My Journey to Antarctica: An Experience full of Adventure, Exploration, and Quietness

Antarctica21’s Content Specialist, José Olavarría, takes us along on a Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise aboard Magellan Explorer. From the windswept decks of our purpose-built expedition vessel to the breathtaking landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, José shares his reflections, encounters, and awe-inspiring moments from his recent trip to the Seventh Continent.

December 10, 2025, is a day that will forever remain in my memory. On that day, I boarded a plane from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas to begin a unique adventure: discovering Antarctica.

For a week, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the White Continent, spotting its wildlife, witnessing its imposing icebergs, walking across its millennia-old islands, and even plunging into its ice-cold waters.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience was possible because of Antarctica21, a company founded in Punta Arenas (the Chilean gateway to Antarctica), creator of the air-cruise model which allows travelers to take a 2 hour-flight to King George Island, where the Antarctic adventure begins, avoiding the rough Drake Passage.

The Boutique Vessel: Magellan Explorer

My expedition to Antarctica took place aboard Magellan Explorer, a purpose-built vessel designed to sail the ice-cold waters of the Southern Ocean. Silent and eco-friendly, this ship can carry up to 76 guests. This is no small detail, and I’ll tell you why: according to the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), up to 100 people can disembark on land at any one time.

While most Antarctic cruise companies exceed that number and must rotate groups to set foot over Antarctic territory, Antarctica21 can disembark all guests at the same time, which means more time to explore the marvelousness of this beautiful ecosystem.

Furthermore, Magellan Explorer has all the amenities to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable and first-class stay. These are its amenities:

• Lounge: a comfortable and spacious room, where you can have coffee, tea, snacks or your favorite drink at the bar, while you contemplate the Antarctica landscapes thanks to the panoramic views.

• Dining Room: Enjoy delightful meals and the best selection of premium international and Chilean wines while admiring incredible views the icebergs and wildlife.

• Library: During your downtime, immerse yourself in Antarctica’s rich history, geography, and wildlife through a curated selection of books.

• Gym: It is equipped with all the necessary implements to work out during your expedition.

• Sauna: Perfect to relax after a day of exploration.

• Accessible Bridge and Bow: These are the perfect spots to observe and photograph the landscape that surrounds you when navigating the Southern Ocean.

‍The Expedition

Antarctica21 is not only the pioneer of the air-cruise model, but also a company that offers some of the finest expedition experiences in Antarctica. During the journey, we carried out up to two daily landings at different locations across the Peninsula, including Spert Island, Port Lockroy, Port Charcot, Jougla Point, Cape Tuxen, Danco Island, Neko Harbour, and Deception Island.

Each of these places is distinctly different from the others, and that diversity is what makes the experience so special. At Spert Island, I had the opportunity to kayak through a rocky arch. At Cape Tuxen, I cruised by Zodiac around towering icebergs and spotted whales. And at Neko Harbour, I witnessed an impressive glacier marked by its millennia-old crevasses.

It’s important to note that no two expeditions are ever the same, and the places visited can vary from one itinerary to another depending on weather conditions. Throughout this Antarctic journey, Expedition Leader Rickard Berg closely monitored the weather and selected the best possible locations for each planned activity, including Zodiac cruising, landings, kayaking, and snowshoeing.

But, for me, what truly stands out about the expedition team is their level of preparation and passion. They are highly experienced professionals with a deep love for Antarctica. In the evenings, they join guests at the table to share meals, coffee, a glass of wine, and many stories about the White Continent and life.

Highlights

It’s hard to choose just a few highlights from this trip, as everything, from arriving at Explorers House to boarding the plane back to Punta Arenas, was an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Even so, these are the four moments I enjoyed the most:

1. Kayaking at Spert Island: This was one of the absolute highlights of my Antarctic journey. Paddling among giant icebergs and passing beneath a natural rock arch was an experience beyond comparison.

2. Sailing through Lemaire Channel: if I had to choose my favorite place of the journey, this would be it by far. Sailing through Lemaire Channel is a magical experience and feels like you’re in a completely different world. Towering icebergs of every size and shape, and whales swimming nearby, made this the standout moment of the expedition.

3. Spotting whales: Spotting wildlife in Antarctica is one of the most extraordinary experiences you could have. I was lucky enough to spot a humpback whale during a zodiac cruise at Cape Tuxen. The whale, which was just a few meters away, arched its back, revealing its dorsal fin, before slipping beneath the surface. One of the best moments of my trip.

4. Polar plunge: If you ever get the chance to plunge into the ice-cold waters of the Southern Ocean, don’t overthink, just do it! The feeling of plunging, even for a few seconds, into these pristine waters, rich with stories, is something you will remember for the rest of your life.

After living this experience, I can say that no trip compares to Antarctica. The sense of loneliness, peace, and silence, mixed with adventure, expedition and learning, is what makes this destination a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If you are really into living this experience, I invite you to check out our website, get a quotation and book your trip.  

One last piece of advice: Have an open mind and do it with no expectations. I can assure you that they will be far exceeded.