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Abandoned whaling village of Stromness, South Georgia

Antarctica and South Georgia Air-Cruise

Example 18 Day Cruise aboard Magellan Explorer
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Follow in the footsteps of explorer Ernest Shackleton to the extremes of the Southern Hemisphere! Visit the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia aboard the Magellan Explorer. Enjoy views of spectacular mountains and towering icebergs, and visit extraordinary snowy landscapes and remote penguin rookeries.
Wildlife experience during Antarctica tourTravel to Antarctica's icebergsUshuaiaAir Cruise FlightZodiac excursion in the Antarctic PenisulaNearing South Georgia a rock full of shags Our first icebergsAbandoned whaling village of Stromness, South Georgia
Highlights
  • Explore Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station
  • Sail along Antarctica's ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs
  • Keep an eye out for the region’s abundant bird life
  • Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Punta Arenas, Chile

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. At Explorers House, enjoy local gastronomy as you meet your fellow adventurers.

Please note: Passengers must be in Punta Arenas at 2 PM, at the latest. Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travelers arriving later than 2 PM.

Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica | 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. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.

Day 3-6: Exploring Antarctica

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
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 seabirds, 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 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, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Gerlache Strait, the Penola Strait, and the Antarctic Sound.

Day 7: Elephant Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sailing north of the Antarctic Peninsula, stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on in a small open lifeboat, crossing 1,300 km of open sea to South Georgia in order to arrange the rescue of their comrades. While the stormy conditions of this area rarely allow a shore landing, you are able to see the island from the ship.

Day 8-9: Sailing to South Georgia

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As we sail northward, our expert guides 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 10-13: Exploring South Georgia

  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
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. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. At the peak of the breeding season, it is said to have the highest concentration of wildlife per square meter on the planet. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.

Day 14-16: Sailing towards South America

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.

Day 17: At Sea | Beagle Channel

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Approach the South American continent and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego to the north and Navarino Island to the south as you make your way to Ushuaia.

Day 18: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends.

Ship/Hotel

Magellan Explorer

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$15,995
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Triple Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2 -Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
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Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m² -Cabin with sitting area and porthole
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Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2 -Cabin with sitting area and balcony
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Deluxe Veranda Cabin
240 ft2 – 22 m2 -Cabin with sitting area and balcony
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Grand Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2 -Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
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Penthouse Suite
360 ft2 – 33 m2 -Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area
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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.
Included
  • 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 17 Dinners
  • 17 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.
  • Flight(s) from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or v.v. as indicated in the program 
  • 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
  • Group Transfers from Airport to Hotel on Day 1
  • One Overnight with Breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or Similar & Welcome Dinner Including Drinks on Day 1
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)

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

Antarctica Travel Guide

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