Magellan Explorer – Classic Antarctica
Duration
8 days
Destination
Antarctica
Group Size
Departures
Overview
Flying over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, the Polar Circle Air-Cruises take you to one of the most spectacular and remotest places on earth – Antarctica.
- A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas, in the Chilean Patagonia, directly to Antarctica where you board your expedition ship. You thereby avoid the stormy seas of the Drake Passage – and the potential seasickness – and experience only the best Antarctica has to offer
- Encounter incredible wildlife including penguins, whales, seals and a vast array of sea bird like petrels and albatross, all in their natural environment
- Intimate group of no more than 71 people, personalised & accurate service due to high passenger-staff ration
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas (Continental Chile)
Day 2: Punta Arenas – Fly – King George Island
Day 3 to 6: Exploring Antarctica
Day 7: King George Island – Fly – Punta Arenas
Day 8: Depart Punta Arenas
Itinerary
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM where you are welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you attend a mandatory briefing 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.
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently 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. The 2-km (1.25-mi) walk to the shore, where you board a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel, takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station.
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 sea birds, 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 lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
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.
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Itinerary Map
Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Pre and post voyage hotel night in Punta Arenas
- Return flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island
- Group transfers
- On-board accommodation
- All meals during the voyage
- Activities shore excursions as specified
- Standard beverages during lunch & dinner
- Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
- Waterproof boots on loan
- Pre departure material
- Service charges and port taxes
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfares
- Arrival departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Expedition gear
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
- Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program
