This Antarctic experience flies from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island where you embark on a cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands for a full 6 days before flying back to Chile. This tour is excellent for those who wish to maximize time in Antarctica and minimize time sailing the high seas crossing the Drake Passage.This Antarctic cruise aboard the Magellan Explorer is an unforgettable experience you don't want to miss!
Highlights
Sail south in an attempt to cross the Polar Circle
Cruise along ice-filled fjords and icebergs
Search for wildlife such as penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds
Attend engaging presentations by expert polar guides
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer to your hotel and attend a briefing that provides important information about your voyage and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
Please note: Passengers must be at their hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 2 PM. Weather at King George Island will drive the overall schedule of this trip, so there's a slight chance you might fly to Antarctica this evening!
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. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.
Please note:Flexibility is key to any successful Antarctic adventure, particularly a fly cruise. If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, which can be read here. On average, about 85% of flights occur on this day, as scheduled. But travelers should be aware of the contingencies that Antarctica21 has developed over its two decades of providing fly cruises.
Day 3-8: South Shetland Islands & Antarctic Peninsula
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs while enjoying the company of seabirds, 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 is 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.
Day 9: Disembark at King George Island | Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile
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. This evening's meals are at your leisure and are not included in the program.
Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their well-established contingency plan, again.
Day 10: Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Please note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$22,795
Select a Date
Triple Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
Select a Date
Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m²
-Cabin with sitting area and porthole
Select a Date
Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Select a Date
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
240 ft2 – 22 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Select a Date
Grand Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
Select a Date
Penthouse Suite
360 ft2 – 33 m2
-Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area
Select a Date
Single Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
- Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Notes
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Cabin sharing, where solo travelers are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender is available in Porthole and Veranda Cabins.
-Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.85x the double occupancy rate for Porthole and Veranda Cabins types. Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Suite, and Grand Suite cabins are 2x the double occupancy rate.
Fly cruises: Children admitted from 8 years old
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
Polar Circle
Antarctica Express
Sea voyages: Children admitted from 12 years old
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
Falklands (Malvinas) & SG
Falklands (Malvinas), SG and Antarctica
Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
Optionals
Kayaking: Children admitted from 16 years old.
Hiking & snowshoeing: Children admitted from 12 years old.
Initial deposit is $4000 plus the adventure activities must be paid in full at the time of booking., and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
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
IAATO passenger fee
Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
Comprehensive Pre- and Post-voyage Information Materials
Lectures and entertainment onboard.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
All guided shore excursions.
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Beverages purchased at the bar
Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rental.
All participants in an Antarctica 21 expedition are required to have a travel insurance policy. A comprehensive policy is recommended but, at a minimum, Medical Evacuation coverage up to $100,000 USD is required.
Kayaking option should be booked upon reservation (10 spots available for 2024/25 season and 20 spots for the 2025/26 season)
Hiking & Snowshoeing Option (Booked and paid on board)
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
