Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

Discover these two distant and beautiful destinations.

Preferred Seating Promo 2021/22

A True Adventure Experience

Be a guest in this wild corner of the Earth.

Trip details

Duration

17 DAYS /16 NIGHTS

Departure city

Punta Arenas, Chile

Itinerary

  • Icon of Flight
    Flight
  • Icon of Return Sailing
    Return Sailing

Optional extras

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    Kayaking Program
  • Icon of Hiking Program
    Hiking Program
  • Icon of Preferred Seating
    Preferred Seating

Ship options

Magellan Explorer

From 14,395 to 25,495 USD

Prices reflect 2021/22 season, and lowest to highest cabin categories. For all pricing see here.

Itinerary at a Glance

Join us for a remarkable experience that takes you through the western Antarctic Peninsula, through Elephant Island to South Georgia. Sail through the nutrient-rich waters and, each day, disembark with our expert polar guides having time to either hike, snowshoe or kayak in bays nearby. As we make our way to South Georgia, you will follow in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorers, like Ernest Shackleton, and learn about their daring southerly adventures. After reaching South Georgia, visit some of the largest colonies of penguins in the world, including the king penguin, and see the nesting grounds of thousands of albatrosses.

  • Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise Our staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers.
  • Day 2: Flight to Antarctica A two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. You then walk 2-km (1.25-mi) to reach the shore and board a Zodiac that will take you to your expedition vessel.
  • Days 3 - 5: Exploring Antarctica Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Each day, disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. 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. You will explore several spots in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Sound that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.
  • Day 6: Elephant Island Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. While stormy conditions rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship.
  • Day 7 - 8: Sailing to South Georgia As we sail northward, our expert guides offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge, while keeping an eye out for the region’s birdlife.
  • Day 9 -12: South Georgia The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 king penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of macaroni penguins. Each visit is unique. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
  • Day 13 -15: Sailing towards South America As the ship heads to South America, the program of presentations continues. Use this time to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
  • Day 16: At sea and Beagle Channel Approach South America and sail along the Beagle Channel. Take in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as you head to Ushuaia.
  • Day 17: Ushuaia, Argentina Arrival Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends at the pier upon disembarkation.
  • Note: This itinerary is offered during both our 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. On some of our South Georgia & Antarctica expeditions, the departure operates in reverse. An itinerary description is available on request.
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Map of Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise itinerary by Antarctica21

Photo Album: Antarctica & South Georgia

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Each day you can disembark your expedition vessel by zodiac and explore the landscapes together with our expert polar guides.

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You can join our kayaking program to visit the beautiful bays and parts of the coast where our ship cannot go.

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As you sail the austral waters of the southern oceans on your way to South Georgia you may see migrating whales.

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Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the White Continent and start your expedition directly in Antarctica.

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Enjoy a wide range of delicious dining options with views that will delight you as you dine.

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Enjoy amazing views like these Icebergs in South Georgia.

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South Georgia is home to some of the most interesting wildlife in the world, like the Northern giant petrel.

Choose Your Ship

The Antarctica and South Georgia Air-Cruise is available on Magellan Explorer our new and most modern polar vessel.

Magellan Explorer

Featuring a modern design and innovative technologies, this expedition vessel was custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises.

From 14,395 to 25,495 USD

Book this Ship More Ship Details
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Magellan Explorer was custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises.

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Public spaces that are perfect for relaxing and wildlife watching.

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Enjoy access to the expansive bridge and learn about polar navigation.

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Enjoy views of the unforgettable landscapes from your bed.

Optional Trip Extras

For your air-cruise, you can choose a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience with us.

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Preferred Seating: For an extra level of comfort, travelers can purchase Preferred Seats on their Antarctcia Express flight.
2021/22 Preferred Seating Promotion Book upon reservation, price $245 USD
Learn More

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Sea Kayaking Program: See Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak.
Reserve at booking, price: $895 USD per person (for the entire trip).
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Hiking and Snowshoeing Program: Gain greater mobility and see more of the Antarctic landscape while hiking and snowshoeing.
Book onboard, price: $85 USD per person/excursion.
Learn More

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Hotel and Transfer Package: This package is available pre-expedition and post-expedition and includes group airport transfers, 1-night hotel accommodation, breakfast and drink voucher.
For pricing, please inquire at time of reservation.

Ready to Start Planning?

Antarctica is like no other place on Earth, and we would love to welcome you there. Complete this short form to receive a customized quote from our team and start planning your Antarctic air-cruise today!

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