The Small-Ship Experience

As we continue to have more and more options for exploring the most remote corners of the globe, choosing the right fit, comfortable accommodations and worthwhile experience is very important.

I was fortunate to cruise aboard the 100 passenger Magellan Explorer, with only 67 guests onboard. The benefit to such a small group cannot be emphasized enough.

Getting to know the faces of 67 other travelers is easy. It unites people and quickly creates a shared bond as you experience such a breathtaking place together. From the initial meeting to the final day our 8-day adventure was one of a kind.

Choosing a ship such as the Magellan Explorer to venture through Antarctica’s waters on, was an easy decision for me. She offers a modern yet comfortable feel. Every public area onboard is a welcoming space where you might encounter a fellow traveler taking in the magic of the mountains, icebergs and snow passing by the windows.

From insightful conversations in the lounge on a quiet afternoon, to the rucus of a birthday song in the dinning room, you never felt alone but in a reassuring not overwhelming way.

The ability to quickly understand and maneuver throughout the ship was also a plus, time was not wasted getting lost while trying to navigate the various decks and public spaces on board.

Aside from the size benefits of a small-ship, the ease in which we could all come and go from shore landings and zodiac excursions was flawless. Loading and unloading took mere minutes, truly maximizing our time off the ship.

I truly enjoyed having the freedom to join different zodiac groups, getting to know the incredible expedition staff who are so passionate about this unbelievable place. Sharing the experience of a humpback swimming just a few feet below us on a zodiac took our breath away and froze time for all of us in that moment.

We arrived on the Magellan Explorer as individuals but from the magical, awe-inspiring moments we all experienced we left as a collective who will share lasting memories from a wonderful journey.

Solo Trip to Explore Antarctica

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region

Patagonia

country

Chile

continent

Antarctica

TrustScore 4.8 | 177 reviews

TrustScore 4.8 of 5

Based on 177 reviews on

10 hours ago

First class all the way. Enjoyed our Guide, Karla, Driver Mark so much. Personalized tour of Antigua during Easter was like a National Geographic in person. Trip of the Lifetime. Such a spiritual and magical tour. Many Thanks. Ben Shaver

Ben Shaver, Jr.

2 days ago

Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.

Scott Trochim

4 days ago

The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!

Susan Campo

6 days ago

The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent. Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio. In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day. Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took. Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.

Kenneth Dropek

1 week ago

Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.

Tina

Want to Go?

Patagonia

Chile

Antarctica

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