Polar Circle Air-Cruise

An in-depth Antarctic Adventure to remember forever. Go where few have gone before, visit the Antarctic Circle.

New 2024-25 Season

Air-Cruises

Our air-cruise model allows you to fly round-trip to Antarctica, saving you about four days of sailing across the turbulent Drake Passage.

Itinerary at a Glance

The Polar Circle air-cruise is one of the most adventurous expeditions that we offer. Our main objective on this air-cruise expedition is to try and reach the Antarctic Polar Circle located at approximately 66° south of the equator. The Expedition Team handcrafts every voyage depending on the Antarctic weather and each day of the Polar Circle air-cruise is filled with ample opportunities to explore.

  • Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise Antarctica21 staff members welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM. Transfer to your hotel, visit Explorers House, and attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
  • Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica A smooth two-hour flight takes you from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. You then walk 2-kms (1.25-miles), 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.
  • Days 3 - 8: Exploring Antarctica Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history, and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment.

    Enjoy spectacular views, from the glass-enclosed lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of this expedition is to sail far south in the attempt to reach the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the specific voyage route based on local conditions and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Sound, the Gerlache and Penola Straits, and the Crystal Sound. Each voyage is unique, and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment.

  • Day 9: Scheduled return flight from Antarctica Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you board the flight 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 10: End of Air-Cruise After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
Map of Polar Circle Air-Cruise Itinerary by Antarctica21

Air-Cruise Inclusions

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Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.

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Group transfers from the airport and hotel on day one for guests arriving in Punta Arenas and from the hotel to the airport on the last day of the air-cruise itinerary.

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Two nights stay with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar on day one and on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.

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Welcome dinner on day one at the hotel in Punta Arenas.

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Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.

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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.

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Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.

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Loan of waterproof boots for landings in Antarctica, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.

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All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.

Decoration a21

New release: 2024-25 air-cruise collection

For the 2024-25 season, we’re offering 36 new air-cruises on our small boutique ships!

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Photo Album: Polar Circle

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Try and reach the polar circle, going farther south than most Antarctic explorers.

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Spend your time exploring outdoors by participating in our kayaking or hiking and snowshoeing programs.

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In the company of our expert polar guides, learn about the majestic wildlife that calls Antarctica home during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.

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

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With different sized tables and no pre-assigned seating, you can choose to sit privately or join other travelers.

Choose Your Ship

The Polar Circle air-cruise is available on two of our expedition ships. Review which ship is best for your trip.

Ocean Nova

Sturdy and nimble, this ship was built to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland and is ideally suited for Antarctic expeditions.

For complete Air-Cruise pricing details review our brochure.

From %min_price% USD pp based on DBL Cabin

Image of Sail & Save on Ocean Nova

Sail on Ocean Nova and save $2,000 per person on a select number of Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise departures, our most popular expedition. Book now to secure an exclusive expedition credit!

Image of New release: 2024-25 air-cruise collection

For the 2024-25 season, we’re offering 36 new air-cruises on our small boutique ships!

Magellan Explorer

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

For complete Air-Cruise pricing details review our brochure.

From %min_price% USD pp based on DBL Cabin

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Magellan Explorer was custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises.

Image of New 2024-25 Sea Voyages

Our new collection of boutique expeditions to Antarctica, Sub-Antarctica, and Patagonia & Chilean Fjords.

Image of New release: 2024-25 Air-Cruise Collection

For the 2024-25 season, we’re offering 36 new air-cruises on our small boutique ships!

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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. Review our Trip Packages, Extra Services & Promotions page for more information. On the Polar Circle Air-Cruise, you can add the following optional packages and activities to add to your booking:

  • Sea Kayaking
  • Hiking & Snowshoeing
  • Hotel and Transfer Package
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Sea Kayaking Program: See Antarctica from the unique vantage point of a sea kayak.
Reserve at booking, price on Ocean Nova is $895 USD & Magellan Explorer is $995 USD, prices are per person for the entire trip program.

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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 per excursion.

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Arrive to Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile in just under 2 hours.

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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 a drink voucher.
For pricing, please inquire at the time of reservation.

Testimonial

‘’I had an unforgettable experience with Antarctica21!! The ship itself was beautiful and comfortable. The excursions we went on each day were stunning and fun. I highly recommend trying snow shoeing and kayaking! At one point, a minke whale swam right up to my kayak! My heart is now full of penguins and floating ice sculptures. The on-deck BBQ was a delicious highlight. Antarctica21 is the only way to travel to Antartica – I felt safe and comfortable the whole time and the attention the staff paid to detail was great.’’

Anna M. - TripAdvisor

Polar Circle Expedition, January 2022

Testimonial

‘’The Magellan Explorer ship is very special. Extremely well appointed, with excellent living facilities, dining and communal areas. The general equipment for landings and kayaking was superb. Food quality and hospitality staff were incredible and never disappointed. The ship is incredibly stable, even in a heavy motion sea. The expeditionary team were superb. The experience and variety of their knowledge was impressive and the quality, humour and general interest of the presentations were excellent and very enjoyable.’’

Rob B. – TripAdvisor

Antarctica & South Georgia Expedition, February 2022

Testimonial

“Antarctica is breathtaking, and Antarctica21 provides an over the top travel experience.”

J.W., Traveler from USA

TripAdvisor, January 2020

Ready to Start Planning?

Antarctica is like no other place on Earth and we invite you to explore it with us. Complete this short form to receive a customized quote from our team and start planning your Antarctic air-cruise today!

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