Polar Circle Air-Cruise aboard the Magellan Explorer
An adventurous expedition cruise into the Polar wilderness
A 10-DAY LONG CRUISE
The Trip Highlights
Reach the Antarctic Polar Circle
Whale watching from the open deck
Immense icebergs and glaciers
Observe penguins in their natural habitat
Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience
Fly the Drake Passage
Up to 5 hours of excursion per day
Your trip is 100% carbon offset
Alcoholic beverages included
The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions out there. The main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with tons of opportunities to explore the White Continent.
Your Cruise Ship
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 impact, the Antarctic Treaty limits the numbers of visitors on shore to maximum 100 at one time. A Magellan Explorer air-cruise comfortably accommodates only 73 guests so everyone can go ashore at the same time. This means that you will spend more time ashore, rather than waiting your turn to disembark the ship. The Magellan Explorer cruise ship offers 7 different categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except for the Porthole cabins have a private balcony for your enjoyment. All cabins feature a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, a private bathroom, a sitting area, and heated floors.
The Magellan Explorer cruise ship also features a beautiful glass-enclosed observation lounge deck for guests to awe over the incredible Antarctic views. Guests are welcome to take part in the polar discussions in the presentation room with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. The polar cruise ship also offers a library, a boutique gym built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, a sauna, and a medial clinic.
The Magellan Explorer comes equipped with a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats, perfectly suited for an Antarctic adventure and a closer look at the flora and fauna. The observation deck aboard the cruise ship also leads to the bow of the ship where guests and crew can better spot marine wildlife.
A Magellan Explorer air-cruise is the most modern way to explore the amazing Antarctic region. Time-saving, comfortable, and intimate, this air-cruise rethinks polar exploration for those who have a limited amount of travel time.
Amenities
Fitness Center
Bar
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Conference Room
Private Flight to Antarctica
Sauna
Medical Services
Library
Day 1 • Punta Arenas Arrival
Arrival at 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.
Day 2 • Flight to Antarctica
Business Flight to King George Island
Embark at King George Island
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.
Day 3-5 • Explore Antarctica for the next 6 days
Cuverville Island
Orne Islands
Goudier Island
D’Hainaut Island, Mikkelsen Harbour, Trinity Island
Georges Point, Rongé Island
Jougla Point
Port Charcot, Booth Island
Petermann Island
Wordie House, Winter Island
Damoy Point
Portal Point
Neko Harbour
Yalour Islands
Orne Harbour
Danco Island, Errera Channel
The North-West portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is the most frequently visited and is home to many of the most popular landing sites for expedition cruises.
Being the most northerly part of the whole continent, the Peninsula enjoys the mildest Antarctic condition, with temperatures in winter averaging a balmy -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F)! In the summer, things warm up to an average of just above freezing. Large areas of this part of the peninsula are therefore ice-free, and important breeding and feeding grounds for many iconic Antarctic species.
It's here that many of the historic Antarctic expeditions began, and where early military and scientific bases were first established, some of which you will be able to visit if conditions allow. These remarkable artefacts have been left as time capsules, their contents showing remarkable levels of preservation thanks to the dry and cold climate.
Day 6-8 • Explore Antarctica for the next 6 days
Stonington Island
Horseshoe Island
Detaille Island
For the hardiest of adventurers only, this is the "deep south"!
The South West side of the Antarctic Peninsula is only accessible to a select few cruises, and only then subject to the conditions. Frequently impassable due to ice build-up, if you are lucky to visit you will enjoy remarkable frozen vistas and invigorating Zodiac cruises bringing you up close and personal with the wonderful ice landscapes.
If conditions are right, you may be lucky enough to cross the Antarctic Circle - and be able to describe yourself as a true Antarctic explorer.
Day 9 • Return flight to Punta Arenas
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 10 • Your unforgettable Antarctic cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas
End of Air Cruise
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.
General Questions
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
The Antarctica cruise season begins in November and ends in March. Each month offers something special-
November: Landscapes and landing sites are in pristine condition. A photographer's dream. The days are starting to lengthen, and penguin chicks are hatching.
December: Arguably the best time to visit Antarctica, but also the most expensive. The temperatures are at their warmest, the daylight hours are long, and the wildlife is very active. This is a particularly great time for bird enthusiasts.
January: The peak Antarctica season, offering 24-hour daylight. You can expect adorable and fluffy penguin chicks, whale and seal spotting, and melting ice that will allow you to visit more remote Antarctic sights like the Ross Sea voyages.
February: This is the best time for whale-watching. Seal pups are also learning to hunt alongside their parents. By this time, sea ice will have melted, making it a perfect time for cruises to the Polar Circle.
March: As the season wines down, you'll see fewer and fewer ships in the Antarctic seas. The temperatures begin to drop again, and you'll experience some amazing sunsets. It's a great time to spot whales and fur seals, and penguins will already be molting.
What activities can I expect on a Polar Cruise?
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
- Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
- Bird Watching
- Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
- Dinghy rides
- Kayaking
- Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
- Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
Single Room Supplement
What is included
For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1.
For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica.
For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House.
Group transfers airport/hotel on the Day of the Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica, and group transfers hotel/airport on last Day of the air-cruise.
Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
Daily breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three main courses.
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship.
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition.
All guided shore excursions.
Lectures and entertainment on board.
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
Contingency Plan.
IAATO passenger fee.
What is not included
Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
Internet connection on board the ship.
Personal travel insurance.
Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
Gratuities.
Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.