OVERVIEW:
Flying over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, the 2020-21 Polar Circle Air-Cruises take you to one of the most spectacular and remotest places on earth - Antarctica. Sail to the far south, and be one of the few adventurous travelers to cross the Antarctic Circle.
The new ship Magellan Explorer is currently under construction in Valdivia, Chile, by ASENAV shipyard, and is set to begin offering the air cruise programs for the 2019-20 Antarctic season.
Three departures are offered during the 2021-21 season, two aboard Ship Ocean Nova and one on Ship Magellan Explorer.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 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 8: Exploring Antarctica
Day 9: King George Island - Fly - Punta Arenas
Day 10: Depart Punta Arenas
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
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Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by the expedition staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a 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.
Note: Passengers should plan to be in Punta Arenas at 15:00 hours, at the latest. Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travellers arriving later than 15:00 hours.
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Punta Arenas - Fly - King George Island
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.
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Exploring Antarctica
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day.
In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink.
The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
-
Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
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Exploring Antarctica
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places.
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King George Island - Fly - Punta Arenas
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.
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Depart Punta Arenas
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
GUEST FEATURES
- A bar offering a selection of Chilean domestic and international drinks
- Gym with panoramic windows, and sauna
- Well stocked library with a collection of Antarctic-themed books in multiple languages
- Local intranet with daily programs, international news, etc. accessible wirelessly throughout the ship
- Meeting Room with multimedia resources and interactive science lab
- Satellite internet service available at a charge and accessible wirelessly throughout the ship
- Forward observation deck and accessible bow
- Zodiac embarkation area equipped with hangers, lockers and sitting facilities
DINING FEATURES
- Main dining room offers buffet breakfast and lunch, and table service dinner
- The BBQ deck offers al fresco dining, weather permitting
- Express Lunch option available daily in the Library
- Selection of premium Chilean wines served with lunch and dinner
- Snacks and drinks during welcome and farewell celebrations
- Complimentary self-service coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, and water offered 24/7 in the library and bar
TECHNICAL FEATURES
- Retractable stabilizers
- Double hull construction
- Bulb designed for polar navigation
- Bow and stern thrusters
- State-of-the-art navigation equipment
- Latest ice radar technology
- Two mid-ship gangways for Zodiac operations
- Large expedition warehouse
- Tier III compliance, the most stringent emission standard
- Heat recycling system
- Fleet of 10 Zodiac boats
SPECIFICATIONS
- Passengers: 71
- Staff and crew: 60
- Length: 90.7 m (298 ft.)
- Breadth: 16.2 m (53 ft.)
- Draft: 4.3 m (14 ft.)
- Gross tonnage: 4,900
- Ice-class: LR PC6
- Propulsion: 2X MAN main engines, total 3,440 kW
- Speed: 14 knots
- Flag: Bahamas
- Sauna
- Observation deck
CABINS
The Motor Vessel Magellan Explorer features cabins in five categories of accommodation. With 37 cabins featuring a large window and private balconies, 16 adjoining cabins that can be converted into two-room suites and several dedicated single cabins, various passengers are accommodated. The spacious cabins range in size from 440 square feet (Triple Suite & Grand Suites), to 330 square feet (Penthouse Suites) and 220 square feet (Porthole Cabins, Veranda Cabins, Deluxe Veranda Cabins and Single Veranda Cabins).
All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area. Each contains at least one desk and chair, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hair dryer, private bathroom with shower, bathroom amenities, bathrobe and slippers. Cabins with larger private bathrooms stocked with premium amenities include: the Triple Suite, Deluxe Veranda Cabins, Penthouse Suites and Grand Suites.
Triple Suite
#414 on Deck 4: 2 twin beds (can be configured as 1 king) and 1 queen-sized sofa bed, separate living area with sofa and coffee table, desk and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas, 2 armchairs with side tables, 2 private balconies with sitting areas, selection of snacks and mini-bar restocked daily, coffee maker and 2 bathrooms.
Porthole Cabin
#311, 313-314 & 316 on Deck 3: 2 twin beds (can be configured as 1 king) and 2 armchairs with side table.
Veranda Cabin
#301-306 & 308 on Deck 3: 2 twin beds (can be configured as 1 king), armchair with side table and private balcony with sitting area.
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
#409, 415, 417, 419, 421-426, 428 & 430 on Deck 4: 2 twin beds (can be configured as 1 king, except #409 which is only available with 1 king bed), armchair with side table, private balcony with sitting area, selection of snacks and mini-bar restocked daily and coffee maker.
Penthouse Suite
#501-502 & 504 on Deck 5: 2 twin beds (can be configured as 1 king), separate sitting area with sofa and coffee table, 2 armchairs, private balcony with sitting area, selection of snacks and mini-bar restocked daily and coffee maker.
Grand Suite
#401-402, 405-406, 410-411 & 418 on Deck 4: 2 twin beds (or 1 king), separate living area with queen-sized sofa bed and coffee table, desk and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas, 2 armchairs with side tables, 2 private balconies with sitting areas, selection of snacks and mini-bar restocked daily, coffee maker and 2 bathrooms.
Single Veranda Cabin
#307, 309-310 & 312 on Deck 3: 1 king-sized bed, armchair with side table and private balcony with sitting area.
DECKPLAN
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
Optional extras
- Sea Kayaking – US$895 per person
- Hiking & Snowshoeing – US$85 per person (per excursion)
- Hotel and transfer package in Punta Arenas – please ask us for rates
- Expedition jacket – US$349 per person
- Preferred seating on flight – US$495 per person
The above optional extras need to be booked and paid in advance. Numbers are limited
Three departures are offered during the 2021-21 season, two aboard Ship Ocean Nova and one on Ship Magellan Explorer.
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
