How to Choose the Right Antarctic Adventure For You

With Renato Marín, Antarctica21 Sales Manager

Travelers venture to Antarctica for many reasons, whether to marvel at penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat, to witness towering glaciers and drifting icebergs, or to mark a major life milestone like a honeymoon or a multi-generational family trip. Some are driven by the spirit of adventure, following in the footsteps of legendary explorers, while others are here to finally step foot on their seventh and final continent.

Whatever the reason, all our guests share one desire: to experience one of the last truly wild and untouched ecosystems on Earth.

Below, Antarctica21 Sales Manager Renato Marín answers some of the most common questions travelers ask when preparing for their journey with us.

What are the main options for reaching Antarctica?

You can access Antarctica from South America, Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. From various gateway cities within each country, travelers can either fly or sail to the White Continent.

‍How do travelers usually reach Antarctica, and how does Antarctica21’s Air-Cruise model offer a more comfortable and faster alternative to reach Antarctica?

The majority of travelers, approximately 85 to 90 percent, still opt to sail from Ushuaia, which entails a two-day crossing of the often rough Drake Passage. While this route is a time-honored rite of passage for some, it can cause discomfort and take up valuable time, especially for travelers on tighter schedules.

At Antarctica21, we pioneered the Antarctic Air-Cruise model, offering a more efficient and comfortable alternative. With this model, you skip the Drake Passage entirely and fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. There, you board your expedition ship and begin exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

Our Air-Cruise includes a pre- and post-night stay in Punta Arenas, and access to Explorers House, our private guest club, while awaiting optimal flying conditions. From there, your adventure unfolds with daily excursions with Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, and icy vistas.

How do I choose the right ship?‍

Antarctica expedition vessels fall into three size categories:

Large cruise ships: 500+ passengers

• Large cruise ships: 500+ passengers
• Mid-sized ships: 101-500 passengers
• Small ships: fewer than 100 passengers

If disembarking and setting foot on the continent is important to you, it’s essential to note that IAATO regulations restrict landings to a maximum of 100 people at a time. Large ships do not allow all guests to disembark, and mid-sized ships often need to rotate landings.

At Antarctica21, our elegant small expedition ships -like Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer- carry fewer than 100 guests, ensuring everyone can go ashore every time in Antarctica. This means up to two daily landings and a deeper, more immersive experience, venturing in locations bigger vessels can’t reach.

Our vessels are purpose-built for Antarctic exploration, with best-in-class safety, comfort, and design. We also have one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry, creating an experience that is both luxurious and deeply connected to the wild.

‍Which Antarctic air-cruise itineraries can I book with Antarctica21?‍

Antarctica21 offers five signature itineraries:‍

• ‍Classic Antarctica (8 days/7 nights): Our most popular trip, offering a complete Antarctic experience with frequent departures.‍
• Polar Circle (10 days/8 nights): A more in-depth voyage attempting to cross the Antarctic Circle; departures are limited.‍
• Antarctica Express (6 days/5 nights): A shorter, more accessible expedition that combines air and sea travel. Starts in Ushuaia and ends in Punta Arenas (or vice versa).‍
• Antarctica & South Georgia (18 days/17 nights): A rare opportunity to explore both Antarctica and wildlife-rich South Georgia. Only one departure per season.‍
• Magellan Discoverer Inaugural Air-Cruise (10 days/9 nights): A one-time-only voyage combining Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica aboard our newest ship.

Our Antarctic travel experts are also available to assist you with planning your Antarctic journey. Feel free to book a call or contact us.