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.
Antarctica
Polar Circle Air-Cruise
10 Days aboard Magellan Discoverer. From AUD $48,844$46,844pp.
Details
Overview
Save up to A$3279 pp
Book by 31st March 2025
Itinerary Highlights
- Sail through ice-filled fjords, marveling at icebergs and wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.
- Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, with daily Zodiac excursions and expert-led hikes.
- Enjoy panoramic views from the lounge, as your flexible voyage reaches for the Polar Circle, guided by ever-changing Antarctic conditions.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
- Day 2: Scheduled flight to Antarctica
- Day 3 to 8: Exploring Antarctica
- Day 9: Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
- Day 10: End of Air-Cruise
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Start of the Air-Cruise
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.
Dinner included.
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 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3 to 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
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).
Breakfast included.
Day 10: End of Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight.
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Breakfast included.
Next Departure Date: 05 Feb 2027
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Feb 2027 - 14 Feb 2027 | AUD$46844pp | ||
| Triple Veranda Suite | Save up to A$3279 | ||
| Deluxe Veranda Cabin | Save up to A$3279 | ||
| Family Veranda Suite | Save up to A$3279 | ||
| Grand Veranda Suite | Save up to A$3279 | ||
| Single Veranda Cabin | Save up to A$3279 |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Veranda Suite
Approx. Size: 560 ft² / 52 m²
Two-room suite with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
Approx. Size: 280 ft² / 26 m²
Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Family Veranda Suite
Approx. Size: 560 ft² / 52 m²
Two-room suite with sitting area and balcony
Grand Veranda Suite
Approx. Size: 409 ft² / 38 m²
Suite with sitting area and balcony
Single Veranda Cabin
Approx. Size: 280 ft² / 26 m²
Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Magellan Discoverer Deckplan
Specifications
- Passengers: 76 guests for Antarctic air-cruises
- Staff & Crew: 67
- Breadth: 17.2 m
- Length: 94 m
- Draft: 4.3 m
- Lifeboats: 2 Fully enclosed, capacity 57 Persons (both equipped to serve as rescue boats)
- Propulsion: 2 x 1,800 kW
- Ice class: PC6
- Cruising speed: 13 knots in open water
What’s included?
- Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
- Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
- For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on Day 1 and last day of the expedition.
- For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast.
- One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
- For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House where you will enjoy a welcome dinner on Day 1.
- Exclusive group transfers airport/ hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and exclusive group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship, offering a variety of dishes.
- Three-course dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
- Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
- All guided shore excursions.
- Lectures and entertainment on board.
- Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
- Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
- Access to exclusive content on the app on board Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer.
- For Penthouse Suites on board Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer, complimentary premium internet service. For all other categories, complimentary standard internet service. Conditions apply.
- IAATO passenger fee.
What’s not included?
- Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities.
- Visas for Chile, Argentina and/or United Kingdom (for South Georgia), passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
- Any items not mentioned as included.
Notes
Optional Activities:
- Sea Kayaking: US$995
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Antarctica
On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
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