Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Skip the Drake Passage and embark on an intimate adventure for an unmatched exploration in the Seventh Continent.
Classic Antarctica
Air-Cruise
The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is our most popular Antarctica expedition itinerary. Once arriving by flight to Antarctica, you will sail between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy seeing ice-filled fjords and spectacular icebergs, while spotting penguins, seals, and whales that call the White Continent home. The Classic Antarctica air-cruise is available on all our expedition ships.
Magellan Explorer
Ocean Nova
Hiking & Snowshoeing
Hotel & Transfer
Package
Expedition Highlights
Journey past towering icebergs and through ice-filled fjords in Antarctica's most scenic waterways.
Witness Antarctica's extraordinary wildlife, from curious penguins to breaching whales and lounging seals.
When weather allows it, step ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, walking where few have ventured.
Experience the thrill of Zodiac excursions, navigating between glaciers and through pristine polar waters.
Learn from expert polar guides during daily presentations and guided landings at remarkable Antarctic sites.
Sail aboard our boutique expedition ship, enjoying premium comfort while exploring Earth's last frontier.
Itinerary at a Glance
Our most popular Antarctic expedition delivers an unforgettable 8-day journey, combining a swift flight over the Drake Passage with an intimate exploration of the White Continent.
Day 1
Start of the Air-Cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, where you are welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel. Before 2 PM, you are expected at Explorers House for your check-in, for a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2
Scheduled Flight to Antarctica
A two-hour exclusive chartered flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. As you exit the aircraft, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then board a transfer vehicle and pass 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.
Day 3 - 6
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, 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 sites 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.
Day 7
Scheduled Return Flight from Antarctica
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the chartered flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program).
Day 8
End of the Ai-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Choose your ship
The Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise is available on all three of our expedition ships. Find which small vessel is best for your Antarctic cruise.
A Cutting-Edge Ship Designed Exclusively for Antarctic Exploration
This custom-built expedition vessel, designed for Antarctic air-cruises, features hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, advanced technologies, and a sophisticated design. It meets the latest Polar Code standards and will begin service in 2026. The vessel offers five accommodation categories with private balconies, a panoramic lounge, a presentation room with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and various amenities such as a spacious dining room, bar, library, meeting room, gym, sauna with open views, and a medical clinic. The top deck includes a 360° walking track for wildlife viewing and scenic views.
For complete air-cruise pricing details review our brochure.
A State-of-the-Art Polar Vessel with Modern Design
This custom-built expedition vessel, launched in 2019, was designed for Antarctic air-cruises and meets the latest Polar Code specifications. It offers seven accommodation categories, with most cabins featuring private balconies. The ship includes a spacious observation lounge, a presentation room with advanced audiovisual equipment, a stylish dining room, bar, library, meeting room, gym, sauna, and medical clinic. A forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship's bow, providing close access to marine wildlife.
For complete air-cruise pricing details review our brochure.
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A Small Vessel Built for Adventure
Ocean Nova is a sturdy and nimble expedition vessel, with an ice-strengthened hull that is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The ship offers three accommodation categories: Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins.
In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge, it also features a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The vessel has a fleet of seven Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
For complete air-cruise pricing details review our brochure.
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Antarctic Air-Cruise inclusions
Pre- and Post-Voyage Info
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
Airport - Hotel Transfers
Group transfers from the airport and hotel on Day 1 for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.
Welcome Dinner at Explorers House
Welcome dinner on Day 1 at Explorers House in Punta Arenas.
Hotel in Punta Arenas
Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on Day 1 and the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
Antarctic Flight & Cruise
Ship cruise and flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica, and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each air-cruise itinerary.
Excursions & Activities
Guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions in Antarctica, as well as lectures and entertainment on board your boutique vessel.
Meals & Beverages
Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
Contingency Plan & More
Contingency plan, loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, and IAATO passenger fee.
Exclusive Access to Explorers House
Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
Optional Extras
For your air-cruise, you can choose among a few additional add-ons to enhance your expedition experience with us.
Sea Kayaking
Our Sea Kayaking program is an exclusive experience under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who takes our guests on a sea journey through icy waters while observing massive glaciers and marine wildlife.
Hiking & Snowshoeing
A Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide leads a small group of adventurers who wish to explore further while on land as they gain elevation and explore the landscape.
Hotel & Transfer Package
Most air-cruises start and end in Punta Arenas. Should you wish to arrive in Punta Arenas a day earlier or spend an extra night after you return from Antarctica, we offer a convenient Hotel and Transfer Package.
The package includes accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar and combines perfectly with your Antarctic air-cruise. With a single check-in you will ensure that the hotel room for your extra night in Punta Arenas is the same as that included in your air-cruise itinerary.
Upcoming Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise Departures
Check four of our next departures below, or "View All Departures" to see all our available Classic Antarctica air-cruises for two next seasons.
Download Brochures
Download our trip collections available for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 Antarctic travel seasons.
Keep exploring our Boutique expeditions
Antarctica21 operates Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica and Sea Voyages to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and Patagonia & Chilean Fjords. Our trips are boutique wilderness adventures taking you to Antarctica and beyond.
Traveler Reviews
’Expedition leader and staff more than exceeded my expectations – so qualified, intelligent, passionate and patient. By the end of our few days, they felt like old friends. I’ll really miss them and the environment they created for me and my family.’’
Lucy M - Traveler from USA
’Expedition leader and staff more than exceeded my expectations – so qualified, intelligent, passionate and patient. By the end of our few days, they felt like old friends. I’ll really miss them and the environment they created for me and my family.’’
Lucy M - Traveler from USA
’Expedition leader and staff more than exceeded my expectations – so qualified, intelligent, passionate and patient. By the end of our few days, they felt like old friends. I’ll really miss them and the environment they created for me and my family.’’
Lucy M - Traveler from USA
''Expedition leader and staff more than exceeded my expectations – so qualified, intelligent, passionate and patient. By the end of our few days, they felt like old friends. I’ll really miss them and the environment they created for me and my family.''
Lucy M - Traveler from USA
Experience the Extraordinary
From dramatic landscapes to close wildlife encounters, every journey to the White Continent is unique. Let's start planning yours together.
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