Modern Polar Vessel

Explore the Last Continent on board Magellan Explorer, our small ship custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises.

New release: 2025-26 air-cruise collection

For the 2025-26 season, we’re offering 36 new air-cruises on our small boutique ships!

Beautiful & Cozy Cabins

Enjoy views of the unforgettable landscapes from your bed.

Passengers

100 max

Staff & crew

60

Lifeboats

2, fully enclosed, capacity of 160 (in addition to 8 life rafts, capacity of 160)

Length

90.7 m

Breadth

16.2 m

Draft

4.3

Propulsion

Diesel engines, 3,440 kW

Ice class

LR PC6

Cruising speed

14 knots in open water

About Magellan Explorer

Magellan Explorer is a new and modern expedition vessel custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises to the latest Polar Code specifications.

For our air-cruises, Magellan Explorer has a capacity for 76 guests accommodated in seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins except two have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors.

The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship’s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

The fitness center aboard Magellan Explorer has been designed and built by the professionals at Anytime Fitness, the world’s only fitness company with boutique gyms on all seven continents. For more information, see anytimefitness.com.

Magellan Explorer Cabin Categories

Category Approx. Size Details
Single Cabins 210 ft2 – 19 m2 Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Grand Suites 480 ft2 – 44 m2 Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
Penthouse Suites 360 ft2 – 33 m2 Suite with sitting room, balcony and bedroom area
Deluxe Veranda Cabins 240 ft2 – 22 m2 Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Veranda Cabins 210 ft2 – 19 m2 Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m²  Cabin with sitting area and porthole
Triple Suites 480 ft2 – 44 m2 Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area

Magellan Explorer Photos

We offer seven categories of accommodations on this ship, all of which offer you a peaceful and private spot to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventure.

Grand Suite Cabin on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Grand Suite living area: balcony, bathroom and sitting area with a queen-size sofa bed.

Grand Suite Cabin on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Grand Suite bedroom: balcony, bathroom and either 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed.

Deluxe Veranda Cabin on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Deluxe Veranda Cabin: balcony, bathroom and either 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed

Veranda Cabin on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Veranda Cabin: balcony, bathroom, and either 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed.

Porthole Cabin on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Porthole Cabin: bathroom, sitting areas, and either 2 twin beds or 1 king-size bed.

Triple Suite Cabin on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Triple Suite: 2 balconies, 2 bathrooms, and 2 bedrooms featuring either 2 twin beds or 1 king-size, and a queen-size sofa bed.

Bar area of the Antarctica lounge on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban.

Bar in the Antarctica lounge on board Magellan Explorer.

Anytime Fitness gym on board Magellan Explorer, photography by Tom Arban.

Anytime Fitness gym on board Magellan Explorer.

Decoration A21

Inside Magellan Explorer

Discover our boutique experience on board Magellan Explorer, our state-of-the-art polar vessel custom-built for air-cruises in Antarctica.

Video preview

Magellan Explorer Expeditions

Antarctica21 operates Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica and Sea Voyages to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and Antarctica. Our trips are boutique wilderness adventures taking you to Antarctica and beyond. Enjoy small ship experiences that allow you time to explore our remote destinations. Below are our itineraries that you can choose from sailing on the Magellan Explorer for a travel experience like no other.

Image of Expedition Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise

Image of Expedition Polar Circle Air-Cruise

Polar Circle Air-Cruise

Image of Expedition Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

Antarctica Express Air-Cruise

Image of Expedition Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

Image of Expedition Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia

Image of Expedition Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica

Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica

Testimonial

‘’The Magellan Explorer ship is very special. Extremely well appointed, with excellent living facilities, dining and communal areas. 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.’’

Rob B. – TripAdvisor

Antarctica & South Georgia Expedition, February 2022

Testimonial

‘’An outstanding experience made possible by everyone involved. Would and will recommend A21 to friends and family.’’

Kevin T. – Traveler from USA

Classic Antarctica Expedition, December 2021

Testimonial

‘’Wow, I wish I had words to describe this trip. But it is more of a feeling – feeling free, connected to nature, and at peace. Loved every moment.’’

Cindy L. – Traveler from USA

Classic Antarctica Expedition, December 2021

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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