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An ocean of icebergs.

Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas - Example 18 Day Cruise aboard Magellan Discoverer
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Explore South Georgia and Antarctica on this 18-day voyage from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard Magellan Discoverer. Sail the Beagle Channel and cross the Southern Ocean while attending presentations by historians and naturalists. Spend five days in South Georgia visiting Grytviken, St. Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, Fortuna Bay, Prion Island, and Cooper Island. Observe king penguins, macaroni penguins, and black-browed albatrosses. View Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s crew once waited for rescue. Continue to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating the Gerlache Strait and ice-filled fjords with daily Zodiac landings before flying from King George Island to Punta Arenas.
Whale bones at the Grytviken whaling stationWhaling station in GrytvikenA whale plays near the surface at dusk.Hiking in Antarctica is rewarded with spectacular viewsAn ocean of icebergs.
Highlights
  • Visit historic Grytviken and pay respects at Shackleton’s grave
  • Witness vast king penguin colonies at St. Andrew’s Bay
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula fjords and the Gerlache Strait
  • Trace Shackleton’s expedition story at remote Elephant Island
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia | Embark

Staff meet you at the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board the ship in the afternoon and sail through the Beagle Channel en route to South Georgia.

Day 2-4: Sailing to South Georgia

While sailing toward South Georgia, historians and naturalists present a series of talks. Time is available to relax in the lounge and watch for seabirds along the way.

Day 5-9: 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 and 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 10-11: 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 12: Elephant Island

Sailing south, the hope is 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 see the island from the ship.

Day 13-16: Exploring Antarctica

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and sail 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 explore several sites in the Gerlache Strait that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Day 17: Scheduled return flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas | Disembark

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A 2-km (1.25-miles) 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 18: Return Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.

Ship/Hotel

Magellan Discoverer

Library
Observation Lounge
Lounge

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

2027-28 Air-Cruise Early Booking Promotion 29639
Save on your 2027–28 Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle air-cruises aboard Magellan Discoverer and Magellan Explorer!
  • $5,000 USD savings per person for guests booking:
    • Grand Veranda Suites (Magellan Discoverer)
    • Penthouse Suites and Deluxe Suites (Magellan Explorer)
  • $2,500 USD savings per person for guests booking all other accommodation categories (except Triple Cabins) in single or double occupancy.
This promotion applies to all Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle air-cruises aboard the Magellan Discoverer and Magellan Explorer. It is valid for new bookings confirmed with a $4,000 USD deposit per person. The offer ends March 31, 2026, or when the limited promotional cabin inventory is sold out—whichever comes first. The promotion is capacity-controlled and cannot be combined with any other offer. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Nov 12, 2027 departure

Per person starting at
$19,995 2-3 travelers
Triple Veranda Suite
Approx. Size - 52 m² / 560 ft² Connecting door between both cabins Two bathrooms with showers en suite Accommodates three guests Private Balconies Desks and chairs Benches and coffee tables Closets Fridges Safes Coffee makers TVs Beds can be configured as either one king-size bed or two twin beds
Veranda Cabin
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Approx. Size - 26 m² / 280 ft² Bathroom with shower en suite Private Balcony Desk and chair Bench and coffee table Closets Fridge Coffee maker Safe TV The bed can be configured as either one king-size bed or two twin beds.
Family Suite
Family Suite
Approx. Size - 52 m² / 560 ft² Connecting door between both cabins Two bathrooms with showers en suite Accommodates four guests Private Balconies Desks and chairs Benches and coffee tables Closets Fridges Safes Coffee makers TVs Beds can be configured as either one king-size bed or two twin beds.
Grand Veranda Suite
Grand Veranda Suite
Approx. Size - 38 m² / 409 ft² Bathroom with shower en suite Private Balcony Sofa Bed Living area Desk and chair Walk-in closet Fridge Safe Coffee maker TV The bed can be configured as either one king-size bed or two twin beds.
Veranda Cabin
Single Veranda Cabin
Approx. Size - 26 m² / 280 ft² Bathroom with shower en suite King bed Private Balcony Desk and chair Bench and coffee table Closets Fridge Coffee maker Safe TV
Included
  • 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 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.
  • Standard internet service is provided on a complimentary basis. Guests booked in Penthouse Suites on Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer enjoy complimentary premium internet service
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 rentals for Antarctica voyages. 
  • 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.
  • The South Georgia permit is not arranged by Antarctica21
  • The permit cost is not included in the program price

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