Antarctica21’s Commitment to Sustainable Antarctic Travel

Paving the way for responsible exploration in Antarctica and Sub-Antarctic destinations

Journey With Purpose: Experiencing The Magic of Antarctica Ensuring Its Preservation

At Antarctica21, our passion for the fascinating landscapes and unique biodiversity of Antarctica goes hand in hand with our dedication to safeguarding it. While we follow strict environmental protection guidelines from bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) throughout our operations, our commitment to sustainable travel goes further. From our very inception, we have been working hard to make Antarctic exploration more responsible. By consistently employing the best sustainable practices, we not only aim to ensure the conservation of this magnificent ecosystem but also proudly support vital Antarctic research, as well as local initiatives in Punta Arenas, Chile, our home base.

Join us in our mission to experience Antarctica’s wonders while preserving them for future generations.

Our Sustainability Highlights

Local community initiatives and science programs are supported through the Antarctica21 Foundation.

Our Sustainability Efforts and Initiatives

1. Environmental Responsibility

In addition to maintaining an unwavering commitment to the most rigorous international standards in all our operations, we develop our product in an environmentally responsible manner, ensuring carbon neutrality in all our activities through the reduction and offsetting of emissions,. Here are a few examples:

Carbon emission reduction through energy efficiency and carbon offsetting
Heat and water recycling system on board Magellan Explorer
Strict biosecurity protocols are in place for each of our sea voyages and air-cruises
Reduction of the use of plastic on board to the strict minimum

2. Creating Social Value & Supporting Science

We are committed to implementing strategies for positive impacts on our local community in the Magallanes Region and throughout Chile, and on our international guests coming from around the globe:

We prioritize local service providers working with local people, services, and products.
Through the Antarctica21 Foundation, we collaborate with academic institutions and other entities, engaging in various programs related to Antarctica, including science, art, conservation, and education.
We support scientific research on board each of our expeditions through Citizen Science programs.

3. Sustainable Business & Excellence

We seek to contribute to the sustainable well-being of communities, promote understanding of Antarctic ecosystems and their conservation, and be a positive change agent in the region, creating a lasting impact through collaborations with the Antarctica21 Foundation, local communities, and scientific research.

Team Diversity: More than 20 nationalities and with gender parity. We hire professionals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Land exploration and photography guidelines to ensure respect for wildlife and the greater Antarctic ecosystem.
Educational content delivery through “A21 Connect” lectures on board and Antarctica21’s travel companion app.
We are a proud member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) advocating and promoting the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.

Project ILAN

ILAN is a card game named after the Yaghan word for the southern wind—the Antarctic wind. Its objective is for people from all over the world to learn about the life and ecosystem of the southern continent in a playful and interactive way, to understand its importance for the rest of the planet, and to understand how each of us can contribute to the preservation of its natural heritage.

ILAN Tournament: Since 2022, an annual tournament has been held in Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams cities, where children of different ages and schools come together to play. The winners from both cities receive an invitation to visit Antarctica with an accompanying adult as a prize. This year, the A21 Foundation is planning a National Tournament.

ILAN Club: Starting in 2024, the A21 Foundation will offer the school and family community of Magallanes the opportunity to join the ILAN Club. This initiative will continue the experiences from the tournament with periodic gatherings. Participants can cultivate friendships and deepen their Antarctic knowledge through various activities related to the ILAN game.

Learn more about Antarctica21 Foundation

Antarctic Expo 66° South "The Last Frontier"

Project type: Education and Culture
Audience: travelers, local families, and the general public.

The interactive exhibition consists of 5 modules that address southern exploration, knowledge generation, and the historical relationship between the Magallanes region and Antarctica. Its design and methodological-museographic proposal invite exploration with a curious mind, with an open disposition to learning, prioritizing the development of meaningful experiences, especially playful and interactive ones, to arouse interest in delving deeper into the content presented, as well as promoting the participation of a more empowered citizenship in their local heritage and responsible for its care, development, and conservation.

During the year 2023, the exhibition was housed in the Regional Museum of Magallanes, where it received more than 6000 visitors in its first season. Currently, the exhibition is installed in the premises of the Naval Museum of Punta Arenas, to be visited by the community.

Learn more about Antarctica21 Foundation

Antarctica Book - "Antártica, Apuntes para una Bitácora"

Bilingual Photographic Book Collection (Spanish/English)
Project type: Culture
Audience: Foreign travelers, corporate gifts, the general public.
(The funds raised allow the continuation of the development of other Foundation projects)Description:
Books that seek to value, through an illustrated publication that evoke, from the images, reflections around Antarctica and our role as humanity, from the national perspective and especially from the perspective of the Magallanes Region and Chilean Antarctica. The photographs are part of a repository of over 9,000 high-quality images that the company Antarctica 21 has built throughout its history.The first book, Antarctica, “Notes for a Logbook,” is already in circulation, and the foundation is preparing the second volume of the collection, Deception Island, “The Last Refuge”.

Learn more about Antarctica21 Foundation

Stories from Our Journal

A21 History

Building A Sustainable Future For Antarctica21

A story Written by Claudio Bobadilla, Fleet Director at Antarctica21

Introducing the Antarctica21 Foundation

The Antarctica21 Foundation is inspired by exploration, science, cooperation, and sustainability.

Inside Antarctica21’s Explorers House, An Architectural Oasis in Punta Arenas

Explorers House has been designed by a renowned Chilean team. The leading architect on the project is Pedro Kovacic, who, among other projects, led the conversion of the Singular Patagonia Hotel. The interior design is by Enrique Concha & Co., the studio that was also responsible for the interiors of Magellan Explorer.