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Sea Explorer Air Cruises

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Magellan Discoverer
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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.
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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 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 Punta Arenas, Chile

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you attend a briefing that covers important details about your cruise trip and provides essential guidelines for visiting Antarctica. In the evening, you join your fellow adventurers for a welcome dinner, where you enjoy a traditional regional menu and get to know one another.

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 will drive the overall schedule of this trip, so there's a slight chance you might fly to Antarctica this evening!  

Day 2: Fly to King George Island | Embark

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 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 3-6: Explore Antarctica

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 will follow 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.

Ship/Hotel

Magellan Discoverer

Punta Arenas - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

2026-2027 Air-Cruise Early Booking Savings 26359
Save big on 2026-27 air-cruises! Get $5,000 off per person for Suites or $2,500 off for other accommodations on Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle trips aboard Magellan Discoverer and Magellan Explorer. Book by December 31, 2024. 

This offer is subject to availability for new bookings and cannot be combined with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Per person starting at
$19,495 2-3 travelers
Triple Veranda Suite
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Family Suite
Grand Veranda Suite
Single Veranda Cabin
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 (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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We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
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