Antarctica and South Georgia Air Cruise

with Magellan Explorer

Season 2021/2022


CodeDateTriple SuitePorthole CabinVeranda CabinDeluxe Veranda CabinPenthouse SuiteGrand SuiteSingle Veranda Cabin
MAG06-AS21-22Nov 17, 2021
Dec 03, 2021
US$14,395US$15,495US$18,695US$19,695US$23,495US$25,495US$25,495
MAG23-AS21-22Feb 25, 2022
Mar 13, 2022
SOLD OUTUS$15,495US$18,695US$19,695US$23,495US$25,495SOLD OUT


Season 2022/2023


CodeDateTriple SuitePorthole CabinVeranda CabinDeluxe Veranda CabinPenthouse SuiteGrand SuiteSingle Veranda Cabin
MAG06-AS22-23Nov 17, 2022
Dec 03, 2022
US$14,395US$15,495US$18,695US$19,695US$23,495US$25,495US$25,495


Antarctica and South Georgia Air Cruise

Fly the Drake

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.

Cruise Antarctica and South Georgia

We offer a boutique-style wilderness adventure, not a cruise. Feeling more like private yachts than cruise ships, our small expedition vessels give you privileged access to Antarctica and South Georgia, taking you where larger ships cannot. With a smaller number of passengers, disembarkation is fast and efficient so you spend time exploring, not waiting.

ITINERARY

Day 1 / Start of the Air-Cruise

Our staff welcomes you in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel towards South Georgia.

Day 2-4 / Sailing to South Georgia

As we sail toward South Georgia, our historians and our naturalists offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s birdlife.

Day 5-8 / Exploring South Georgia
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. Depending on conditions, possible stops can include St. Andrew’s Bay where you could be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins, Cooper Island to see the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses and a large colony of macaroni penguins. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.

Day 9-10 / Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula
As the ship heads to Antarctica, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.

Day 11 / Elephant Island
Sailing south, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.

Day 12-15 / Exploring 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 together with expert polar guides.  No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. You will explore several spots in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Day 16 / Antarctica and scheduled return flight

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-mi) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to Antarctica as you 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 17 / End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Note: The November 17-December 3, 2021 (MAG06-AS) departure operates in reverse, with start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile. An itinerary description is available on request.

UNIQUE FEATURES

Veteran Antarctic aircraft pilots, experienced sea captains, an international team of polar guides and academics, and a team of seasoned travel professionals come together to create the experience. With passion, creativity and dedicated teamwork, we handcraft every expedition to be unique and personal.

Experience and Expertise

Our product pioneered the Antarctic Air-Cruise model. We are the world’s leader in this unique style of travel to Antarctica. We have completed over 140 fly and cruise departures, more than any other company in the world, by far.

One flight per expedition

We use a single flight to carry all travellers to and from Antarctica for each of our expeditions. This makes our operation fast and efficient while reducing the chance of weather-related delays compared to the alternatives.

Antarctic vehicle

Unique in its kind, “Bigfoot” was specially designed and built for our air-cruises. Its traction system can adapt to the changeable conditions of the Antarctic terrain.

High staff/traveller radio

Travel with a well-staffed team of at least twelve professional polar guides. Passionate and engaging, they will make your trip memorable.

Small is beautiful

Our air-cruises only operates small ships. With a small group of travellers, disembarkation is fast and efficient so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting.

Season 2021/2022


CodeDateTriple SuitePorthole CabinVeranda CabinDeluxe Veranda CabinPenthouse SuiteGrand SuiteSingle Veranda Cabin
MAG06-AS21-22Nov 17, 2021
Dec 03, 2021
US$14,395US$15,495US$18,695US$19,695US$23,495US$25,495US$25,495
MAG23-AS21-22Feb 25, 2022
Mar 13, 2022
SOLD OUTUS$15,495US$18,695US$19,695US$23,495US$25,495SOLD OUT


Season 2022/2023


CodeDateTriple SuitePorthole CabinVeranda CabinDeluxe Veranda CabinPenthouse SuiteGrand SuiteSingle Veranda Cabin
MAG06-AS22-23Nov 17, 2022
Dec 03, 2022
US$14,395US$15,495US$18,695US$19,695US$23,495US$25,495US$25,495


INCLUDED IN THE RATE

  • For Air-Cruises starting in Punta Arenas, group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1.
  • For Air-Cruises starting in Punta Arenas, 1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
  • 1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica.
  • Transfers airport/hotel on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica, and transfers hotel/airport on last Day of the Air-Cruise Program.
  • 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 on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
  • Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
  • Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship 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 as described below.
  • IAATO passenger fee.

 

SPECIFICALLY NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE

  • Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
  • Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
  • Personal insurance.
  • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Gratuities.
  • Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Hotel and Transfer Packages

Preferred Seating on the Antarctic Flight

Expedition Jacket

CHILDREN

Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by a fully responsible adult. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 12 years of age.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS

Single travellers can choose between:

* Booking a dedicated Single Cabin. No supplement is applied for single use of dedicated Single Cabins.

* Booking a Twin Cabin for single use. An 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person when booking in a limited number of Porthole and Veranda Cabins on Magellan Explorer, Twin Cabins on Ocean Nova, and Window Suites and Promenade Suites on Hebridean Sky. A 100% supplement applies when booking all other categories.

* Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender. This is available on Magellan Explorer in Porthole and Veranda Cabins, on Ocean Nova in Twin Cabins, and on Hebridean Sky in Window Suites and Promenade Suites. We will take care of finding the matching companion. Passengers who book a Twin Cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas and must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected. Please inquire at time of reservation. Note: Single travellers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their Air-Cruise in a Single Cabins or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.

INSURANCE

Passengers are required to be adequately covered by a travel insurance policy that covers aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica as a result of a medical emergency during the trips, including emergencies related to pre-existing health conditions.

We strongly recommend all passengers to purchase a travel cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against an unforeseen event which may force them to cancel their booking before departure or leave a tour while it is in progress.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT

An initial deposit of US$3,000 per person is required to book a cabin.

The balance is due in full 120 days prior to departure. Payments can be made by wire transfer or by Paypal (Paypal payments are subject to a 4,5% surcharge) .

Flexible Booking Policy Promotion

Individual reservations for our 2021-22 departures can be confirmed upon payment of a $500 deposit per person. The deposit is fully refundable until April 30, 2021. On May 1, 2021 the balance of the deposit will be due and from there on the standard booking conditions as indicated in the 2021-22 brochure will apply. The Flexible Booking Policy Promotion applies to new individual bookings, on all available departures and all available categories of accommodation.