Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

Details

Transportation

Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises to the latest Polar Code specifications.

Magellan Explorer has capacity for 73 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. Most cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors.

The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

Included

· Group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1
· 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.
· 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
· Return Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island
· Ship cruise as indicated in the program
· 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
· IAATO passenger fee

Not Included

· Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan
· 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

Itinerary

Day 1 - Start of the Air-Cruise

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM, where you are welcomed by your expedition guides and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you are welcomed at Explorers House to attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Meals

Transportation

Accommodation

Day 2 - Scheduled flight to Antarctica

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. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi), passing Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel.

The flights use three similar aircraft for flight operations: the BAE 146-200, the AVRO RJ 85, and the AVRO RJ 100. These aircraft were manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). They are high-wing aircraft with short runway requirements, which means they are particularly suited for this kind of destination. They are operated by Aerovías DAP, which have more than 25 years of experience flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.

Meals

Transportation

Accommodation

Days 3 - 6 - Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula

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 seabirds, 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 educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every 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 in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache Strait, and the Penola Strait.

Meals

Accommodation

Day 7 - Scheduled return flight from Antarctica

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.

Meals

Accommodation

Day 8 - End of the Air-Cruise

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

Meals

Important Information

Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by an adult who will take responsibility and sign a waiver. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 12 years of age.

Single travelers can choose between:
· Booking a dedicated Single Cabin. No supplement is applied for single use of dedicated Single Cabins.
· Booking a Twin Cabin for single use. An 85% supplement will be added to the rate per person when booking in a limited number of Porthole and Veranda Cabins on Magellan Explorer, Twin Cabins on Ocean Nova, and Window Suites and Promenade Suites on Hebridean Sky. A 100% supplement applies when booking all other categories.
· Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender. This is available on Magellan Explorer in Porthole and Veranda Cabin. We will take care of finding the matching companion. Passengers who book a Twin Cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas
for which they must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected.

On every journey, the expedition team includes at least 12 expert polar guides and their priority is ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. The team knows the region’s unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology, and loves sharing their expertise with you.