The Classic Antarctica air cruise offers an 8-day adventure, starting in Punta Arenas, Chile, where travelers fly directly to Antarctica. Upon arrival at King George Island, travelers board a Zodiac to reach the Magellan Discoverer. Over the next few days, explore the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sail through ice-filled fjords, encounter diverse wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales, and enjoy daily Zodiac landings led by expert guides. Afterward, travelers return to King George Island and take a flight back to Punta Arenas, where travelers enjoy an overnight stay before flying home. This journey offers a rare, up-close experience of Antarctica's pristine wilderness.
Highlights
Fly directly to King George Island in Antarctica for a seamless adventure
Spot wildlife through the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Sail through ice-filled fjords and observe Antarctica's landscapes
Enjoy daily landings in Zodiac boats guided by expert naturalists
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.
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where Antarctica21 staff provide your transfer to the hotel. Before 2 PM, check in at Explorers House and attend a mandatory briefing that covers key details about the air-cruise and guidelines for visiting Antarctica. In the evening, join a group dinner featuring local dishes and meet the other travelers.
Please note: Passengers must be at their hotel in Punta Arenas no later than 2 PM. Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travelers arriving later than 2 PM. Weather at King George Island drives the overall schedule of this trip, so there's a slight chance you might fly to Antarctica this evening!
Your Antarctic adventure starts with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, located in the South Shetland Islands. Once you step off the plane, the crisp Antarctic air greets you. You then walk a 2-km (1.25-mi) route, passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, before reaching the shore. From there, you board a Zodiac to take you to 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 follows 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.
Cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula, navigating ice-filled fjords and passing impressive icebergs. Along the way, encounter wildlife like penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Each day, disembark by Zodiac to explore, guided by expert polar guides. Onboard, participate in engaging lectures and presentations while enjoying panoramic views from the glass-enclosed lounge, sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
Since each journey is unique, flexibility plays a key role in success. The Expedition Team adapts the route to take advantage of the changing natural conditions, ensuring an exceptional experience every time. While the exact itinerary may vary, expect to visit remarkable locations such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, and the Lemaire Channel, among others.
Day 7: Disembark at King George Island | Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding your flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. This evening's meals are at your leisure and not included in the program.
Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator follows its well-established contingency plan, again.
Day 8: 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.
$19,4952-3 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
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
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
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.
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
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
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
7 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
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 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.
Kayaking option should be booked upon reservation (20 spots for the 2025/26 season)
Hiking & Snowshoeing Option (Booked and paid on board)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
