Classic Antarctica Air Cruise | Magellan Explorer

Up to $2K USD Air Credit on 01 Dec 2025 & 03 Mar 2026 Departures p/p

Up to $5K USD Air Credit on 26/27 Voyages p/p

Valid for new bookings until 31 Dec 24 unless sold out or withdrawn prior

Contact us for the latest availability and pricing.

See Additional T&Cs below

8 Days
From NZD 27,577

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACAXCAAC

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Magellan Explorer

DestinationDestination

Antarctica

DestinationDeparture Date

21/12/2024, 31/12/2024, 09/01/2025, 10/02/2025, 15/02/2025, 20/02/2025, 25/02/2025, 02/03/2025, 26/11/2025, 01/12/2025,  06/12/2025,  11/12/2025,  16/12/2025,  21/12/2025,  26/12/2025,  31/12/2025,  05/01/2026,  10/01/2026,  15/01/2026,  20/01/2026,  25/01/2026,  06/02/2026,  11/02/2026,  21/02/2026,  26/02/2026,  03/03/2026, 20/11/2026, 25/11/2026, 30/11/2026, 05/12/2026, 10/12/2026, 15/12/2026, 20/12/2026, 25/12/2026, 30/12/2026, 04/01/2027, 09/01/2027, 14/01/2027, 19/01/2027, 24/01/2027, 29/01/2027, 03/02/2027, 08/02/2027, 20/02/2027, 25/02/2027, 02/03/2027

MealsMeals

Welcome dinner in Punta Arenas, Breakfast at hotels, & all meals on board the ship, including wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, & snacks

TransportTransport

Group transfers throughout & return charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island

TransportAccommodation

Hotel & Cabin on board a ship



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map

Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions 

OVERVIEW

Explore the pristine landscape of Antarctica on this 8 day journey. Fly over the Drake and land on King George Island,  an Island located in the South Shetland Islands. Board the Magellan Explorer, a ship that boasts elegance and practicality and cruise the  unforgettable landscape of the western coast of the Antarctic peninsula. A unique experience that visits a variety of sites that holds true to a well rounded short but sweet, Antarctica experience, avoiding the infamous Drake Passage.

ITINERARY

Arrive in Punta Arenas

Staff members will welcome you on arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer to your hotel, then visit the Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise, and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. At Explorers House, enjoy local gastronomy dinner as you meet your fellow adventurers.

Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island

Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.

Explore Antarctica - Day 3 to 6

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular vistas from the glass-enclosed lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

No journey is the same as flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.

Fly from King George Island to Punta Arenas

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding 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.)

Transfer to the airport for onward destination

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

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer

The Magellan Explorer, is a modern and elegant base from which to explore the polar regions, combining boutique hospitality with top class expedition facilities. It is the ideal platform for air-cruise operations and several international polar expedition experts were involved in the design process. Working with engineers, naval architects and designers, the expedition experience of guests was always kept in mind. Built in Chile, the Magellan Explorer has a capacity of 73 passengers providing an intimate small ship cruising experience. All cabins include feature private batrooms and heaeted floors and all cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies.

The ship has a fleet of 10 zodiacs to ensure all guests can disembark the ship and enjoy time on the icy landscapes or drift through glacial waters in search of unique wildlife. The ship contains a glass observation lounge and presentation room that boasts state-of-the-art visual and audio equipment for presentations conduct by the expert expedition crew. Onboard you will enjoy fitness facilities including a gym, sauna and well stocked bar. 

Ice Class: Length: 90.7 m (298 ft.)
Breadth: 16.2 m (53 ft.)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14 knots
 Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:100

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

Learn More

Pricing per person & date

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise | Magellan Explorer from NZD 27,577
Departing Ending Duration
21 Dec 202428 Dec 20248
31 Dec 202407 Jan 20258
09 Jan 202516 Jan 20258
10 Feb 202517 Feb 20258
15 Feb 202522 Feb 20258
20 Feb 202527 Feb 20258
25 Feb 202504 Mar 20258
02 Mar 202509 Mar 20258
26 Nov 202503 Dec 20258
01 Dec 202508 Dec 20258
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
01 Jan 197008 Jan 19708
20 Nov 202627 Nov 20268
25 Nov 202602 Dec 20268
30 Nov 202607 Dec 20268
05 Dec 202612 Dec 20268
10 Dec 202617 Dec 20268
15 Dec 202622 Dec 20268
20 Dec 202627 Dec 20268
25 Dec 202601 Jan 20278
30 Dec 202606 Jan 20278
04 Jan 202711 Jan 20278
09 Jan 202716 Jan 20278
14 Jan 202721 Jan 20278
19 Jan 202726 Jan 20278
24 Jan 202731 Jan 20278
29 Jan 202705 Feb 20278
03 Feb 202710 Feb 20278
08 Feb 202715 Feb 20278
20 Feb 202727 Feb 20278
25 Feb 202704 Mar 20278
02 Mar 202709 Mar 20278

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Important Information

  • Air Credit Offer 25/26 Season*
    Available on 1 Dec 2025 & 03 Mar 2026 departures only
    Capacity controlled and valid only until sold out or withdrawn
    Promotion valid until 31 Dec 2024 
    Not combinable with other offers unless specified 

    Air Credit Offer 26/27 Season**
    Valid on all Classic Antarctica trips on Magellan Explorer in the 26/27 Antarctica season
    Guests reserving a Penthouse or Delxue suite recieve a $5,000 USD Air Credit per person and guests reserving all other cabin types recieve a $2,500 USD Air Credit per person
    Valid for new bookings until 31 Dec 24 
    Capacity controlled and valid only until sold out or withdrawn 
    Not combinable with other offers unless specified 

    Please Contact Us for full terms and conditions and to check availability.

    Pricing is subject to change based on currency fluctuation, selected cabin, availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn or varied at any time without notice.
     

  • Prices are based on per person, and may be based off quad/triple/ or twin share cabins* (please contact us for more details) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.  

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.

  • INCLUSIONS

    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 on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
    Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
    Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
    Welcome dinner on day one at the Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
    Return charter flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
    Accommodation on board during your voyage.
    Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
    Loan of waterproof boots for excursions in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
    All guided excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    International or domestic flights, unless specified
    Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary 
    Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable) 
    Airport arrival or departure taxes
    Vaccination charges
    Travel insurance
    Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
    Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
    Optional activity surcharges
    All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to gratuities, select drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges. 

    From 2026/27 Antarctic season onward standard internet service 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.)

  • 2 (light adventure)

  • Available upon request, contact us for more details. 

  • Departure Date, Fuel Surcharges, Cabin Category, Currency Fluctuations, Seasonality & Availability.

FROM PRICE & PROMOTIONAL DETAILS

  • From Price based on 03 Feb 27 Departure - Porthole Cabin 
  • Pricing is dynamic in nature and subject to change until booking is confirmed
  • Please enquire for solo cabin pricing - Single cabins available 

Please Contact Us for the latest availability, pricing and details of your preferred voyage. Chimu Adventures are Antarctica experts and we will endeavour to find you the perfect Antarctica expedition cruise to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure!

See detailed promotional T&Cs below

NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.