
Antarctica Express Air-Cruise
An affordable introduction to beautiful Antarctica aboard the Magellan Explorer
From: USD 5,995
A 6-day expedition cruise
17 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Sail the Drake Passage
Visit Cape Horn
Immense icebergs and glaciers
Observe penguins in their natural habitat
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Experts in Air-cruises
Up to 5 hours of excursion per day
Your trip is 100% carbon offset
Alcoholic beverages included
This Antarctica Express Air-Cruise aboard the Magellan Explorer was designed for travelers looking for a quick and affordable Antarctica expedition. This trip offers you the chance to visit Cape Horn, cruise the Drake Passage, land in Antarctica, and fly back.
Your ship: Magellan Explorer
Welcome aboard the Magellan Explorer, an ultra-modern expedition cruise ship built for the Antarctic. An Antarctic trip aboard the Magellan Explorer is unlike the rest. Instead of boarding your cruise ship right away and spending long days crossing the Drake Passage to get to the Antarctica, you’ll take a two-hour plane ride from Punta Arenas straight to the continent itself. This flight will save you time, and you’ll be able to head straight to the Antarctic action. A Magellan Explorer is a pioneer air-cruise is designed for adventure and with your comfort in mind.
To manage environmental im … Read more about Magellan Explorer
Amenities
Fitness Center
Bar
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Conference Room
Private Flight to Antarctica
Sauna
Medical Services
Library



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Day 1 • Begin your trip in Ushuaia, Argentina



Ushuaia is often called the "Gateway to Antarctica". Thanks to its position on the shores of the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia's harbor is equally popular with luxury cruise vessels and huge, rugged ice breakers. A vital port for the resupply of many of the Antarctic research bases, Ushuaia is also a beautiful city that really does feel like it's at the edge of the world.
From the rugged peaks that soar high about the town to the aptly named "Train and the End of the World" steam railway; from fascinating museums and cultural centers to boat trips along the Beagle Channel to get up close and personal with penguins and seals, Ushuaia is a remarkable destination in its own right, as well as a wonderful place to start or finish your Antarctic cruise.
Day 2 • Visit to Cape Horn



Also known as Fjordland, Patagonia is the sparsely populated southern tip of South America. It’s split across both Argentina and Chile and is notably for the sheer variety of terrain you can find here.
From the uplands of the southern edge of the Andes range to deserts, glaciers, fjords and lakes, and barren steppes, Patagonia is rich in geological and wildlife interest.
The Patagonian port of Punta Arenas is one of the largest cities in the region and is the staging point for many Antarctic expedition cruises and for resupply ships that service the Antarctic research stations.
Day 3 • Sail to Antarctica



Also known as Fjordland, Patagonia is the sparsely populated southern tip of South America. It’s split across both Argentina and Chile and is notably for the sheer variety of terrain you can find here.
From the uplands of the southern edge of the Andes range to deserts, glaciers, fjords and lakes, and barren steppes, Patagonia is rich in geological and wildlife interest.
The Patagonian port of Punta Arenas is one of the largest cities in the region and is the staging point for many Antarctic expedition cruises and for resupply ships that service the Antarctic research stations.
Day 4 • Cross the Drake Passage & arrive at the South Shetland Islands



The Drake Passage is the name given to the infamous stretch of open ocean between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
It usually takes 2 or 3 days to cross the Drake Passage, and this is a great time to learn from your expert Antarctic naturalist guides. Through a series of fascinating talks and lectures, you'll begin to learn more about the remarkable wildlife and awe-inspiring geology of the Antarctic continent.
Your guides are always on hand to help you identify the sea bird species that always follow the ships, as well as spotting whales and other cetaceans that can be seen en route to the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands.
Day 5 • Antarctica and Scheduled Return Flight



The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island lies only 75 miles from the coast of the Antarctic continent. With historical claims made by Britain, Chile and Argentina, the island is also known as Isla Rey Jorge and Isla 25 de Mayo.
The importance of King George Island to many Antarctic bases is the 1,300m long airstrip maintained by the permanently occupied Chilean Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva. This provides a lifeline as an airbridge for personnel and supplies for many other Antarctic bases and research stations.
The presence of the airstrip allows King George Island to be used as a "fly-cruise" destination. Flying from Chile across the Drake Passage saves up to 3 days at sea, allowing Antarctic exploration for those with less time to take a full cruise.
Day 6 • Your unforgettable Antarctica air-cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas



Punta Arenas ("Sandy Point" in Spanish) is the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena.
Punta Arenas is the largest city below the 46th parallel and is one of the largest cities in the entire Patagonian Region.
It is only 870 miles from the coast of Antarctica, yet Punta Arenas is a vibrant and modern city that's the perfect starting point for Antarctic exploration.
Reviews
Marion K
It was an AMAZING journey through one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever scene (if not the most). The boat was top of the line, the professional crew incredibly professional, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. The service crew took well care of us during all the journey. The kayak pack is specially recommended and if you are lucky you will also a face to face hunch whale experience you will remember as your top wildlife adventure for life (copied from Trip Advisor)
Cristian Coudeu
Impressive trip, a beautiful destination that thanks to A21 becomes unforgettable. The concern for every detail, the professional level of the team, the joy with which they do their work make this experience something unique. Discovering Antarctica with A21 is a dream that we should all have. (copied from Trip Advisor)
Till K
We booked the 2.5 week trip incl. Antarctic peninsula and South Georgia. We received good information on clothing, recommended literature, itinerary etc. previously. The one night in Punta Arenas extended due to fog around the antarctic landing strip to three days, with an OK emergency program. The difficulty to get to Antarctica shows that it a somehow adventurous place and not normal tourism. Once arrived on board, we were welcomed nicely and shown the beautiful new vessel, the Magellan Explorer. The expedition staff and the crew are very friendly and professional. The cabins and excellent, all have balconies, mini bars are refilled all the time. Food on boards in really good and varied every day. Wine is OK. The expeditions are what you came for. Protocols are very strict, in order to protect wild life. Whats you see is totally amazing, in Antarctica the icebergs and white sceneries, later on in South Georgia the immense amount of king penguins, seals with puppies, etc. During the days of pure navigation, you can spot whales, albatrosses etc., and get very interesting lectures of Antarctic related topics (history, political situation, animals, etc.). Lecturers are excellent professionals, some are also funny. What could be improved? On our specific trip, the three days lost in the beginning were cut off just from the Antarctic peninsula part of the trip, nothing from South Georgia. Could have been more balanced. And in general, on zodiac tours without landing, people could be grouped by interest (photographers have other needs than the rest, some older people get cold earlier than some younger, etc.). Overall… a trip of the lifetime. I intend to do the pure Antarctic trip with the same company and the same vessel. (Copied from Trip Advisor)
Enzo R.
We travelled on the December 6-13, 2021 Classic Antarctica trip on Magellan Explorer, during the pandemic. We flew to Antarctica on Day 1 of the itinerary because it was not clear if we could fly as scheduled on Day 2. That created a bit of a commotion, also because a group of passengers in the end couldn't go due to one of their members testing positive for Covid during the pre-trip screening done by Antarctica21. After we left Punta Arenas for Antarctica, everything went very well. Being in Antarctica is wonderful, like a paradise. Magellan Explorer is in excellent condition and service is excellent. The food is very good, with a lot of variety. Excellent service in the dining room. The wines are very good and abundant. The gym is very good, as is the sauna. We had a barbecue dinner on the top deck and that was a hit, a very happy occasion for everyone. The landings and excursions were very good. The Expedition Team is excellent, very professional and well prepared. The zodiacs are impeccable. On the ship we enjoyed great presentations but we noticed that sometimes other guests seemed tired, which must have been a bit demotivating for the presenters. We didn’t see the officers much. As part of the Covid protocols, there was practically no contact with them. Our last day in Antarctica was a bit of challenge. There was some uncertainty on what to do with our luggage, when we would disembark, etc. Once we did disembark, we had to wait a long time in the open air before boarding the aircraft. It was windy and cold, with no shelter or bathroom. It was nothing compared with what early explorers experienced but any Antarctic traveler should be prepared for some discomfort. In the end, it was quickly forgotten and the good memories of a special trip is what remains. (Copied from Trip Advisor)
Christopher Horta
It was a 14-day trip through Antarctica and the Georgian Islands, the trip was incredible, the attention of the cleaning staff, the incredible meals, very good, the incredible landscapes, far exceeded expectations. Fully recommended for people who like landscape and wildlife photography above all, penguins, seals, sea lions, whales, killer whales, birds, etc. As advice to future travelers, be patient because boat trips are long, enjoy the benefits offered on the boat, but take advantage of resting in the moments when you are sailing from one side to another. (Copied from Trip Advisor)