Antarctica Express Air Cruise | Magellan Explorer

6 Days
From £ 5,801

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACAXAEAC

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Magellan Explorer

DestinationDestination

Antarctica

DestinationDeparture Date

18/11/2025, 27/11/2026

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 & charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas

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

Experience Antarctica on this express cruise and see this magical other-worldly environment without missing out on the best of it. Journey to Antarctica on board the Magellan Explorer, a comfortable and practical ship that is made for Antarctica's harsh environment. Enjoy exquisite scenery and unique wildlife and get up close and personal with the surroundings via shore landings. Travel in comfort and elegance and enjoy Antarctica and its majestic beauty.

ITINERARY

Embarkation

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Board your expedition vessel and sail along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world. Explore the surroundings before setting sail to Cape Horn.

**Please note boarding in Ushuaia is between 3:00 and 4:00pm, Please note boarding will close at 4:00pm.

Cape Horn

After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on this famous and rarely visited island. Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th century British explorer.

Drake Passage

As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert guides, watch for wildlife from the glass-enclosed lounge or from the outside decks. You may spot magnificent sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way south to Antarctica.

Drake Passage & Antarctica

After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled bays, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well into the evening.

King George Island & Return Flight

Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay and explore the area, such as the Chilean Base Frei and the Russian Base Bellingshausen. Bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.).

Departure

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

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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

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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.

Included ACTIVITIES

These are included in your cruise fare. Activities vary by itinerary and destination and are subject to regulations, weather conditions and other factors.

Zodiac Cruises

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Expert Lectures

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Shore Excursions

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Polar Plunge

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OPTIONAL ADVENTURES ADD ONS

These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary and destination.

Hiking

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Pricing per person & date

Pricing & Availability last updated 1 May 2025

Antarctica Express Air Cruise | Magellan Explorer from £ 5,801
Departing Ending Duration
18 Nov 202523 Nov 20256
27 Nov 202602 Dec 20266

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Important Information

  • 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

    Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
    Accommodation on board during your voyage.
    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.
    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.
    Charter flights from King George Island to Punta Arenas.
    One nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas.
    Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
    Group transfers from the hotel in Punta Arenas to airport on final day.

     

    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 INFORMATION

  • From Price is based on a Deluxe Veranda Cabin on the 18 November 2025 Departure
  • Please enquire for single pricing
     

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!

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.