Polar Circle Air Cruise | Magellan Explorer

Up to $5K USD Air Credit p/p on 13 Jan 2027 departure

Valid for new bookings until 31 Dec 24 unless sold out or withdrawn prior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

10 Days
From NZD 41,659

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACAXPCAC

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Punta Arenas, Chile

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Magellan Explorer

DestinationDestination

Antarctica

DestinationDeparture Date

24/01/2025, 30/01/2026, 13/01/2027

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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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

Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island, located in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctica adventure has you experiencing incredible and unfathomable landscapes and wildlife as you sail along ice filled fjords and enjoy the company of penguins, seals and whales alike. Take part in shore landings to get up and personal with these pristine surroundings as you attempt to reach the Polar Circle. Travelling on board the Magellan explorer, you can expect to be very comfortable in such a harsh environment so that you can enjoy what Antarctica has to offer to the fullest before returning to King George Island for your flight back to Punta Arenas. 

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.

Scheduled Flight to Antarctica

A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and 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.

Exploring Antarctica - Days 3 to 8

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glassenclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage.
Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

Fly from King George Island to Punta Arenas

Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight 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 travels

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

Polar Circle Air Cruise | Magellan Explorer from NZD 41,659
Departing Ending Duration
24 Jan 202502 Feb 202510
30 Jan 202608 Feb 202610
13 Jan 202722 Jan 202710

Important Information

  • Air Credit Offer 26/27 Season**
    Valid on all Polar Circle Air Cruise 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 13 Jan 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 note that Air Credit of $2,500 USD p/p avaialble on this cabin type*

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.