also has adequate trip cancellation insurance should you need to cancel your participation for any unforseen reasons.
Sharing and Single Occupancy
If you are travelling alone and wish to share, we can match you with someone of the same gender at the share rate. If a sole use cabin is desired, dedicated Single cabins are available - alternatively sole occupancy of a limited number of twin cabin costs 1.85 times the twin share rate.
Children
Children are admitted from the age of 12 years if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. There is no child discount available.
Booking Terms
Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage 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.
Included
- Transfers airport/hotel/airport in Punta Arenas foreseen on the last day of the voyage.
- 1 complimentary hotel night in Punta Arenas on the day of return from Antarctica.
- 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 along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
- 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 (see further on).
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.
Tour Dossier
Inaugural Air-Cruise: Magellan Discoverer
Join the maiden Cruise/Fly adventure to Antarctica with the luxury new ship Magellan Discoverer. Sail from Patagonia to Antarctica and fly back
File Creation date: 2025-12-13 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/inaugural-air-cruise-magellan-discoverer_298
Inaugural Air-Cruise: Magellan Discoverer
Duration: 10 days
Location: Patagonia and Antarctica
Available: December
Start: Punta Arenas, Chile
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
Highlights
- Unique combination of sailing to Antarctica the flying back
- Maiden voyage on a new, luxury ship
- Just 76 passengers for an intimate experience exploring Antarctica
- Expert guides and thrilling excursions in Antarctica
- Highly experienced flight operaion takes you back from King George Island in Antarctica to Chile
- Memorable journey, experience of a lifetime
Itinerary
Unique expedition combining the majestic Patagonian glaciers and Antarctica, with a convenient flight back to Punta Arenas, saving one crossing of the Drake Passage. Participate in the very first voyage of the stunning, cutting-edge vessel, Magellan Discoverer
Ship Information
Luxury expedition Vessel: Magellan Discoverer

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.
Inaugural Air-Cruise: Magellan Discoverer
For the latest, up-to-date departure dates and prices please refer to the tour page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/inaugural-air-cruise-magellan-discoverer_298
Included
- Transfers airport/hotel/airport in Punta Arenas foreseen on the last day of the voyage.
- 1 complimentary hotel night in Punta Arenas on the day of return from Antarctica.
- 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 along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
- 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 (see further on).
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.
General Terms and Conditions
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