Antarctica 21

Antarctica21 pioneered air-cruise expeditions in Antarctica, and we understand all the complexities of ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable adventure. Our team knows the region’s unique geography, natural history, wildlife, and ecology. Above all, we love sharing our expertise with our travelers.

Moreover, this is our backyard. Our company was founded in Punta Arenas, the traditional gateway for the first Antarctic explorers. It remains an ideal base of operations as we respond to our region’s changing conditions, constantly refining and enhancing our trips.
We offer the most extensive suite of Antarctic air-cruises in the world. As the leading boutique tour operator of expeditions in Antarctica, we constantly strive to innovate and develop our environmentally responsible expeditions to the White Continent.

Antarctica 21 Cruises

Hiking in Antarctica is rewarded with spectacular views

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

11 Days from $5,995

Embark on this 11-day Antarctic cruise aboard Magellan Explorer. Sail the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia and across the infamous Drake Passage to the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula where you will search for wildlife and explore the surrounding landscape. This departure is of excellent value and is an Adventure Life exclusive package.

Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

10 Days from $6,495

Leaving from Ushuaia, Argentina, this 10-day small ship expedition cruise of Antarctica is an excellent value and takes you through the Beagle Channel and across the mythical waters of the Drake Passage. These cruises are at the beginning and end of the season, are economically priced, and recommended for travelers on a budget.

The Falklands and South Georgia

15 Days from $9,990

In the austral spring, summer, and fall, large numbers of penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds congregate in the Southern Ocean to feed and reproduce. Present in abundant numbers, these animals will provide endless inspiration for your photographs.

Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Days from $15,495

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.

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Antarctica 21 Ships

Hebridean Sky Air Cruises

Hebridean Sky is a luxurious small, all-suite expedition vessel. She was built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005. Newly renovated in 2016, the Hebridean Sky has been transformed into one of the finest small ships in the world.

Magellan Explorer

The Magellan Explorer is among the world’s newest expedition ships custom designed for Antarctica's extreme conditions. The ship provides a stylish base for her guests’ adventures, combining exciting expeditions and boutique hospitality.

Ocean Nova Air Cruises

The Ocean Nova (previously called Sarpik Ittuk) was built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was upgraded in 2000 and significantly refurbished once again in 2006.

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FAQs

Options for Single Travelers

Single travelers can choose between:

* Booking a dedicated Single Cabin. No supplement is applied for single use of dedicated Single Cabins.

* Booking a Twin Cabin for single use. An 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person when booking in a limited number of Porthole and Veranda Cabins on Magellan Explorer, Twin Cabins on Ocean Nova, and Window Suites and Promenade Suites on Hebridean Sky. A 100% supplement applies when booking all other categories.

* Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender. This is available on Magellan Explorer in Porthole and Veranda Cabins, on Ocean Nova in Twin Cabins, and on Hebridean Sky in Window Suites and Promenade Suites. Antarctica21 will take care of finding the matching companion. Passengers who book a Twin Cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas for which they must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected. Please inquire at time of reservation.

* Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their air-cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.

Can children travel with us?

Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by an adult who will take responsibility and sign a waiver. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 12 years of age.

Arrival and departure requirements in Punta Arenas, Chile

Travelers must arrive in Punta Arenas by 14:00 hrs (2:00 PM) on Day 1 of the itinerary of their trip. Travelers who miss this deadline will not be able to participate in the trip, and no refund will be extended. On the last day of the expedition, travelers are strongly encouraged to book flights departing in the late afternoon. We strongly recommend avoiding tight flight connections. We recommend booking a flexible airfare. It is also important to check visa requirements for your country for travel to Chile prior to your trip.

A number of national and international airlines land daily at Santiago’s airport. Two national airlines connect the capital of Chile and Punta Arenas with several daily flights. The distance between Santiago and Punta Arenas is about 3,000 km and a direct flight takes about 3 and half hours.

Punta Arenas is situated in the Chilean Patagonia where there are several border crossings between Chile and Argentina. Overland travel from El Calafate, Rio Gallegos, Rio Grande and Ushuaia is possible but takes a considerable amount of travel time. Punta Arenas can also be reached from Torres del Paine National Park (about 5 hours by car) and Puerto Natales (3 hours by car).

Arrival and departure requirements in Ushuaia, Argentina

A number of national and international airlines land daily at the Buenos Aires airport and several daily connections serve Ushuaia. The distance between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia is about 3,190 km and a direct flight takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The main Argentinean airline is Aerolineas Argentinas. Latam airline also operates in Argentina. Note that Buenos Aires has two airports that service Ushuaia; please double-check which airport your flight will leave from as they are on opposite sides of the city.

Travelers must arrive at the ship between 15:00 hrs (3:00 PM) and 16:00 hrs (4:00 PM). We strongly recommend avoiding tight flight connections. Travelers who miss this deadline will not be able to participate in the trip and no refund will be extended. It is also important to check visa requirements for your country for travel to Argentina and Chile prior to your trip.

Ushuaia lies on the southern shore of Tierra Del Fuego island, on the Beagle Channel, at the very end of the National Road n. 3 starting in Buenos Aires. This road links Ushuaia with other cities in Patagonia. Motor coach service between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas is available and takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on border crossing.

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to pay a Reciprocity Fee to enter Argentina and/or to obtain an entry visa.

Participation Form

Travelers are required to review the My Expedition portal prior to departure. The participation form should be submitted no later than 120 days prior to departure.

Getting on and off the ship requires full mobility. You don’t need to be very agile but you do need to be able to walk and manage stairs independently, as well as to lift your legs over the pontoons of the Zodiacs to embark and disembark. Walks on the beach or further inland, with some low hill climbing, are available. You should be reasonably fit to be able to enjoy those activities but it will always be up to you how far you choose to walk. Physical activity will never be imposed and you can set your own pace.

In the Participation Form you will be asked to tell us all about your health problems, either past or present, including allergies, etc. This will allow our onboard doctor to be aware of the medical needs of each one of our passengers, and allow him or her to be better prepared.

Baggage Allowance

One of our most important travel tips for Antarctica is the weight of your bag. The maximum luggage weight allowed on flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 lbs.) per passenger, including hand luggage. For trips starting and ending in Punta Arenas, luggage exceeding this weight limit can be left in custody with Antarctica21. This luggage custody service is not available for Antarctica Express Air-Cruises starting in Ushuaia.

Insurance

Antarctica21 requires participants to be adequately covered by medical insurance, including aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica. We also urge that all travelers be adequately covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Our ship has a small, well-equipped infirmary for the attention of minor medical problems and is under the care of a licensed medical doctor. Serious emergencies require evacuation to medical centres in South America that are better equipped, which requires a very costly air evacuation procedure. This is why we ask our passengers to have an insurance policy that covers emergency medical evacuation.

Contingency Plan

Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, you should be prepared for that possibility.

The “Important Information” and “Contingency Plan” sections of the Antarctica21 brochure detail the plan should unfavorable weather conditions impact the operation of the Antarctic flight. Travelers should review and understand these details.

Entry visas and Entry Fees

Another important travel tip for Antarctica and all of our destinations is for entry visas and fees. Travelers should check the entry requirements of the countries visited during their trip, based on their nationality. Antarctica Express AirCruises visit Argentina and Chile so the requirements of both countries should be considered.

Cuisine & Dietary Information

We are privileged to have a group of international chefs prepare a delicious selection of different cuisines throughout your trip. Wine, beer, juice and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board our ships are included, as well as coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks throughout the expedition. Note: beverages purchased at the ship’s bar as well as not-included beverage purchased in the dining room are at a charge.

Dietary requests must be made on the Participation Form you receive after your booking confirmation. This information will be passed along to our staff so they can accommodate your needs while on your voyage. Note: due to the nature of our expeditions and the kitchens onboard the ships, Kosher and vegan meals cannot be accommodated.

Personal Safety

Your safety is our main concern. You will be provided with a mandatory safety session before departing on your voyage. You will be shown where the life jackets are, as well as the safety boats in case of an emergency evacuation. During rough weather, do not walk in large, open areas and be sure to use handrails both outside and inside the vessel. Always use door handles and never hold doors by their frames, as a sudden movement may prove very dangerous. Always turn on the lights upon entering your cabin in case items have moved around. Use non-slip shoes when on deck, as it can be slippery at times.

Weather

Austral summer weather in Antarctica means mostly mild temperatures. You can expect cold, sunny days and brisk winds, which may turn into stormy weather and even a few snow flurries or snow. You should be prepared for quick changes in weather conditions. Below we offering more packing and travel tips for your expedition with us.

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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